DePaul University Scholarships (2025–2026)

← Back to the College Scholarships Hub

Thinking about DePaul? This Chicago private university sets one tuition rate for all U.S. students, but the real question is how much families actually pay once scholarships are factored in. This guide breaks down costs and shows the many ways DePaul helps students bring the price down, with a focus on parent-friendly details. Be sure to also check our Illinois state aid guide alongside the full College Scholarships Hub.

💰 Cost of Attendance at DePaul University

Cost & Aid FAQs

Who qualifies for in-state tuition?
Everyone pays the same rate at DePaul — there’s no in-state vs. out-of-state pricing.

How much does room and board really cost?
DePaul uses an allowance of about $19,896, but actual housing and meal plan choices can raise or lower that number. Families should check the housing and dining websites for exact plan costs.

Is financial aid automatic?
All admitted students are automatically considered for merit scholarships. For need-based aid, filing the FAFSA is required. The CSS Profile is generally not required for most students, though certain institutional or special scholarships may request it. Families should confirm requirements when applying for specific programs.

✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships

*Cutoffs are approximate. DePaul does not publish a GPA/test grid; estimates are based on official ranges and past award patterns. Actual thresholds vary by applicant pool and funding year.

DePaul also participates in the National Merit Scholarship program through the Provost’s Achievement Award for National Merit Semifinalists ($3,000/yr, stackable).

Automatic Merit FAQs

Do I need to file a separate scholarship application?
No. All admitted students are automatically reviewed for main merit scholarships. Some college-specific or donor scholarships require an extra application in Scholarship Connect.

Does DePaul superscore ACT or SAT?
No. DePaul is test-optional. If you choose to submit scores, they will consider your best single test date, not a superscore.

Can these awards stack with other scholarships?
Most merit awards stack with need-based aid. However, Catholic Heritage and Chicago Promise scholarships cannot be combined with other DePaul merit, except the National Merit add-on.

What are the deadlines?
Apply by November 15 (Early Action) for priority merit consideration. Some departmental or donor awards have earlier or later deadlines (e.g., October 31 or November 2) and require applying separately in Scholarship Connect.

🏆 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.

Notes: Amounts, deadlines, and criteria come from DePaul’s central Scholarships page and each program’s listing in Scholarship Connect. Always verify current-year details inside 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). You’ll see program-specific questions, deadlines, and any required essays or recommendations.

When are the deadlines?
Many competitive awards list milestones around February 1 (application due or semi-finalists named). Some college-specific opportunities follow different timelines inside Scholarship Connect — check each listing carefully.

Can competitive awards stack with automatic merit?
Often yes, but it depends on the program. Some identity-based DePaul awards (e.g., Catholic Heritage, Chicago Promise) do not stack with other DePaul scholarships except the National Merit add-on. Always confirm stacking in your award letter.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

These awards often fly under the radar but can make a big difference — especially for students who qualify through identity, school affiliation, or military service. They aren’t automatic with admission, but many can stack with merit aid.

Disclaimer: Award amounts for some donor-funded scholarships (e.g., Bobby Simmons Rising Stars, Canning, Pechanio) are based on published ranges and typical past awards. Exact dollar amounts can vary year to year. Always confirm in DePaul’s Scholarship Connect portal.

• DePaul Leadership Scholars Program (DeLS): Cohort program focused on service, mentorship, and leadership development (scholarship amounts vary; participation-based).
• Office of Multicultural Student Success (OMSS): Provides scholarships and stipends for first-generation and underrepresented students; award levels vary.

Hidden Gem FAQs

Can Catholic Heritage or Chicago Promise stack with other aid?
No. These large awards stand alone and cannot be combined with other DePaul merit scholarships, except for the National Merit add-on.

Are ROTC scholarships full rides?
Yes, they can cover full tuition (or a large portion of room/board), plus books and a monthly stipend. Recipients commit to military service after graduation.

How do I apply for ROTC scholarships?
High school students apply through the national ROTC portals (Army or Air Force). Current college students can also compete for campus-based awards through DePaul’s ROTC offices.

Where do I find other niche scholarships?
Departmental and donor-funded awards are managed in Scholarship Connect, DePaul’s central scholarship portal. Those are listed separately in their own section.

⭐ 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.

🎖️ 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.

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 25. For Music and Theatre applicants, the final deadline is June 1.

Does the Honors Program include extra scholarships?
Not centrally. Some departmental donor awards target Honors students, but those are listed separately in the departmental section.

📎 Official Links

• DePaul University Homepage
• DePaul Honors Program
• DePaul Scholarships
• DePaul Financial Aid

Final Thoughts

Choosing DePaul can feel overwhelming at first glance — private school sticker prices, a wide mix of scholarships, and plenty of deadlines to track. But once you break it down, most families find that strong students automatically qualify for significant merit aid, and service-driven or Chicago-based students have access to some unique awards. Paired with federal and state aid, these opportunities can bring the real cost down to something much more manageable. Remember, the key is applying early and checking DePaul’s Scholarship Connect portal so nothing slips through the cracks.

Back to top ↑