DePaul University

<h4 id="section---Pros">Pros</h4> <ul><li>Graduation rate is 26 percentage points higher than the national average </li><li>High number of academic programs </li><li>Accepts AP and credit for life </li><li>Offers remedial, academic/career counseling, employment and placement services </li></ul><h4 id="section---Cons">Cons</h4> <ul><li>Total cost (including all school and living expenses) is $7,647 higher than the national average for private, not-for-profit universities </li><li>Student-faculty ratio is 17:1, which is slightly higher than the national average </li></ul><h3 id="section---RankingsSchoolAnalysis">Rankings &amp; School Analysis</h3> <p>In addition to its main campus in Chicago, DePaul University has locations in the Loop, Naperville, Oak Forest and O'Hare. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that 86% of full-time students return to DePaul after their first year, and the university had a graduation rate of 66% among students who entered the university in fall 2005, well above the national average of 40%. The school admitted 64% of applicants for the 2011-2012 year, which is on par with the national average. </p> <p>The total cost of attendance in 2011-2012 was about $45,618, according to the NCES. This figure includes all school and living expenses, including books and supplies. In-state and out-of-state students pay the same tuition rate, but if you choose a major in the theater or music schools at DePaul, you'll pay higher tuition each year. Students at the university graduate with an average of $27,486, just above the national average, and 4.4% of DePaul attendees defaulted on their student loans within three years of graduation, according to the NCES. </p> <p>As a student at DePaul, you'll be able to choose from roughly 300 academic programs, including targeted majors such as computer game development, security engineering and playwriting. With 16,498 undergraduates and 8,468 graduate students, DePaul is a relatively large school, and its student-faculty ratio is 17:1, slightly higher than the national average of 16:1. </p> <h2 id="section---AdmissionsFinancialAidAtDePaul">Admissions &amp; Financial Aid at DePaul</h2> <p>If you're applying to DePaul, you'll need to apply directly to a college and major. You may use the school's regular application or the common application with the DePaul supplement. To be considered for admission, you need to have your high school counselor fill out a recommendation form. You may also submit SAT or ACT scores, but if you don't feel that they accurately reflect your academic standing, you can apply without them and answer a set of essay questions instead. About 88% of DePaul students submit ACT scores, and 20% submit SAT scores. In fall 2011, the middle 50% of admitted freshman scored between 23 and 28 on the composite ACT. If you're applying to a theater or music program, you must submit your application early and complete an audition. </p> <p>The NCES reports that 23% of admitted students choose to attend DePaul. If you're interested in receiving financial aid, you may qualify for need-based scholarships or scholarships for academic, artistic or service achievement. Roughly 91% of DePaul students receive some type of financial aid, and 6% had their full need met. If you're completing a graduate program, you may be eligible for research assistantships or fellowships in certain departments. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th> Application and Tuition Info </th><th /></tr> <tr><td> <i>Regular Application Deadline (2013-2014)</i> </td><td> February 1*; may be earlier for some programs**</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Financial Aid Application Deadline (2013-2014)</i> </td><td> March 1*</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Admission Notification Date (2013-2014)</i> </td><td> March 15*</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Application Fee (2013-2014)</i> </td><td> $25**</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Acceptance Rate (2011)</i> </td><td> 64%*</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Tuition &amp; Fees (2012-2013)</i> </td><td> Varies by program; most programs cost $31,650 a year**</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Average Financial Aid Package (2013-2014)</i> </td><td> $21,850***</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Percent of Students with Need Met (2013-2014)</i> </td><td> 6%***</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Average Student Debt at Graduation (2013-2014)</i> </td><td> $27,486***</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Student Loan Default Rate (2009)</i> </td><td> 4.4%*</td></tr> </table><h2 id="section---StudentLifeAtDePaul">Student Life at DePaul</h2> <p>The Princeton Review ranked Chicago #14 on its list of great college towns. As a resident of Chicago, the third-largest city in the nation, you'll be surrounded by world-class dining, sports, music and museums. The campus is also located near Lake Michigan. When choosing a place to live, you'll be able to pick from 16 university-owned dorm or apartment complexes and numerous off-campus residences. </p> <p>Approximately 54% of students at DePaul are female, and 70% are Illinois residents. You'll be among a diverse undergraduate student body, with the largest racial groups being White (56%), Hispanic/Latino (16%), Black/African-American (9%) and Asian (7%). The university boasts more than 300 student groups and extracurricular activities, including 13 Division 1 athletic teams. You'll also have access to 6 libraries, including a law library. Students with families or busy schedules can take advantage of weekend and evening courses. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th> Student Life Info </th><th /></tr> <tr><td> <i>Campus Setting</i> </td><td> Large city*</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Student Population (2012-2013)</i> </td><td> 16,498 undergraduates, 8,468 graduate students*</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Male-to-Female Student Ratio (2011)</i> </td><td> 46% to 54%*</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>% of Full Time Students (2011)</i> </td><td> 82%*</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>% of In-state Students (2011)</i> </td><td> 70%*</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Retention Rate (2010-2011)</i> </td><td> 86% for full-time students*</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Campus Housing Available</i> </td><td> Yes*</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>% of Students Living on Campus</i> </td><td> 16%***</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Number of Libraries</i> </td><td> 6**</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Extracurricular Activities</i> </td><td> More than 300**</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Noteworthy</i> </td><td> Largest Catholic university in the U.S.**</td></tr> </table><p><i>Article Sources: *NCES College Navigator, **DePaul University, ***College Board</i> </p> <h3 id="section---SchoolContactInformation"> School Contact Information</h3> <ul><li><i>Address:</i> DePaul Center, 1 East Jackson Boulevard, Suite 9000, Chicago, IL 60604 </li><li><i>Phone:</i> (312) 362-8300</li></ul>