DePaul University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit scholarships and GPA/test ranges
- Competitive and honors-based awards
- How to stack DePaul aid with Illinois state grants
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~69%
- Middle 50% GPA (weighted): 3.4 – 4.1
- Middle 50% SAT: 1080 – 1290
- Middle 50% ACT: 22 – 28
Source: DePaul University Common Data Set 2024–25. Middle 50% = the range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
DePaul University at a Glance
Last verified: October 2025
DePaul University combines a career-focused education with a strong commitment to access and affordability. Nearly every incoming freshman receives some level of merit aid, and top applicants may qualify for substantial awards—including programs that can approach or cover full tuition depending on eligibility.
Use this guide to understand DePaul’s automatic merit structure, competitive scholarship deadlines, and how Illinois residents can layer in state grants to bring costs even lower.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — DePaul is test-optional through at least 2026. Students are fully eligible for merit aid without test scores.
What is the middle 50% GPA/SAT/ACT? GPA: 3.4–4.1; SAT: 1080–1290; ACT: 22–28.
What’s the average net price? About $29,141 after scholarships and grants (College Scorecard, latest year).
Does this school offer reciprocity or waivers? No — DePaul is private, but Illinois residents can use the state MAP grant alongside university merit awards.
Scholarships page — https://www.depaul.edu/admission-and-aid/Pages/scholarships.aspx
State Scholar Plus (up to $100,000/4 yrs) — https://resources.depaul.edu/newsline/sections/campus-and-community/Pages/state-scholar-plus-scholarship.aspx
Catholic Heritage & Chicago Promise ($20k/yr) — https://resources.depaul.edu/newsroom/news/press-releases/Pages/new-scholarships.aspx
Freshman deadlines — https://www.depaul.edu/admission-and-aid/types-of-admission/freshman-student/Pages/default.aspx
FAFSA priority timing — https://www.depaul.edu/admission-and-aid/financial-aid/basics/Pages/important-dates.aspx
Test-optional FAQs — https://www.depaul.edu/admission-and-aid/Pages/test-optional-faqs.aspx
Honors Program — https://academics.depaul.edu/honors/admission/Pages/default.aspx
College Scorecard (net price) — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?144740-DePaul_University
Common Data Set — https://irma.depaul.edu/FFPlus.asp?cont=cds
Illinois MAP grant (state aid) — https://www.isac.org/isac-gift-assistance-programs/map/
💰 Cost of Attendance at DePaul University
| Expense | In-State (IL) | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (Most Colleges, 12–18 credits per quarter) | $47,676 | $47,676 |
| Housing & Meals | $19,896 | $19,896 |
| Total (before aid) | ≈ $67,572 | ≈ $67,572 |
Note: Estimated indirect costs—books and supplies (~$1,100), transportation (~$1,260), and personal expenses (~$2,200)—are not billed directly by DePaul University and will vary by student lifestyle and housing choice.
DePaul is a private university and charges the same tuition for all U.S. students. It does not participate in WUE, NEBHE, or other regional reciprocity programs. Families should instead focus on DePaul’s institutional scholarships and Illinois state grants such as the MAP Grant.
Cost & Aid FAQs
Who qualifies for in-state tuition?
Everyone pays the same rate — there’s no in-state vs. out-of-state pricing.
How much does room and board really cost?
The allowance for housing and meals is about $19,896, but actual costs depend on residence hall and meal plan selection.
Is financial aid automatic?
All admitted students are automatically considered for merit scholarships. For need-based aid, the FAFSA is required. The CSS Profile is generally not required but may be requested for specific donor or special programs.
