DePaul University Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on April 1, 2026- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~69%
- Middle 50% ACT: 25
- Middle 50% SAT: 1185
- Average GPA: 3.75
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 DePaul University at a Glance
DePaul is one of those schools where the pricing strategy actually works in your favor—especially compared to other private universities. They use merit aid broadly, meaning most families won’t pay the full sticker price. If your student has solid grades (think mid-to-high 3.0s and up), there’s a strong chance they’ll see meaningful discounts right in the admission offer without jumping through extra hoops.
The flip side is that this isn’t usually a “full ride” type of school unless your student is at the very top of the pool or hits a specific program like State Scholar Plus. Think of DePaul as a place where consistent academics get rewarded with predictable discounts—not a lottery. It’s a great fit for students who want a city-based experience (Chicago), career-focused programs, and a school that meets them halfway on cost—but you still need to run the final numbers carefully.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — DePaul University is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 25; SAT: 1185.
Average net price? About $29,141/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? No — private school; same rate for all.
DePaul University scholarships page (Arthur J. Schmitt Leaders Scholarship): https://www.depaul.edu/admission-and-aid/Pages/scholarships.aspx
DePaul Scholarship Connect – Bobby Simmons Rising Stars listing: https://depaul.academicworks.com
DePaul Catholic Heritage Scholarship page: https://www.depaul.edu/admission-and-aid/Pages/catholic-heritage.aspx
DePaul Chicago Promise Scholarship page: https://www.depaul.edu/admission-and-aid/Pages/chicago-promise.aspx
DePaul Newsline – ComEd Scholars Program description: https://resources.depaul.edu/newsline/sections/society-community/Pages/ComEd-Scholars-Program.aspx
DePaul Office of Financial Aid: https://offices.depaul.edu/financial-aid
DePaul Multicultural Financial Awards – Beeson Scholarship section: https://offices.depaul.edu/student-affairs/support-services/financial-awards/Pages/multicultural.aspx
College Ready Parent summary of DePaul scholarships: https://collegereadyparent.org/depaul-university-scholarships/
DePaul international freshman admission page: https://offices.depaul.edu/international-admission/apply-to-depaul/types-admission/Pages/freshman.aspx
DePaul scholarship page – National Merit Semifinalists section: https://www.depaul.edu/admission-and-aid/Pages/scholarships.aspx#national-merit-semifinalists
DePaul Mission and Ministry scholarships page: https://offices.depaul.edu/mission-ministry/scholarships-grants-awards/mission-ministry-scholarships/Pages/default.aspx
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 Cost of Attendance at DePaul University 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) | $47,676 | $47,676 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $19,896 | $19,896 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $67,572 | $67,572 |
Average Federal Net Price: $29,141 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
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 — 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.