DePaul University Cost of Attendance 2025–26 — https://www.depaul.edu/admission-and-aid/financial-aid/basics/Pages/cost-of-attendance.aspx
DePaul University Tuition & Fees — https://offices.depaul.edu/student-financial-accounts/Pages/tuition-and-fees.aspx
College Scorecard (Net Price) — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?144740-DePaul_University
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship (Tier 1) | $23,000–$25,000/yr | Automatic with admission; highest GPA (3.8–4.0), strongest course rigor, typically Honors/AP/IB, plus leadership | No | Yes (up to 12 quarters, full-time, in good standing) | Top academics and extensive advanced coursework | Nov 15 (Early Action) for best consideration |
| Dean’s Scholarship (Tier 2) | $16,000–$22,999/yr | Automatic with admission; GPA typically 3.6–3.79, Honors/AP/IB or demonstrated leadership and involvement | No | Yes (up to 12 quarters, full-time, in good standing) | Strong academic and activity record, competitive coursework | Nov 15 |
| DePaul Scholars’ Scholarship (Tier 3) | $12,000–$15,999/yr | Automatic with admission; GPA typically 3.4–3.59, above-average coursework and involvement | No | Yes (up to 12 quarters, full-time, in good standing) | Typical admitted student with solid, if not top, academics | Nov 15 |
| St. Vincent DePaul Award (Tier 4) | $9,000–$11,999/yr | Automatic with admission; meets minimum admission standards, mostly B+/low A- range | No | Yes (up to 12 quarters, full-time, in good standing) | Admits who show potential and solid preparation | Nov 15 |
| Illinois State Scholar Recognition | Enhances merit award consideration | Designated Illinois State Scholars | No | Yes (part of main merit renewals) | Illinois students designated State Scholars by ISAC | Nov 15 |
| International Freshman Academic Scholarship | $12,000–$32,000/yr | Automatic for admitted international freshmen | No | Yes | International admits with rigorous academics | Nov 15 |
| Chicago Promise Scholarship | $20,000/yr | Graduates of Chicago Public Schools with 3.7+ weighted GPA admitted as full-time freshmen | No | Yes (satisfactory progress) | Chicago Public high school grads with top GPA | Nov 15 |
| Provost’s Achievement Award (National Merit Semifinalist) | $3,000/yr (stackable) | National Merit Semifinalists | No (automatic with NM status) | Yes (4 years, 12 quarters) | NM Semifinalists, can combine with main merit | March 1 |
*Tier descriptions and GPA ranges are not formally listed by DePaul but based on award data and banded by official results and recent recipient reports. Deadline is November 15 (Early Action) for the best merit award consideration; regular applicants are reviewed but priority funds often go early.
DePaul University Scholarships — https://www.depaul.edu/admission-and-aid/Pages/scholarships.aspx
DePaul Chicago Promise — https://www.depaul.edu/admission-and-aid/Pages/chicago-promise.aspx
DePaul National Merit — https://www.depaul.edu/admission-and-aid/Pages/scholarships.aspx#national-merit-semifinalists
DePaul AcademicWorks (Scholarship Connect): https://depaul.academicworks.com/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
These university-level scholarships require extra steps (application, essays, interview) and have limited slots. Departmental and Honors awards are listed in their own sections later.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | What Makes It Competitive | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? / Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arthur J. Schmitt Leaders Scholarship | $12,000/year | Selective leadership program; limited cohort with application, essay, and review | First-year admits with outstanding leadership and academics | Yes — Scholarship Connect | Renewable up to 4 years; usually high-achieving leaders with solid GPA | Feb 1 |
| ComEd Scholars Program Scholarship | $12,000/year | Limited awards; focuses on STEM and DePaul College Prep HS grads; application and review | Graduates of DePaul College Prep High School with STEM interest/aptitude | Yes — Scholarship Connect | Renewable, must maintain program criteria; strong STEM and service | Feb 1 |
| Gerald & Jennifer Beeson Scholarship | $10,000/year | Competitive donor program; application, essay, selection review; semi-finalists named each year | Incoming freshmen; selected by service, academics, leadership | Yes — Scholarship Connect | Renewable if requirements are maintained; top leadership+service scholars | Feb 1 |
Notes: Amounts, deadlines, and criteria come from DePaul’s central Scholarships page and each award’s listing in Scholarship Connect. Always verify current-year details in the portal before applying.
DePaul recognizes National Merit Semifinalists with a stackable Provost’s Achievement Award ($3,000/yr).
Competitive Scholarships FAQs
Where do I apply?
Through DePaul Scholarship Connect (AcademicWorks). Each opportunity may ask for essays, recommendations, or additional materials, and features individualized deadlines.
When are the deadlines?
Most major university-level competitive awards are due February 1. College, departmental, or donor-funded opportunities may have different Scholarship Connect deadlines.
Can competitive awards stack with automatic merit?
Sometimes yes, but it depends on program rules. Identity-based DePaul awards (e.g., Catholic Heritage, Chicago Promise) do not stack with other DePaul merit, except the National Merit add-on. Your award letter will clarify stacking for each combination.
DePaul University Scholarships — https://www.depaul.edu/admission-and-aid/Pages/scholarships.aspx
Scholarship Connect (AcademicWorks) — https://depaul.academicworks.com/
Arthur J. Schmitt Leaders Program — https://academics.depaul.edu/honors-program/resources/Documents/Schmitt_Application.pdf
ComEd Scholars — https://resources.depaul.edu/newsline/sections/society-community/Pages/ComEd-Scholars-Program.aspx
Gerald & Jennifer Beeson — https://depaul.academicworks.com/opportunities/29702
National Merit/Provost’s Award — https://www.depaul.edu/admission-and-aid/Pages/scholarships.aspx#national-merit-semifinalists
🎖️ Honors College
DePaul’s Honors Program is designed for students who want to challenge themselves with small, discussion-based classes and a liberal arts core that replaces the standard requirements. It’s not automatic — you apply after admission — but it offers a tight-knit academic community inside a large urban university.
Often carries a 3.7–4.0 GPA*, has completed Honors/AP/IB courses, and shows leadership or service involvement. Writing ability matters — the application includes essays.
*Estimates based on past applicant profiles; DePaul does not publish exact cutoffs.
- Priority course registration
- Small, seminar-style classes that replace general education requirements
- Dedicated advising and mentorship for research/thesis projects
- Honors housing community option in university residence halls
Honors Program FAQs
Is admission automatic?
No. Students must apply after they are admitted to DePaul. Space is limited, so early applications are encouraged.
Does Honors add time to a degree?
No. The Honors curriculum substitutes for DePaul’s Liberal Studies core, so it does not add extra semesters when planned properly.
When are the deadlines?
Priority deadline is February 1, with a final deadline of March 30. Music and Theatre applicants have a final deadline of April 15. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply within two weeks of their DePaul admission for best consideration.
Does the Honors Program include extra scholarships?
Not centrally. Departmental donor awards may target Honors students and are listed in their own section.
DePaul Honors Program — https://academics.depaul.edu/honors-program/admission/Pages/default.aspx
Admission requirements & deadlines — https://academics.depaul.edu/honors-program/admission/Pages/freshman.aspx
Honors Program Curriculum/FAQ — https://catalog.depaul.edu/university-catalog-archive/2025-2026/programs/honors-program/
Study Abroad/Pathways/Distinction — https://dpuhonors.com/, https://csh.depaul.edu/academics/pre-health-advising/honors-program/Pages/default.aspx
⭐ College Specialty
DePaul has built its reputation in the heart of Chicago by blending practical career prep with nationally ranked creative and professional programs. Families often look here for standout majors in the arts, media, and business — with strong pipelines into Chicago’s industries.
- Game Design: Ranked #28 undergrad and #23 grad in the U.S. by The Princeton Review (2025), with Chicago media and gaming industry ties.
- Entrepreneurship: DePaul’s undergraduate program ranked #12 nationally by The Princeton Review (2025), leveraging Chicago’s startup ecosystem.
- Business (Driehaus College of Business): Long-established reputation statewide, with AACSB accreditation and strong alumni networks in accounting and finance.
Note: DePaul is not classified as an R1 research university. It is a large private, teaching-focused university with targeted areas of national recognition.