Curious about the DePaul University acceptance rate? Here is everything you need to know before submitting your application this cycle.
DePaul Acceptance Rate Overview
The DePaul University acceptance rate sits at approximately 69 percent, which places it in the moderately selective category among American private universities. That number might sound reassuring on the surface, but it tells only part of the story. Knowing the raw acceptance rate is a starting point — not a finish line. What matters more is understanding what that number actually means for a student with your specific profile, your GPA, your test scores, and your intended major.
DePaul University is the largest Catholic university in the United States, enrolling over 22,000 students across its Chicago campuses. The DePaul University acceptance rate reflects a school that wants to grow its student body while still maintaining meaningful academic standards. It is not a school that accepts everyone who applies, but it is also not a school where only a tiny slice of applicants gets through. That middle ground is actually quite useful for students who are building a balanced college list.
Who Actually Gets Accepted
The DePaul University acceptance rate of around 69 percent does not mean every applicant has a 69 percent chance of getting in. Acceptance rates are averages across the entire applicant pool, and your individual odds depend heavily on how your application compares to that pool. Students with stronger GPAs and test scores generally see acceptance rates well above the average. Students applying to more competitive programs — like the Driehaus College of Business or the College of Computing and Digital Media — may face a tighter review process than the overall number suggests.
When looking at university acceptance rates across similar institutions, DePaul sits in a range that attracts a wide variety of applicants — from strong students who want a vibrant urban campus to those who see DePaul as a realistic reach. The admitted student profile typically shows a GPA range of 3.0 to 3.8 on a 4.0 scale, with most admitted students landing somewhere between 3.3 and 3.6. That range is wide enough to give many applicants a genuine shot.
The middle 50 percent of admitted students score between 22 and 28 on the ACT, and between 1090 and 1300 on the SAT. These numbers confirm that DePaul is accessible to students who are solid but not perfect academically. A student with a 3.5 GPA and a 25 ACT is very much in the running, especially with a compelling application.
Chicago Location and Its Role
DePaul University’s location in Chicago is not just a selling point — it directly shapes who applies and who gets accepted. The university draws heavily from the Chicago metropolitan area, Illinois, and neighboring Midwest states. Because so many applicants are local or regional, the DePaul University acceptance rate reflects a pool that includes many students who see DePaul as their primary or backup choice rather than a reach.
Urban university applicants tend to be practical. They are often weighing commuter options, cost of living, internship access, and career placement alongside academic reputation. DePaul’s Lincoln Park and Loop campuses put students in the middle of one of the most professionally active cities in the country. That geographic advantage attracts applicants who are serious about their careers from day one, which influences the type of student admitted.
For out-of-state students, the picture is slightly different. DePaul actively recruits beyond Illinois, and out-of-state applicants who show strong interest and fit with the university’s Vincentian mission tend to receive favorable consideration. The DePaul University acceptance rate for out-of-state applicants is broadly similar to the overall rate, though selectivity can vary by program and year.
GPA Requirements That Matter
GPA is one of the most significant factors in the DePaul University acceptance rate calculation. The university does not publish a strict minimum GPA cutoff, but the data tells a clear story. Students with a GPA below 2.5 face a very difficult path to admission. Students between 2.5 and 3.0 are possible candidates but will need strong supporting materials. Students above 3.3 are in solid territory, and those above 3.7 are well-positioned for merit scholarship consideration as well.
Course rigor matters alongside GPA. A 3.4 GPA in a challenging course load — AP classes, honors courses, dual enrollment — carries more weight than a 3.6 in a lighter schedule. DePaul’s admissions team reads applications holistically, which means they are looking at the full context of your academic record. A student who challenged themselves and earned a B average is often more appealing than one who coasted to an A average in less demanding courses.
Grade trends also matter. A student who struggled freshman year but finished strong through junior year tells a story of growth and determination. DePaul looks for that kind of upward trajectory. If your early high school record was rough, your junior year performance and your essay explaining that growth can significantly improve your position relative to the DePaul University acceptance rate average.
Test Score Expectations Explained
DePaul University is currently test-optional, meaning students can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. This policy has been in place since the pandemic and has continued as a permanent option. For students whose test scores are below the middle 50 percent range, going test-optional may be the smarter move. For students with strong scores, submitting them adds another positive data point to your application.
The middle 50 percent ACT range of 22 to 28 means that half of admitted students scored in that window. Scoring a 29 or above puts you in the upper quartile of admitted students and strengthens your application meaningfully. Scoring below a 22 does not automatically disqualify you, but it shifts more weight onto your GPA, essays, and extracurriculars. The DePaul University acceptance rate under test-optional conditions has remained relatively stable, suggesting the university has adjusted its holistic review process well.
For students applying to specific competitive programs, submitting scores can still matter even when technically optional. Programs in computing, business, and the sciences may use scores as an additional filter when making close decisions between similarly qualified applicants. If you are targeting a competitive major, check program-specific guidance on DePaul’s admissions pages before deciding whether to submit.
How Programs Affect Acceptance
Not all programs within DePaul carry the same DePaul University acceptance rate. The university houses ten colleges and schools, each with its own academic culture and applicant demand. The Driehaus College of Business is one of the most popular and competitive, attracting applicants interested in finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and real estate. According to US News college rankings, DePaul ranks consistently among recognized Midwest universities, with its business and computing programs drawing the highest application volumes each cycle. Students applying to these programs should treat the overall DePaul University acceptance rate as a rough guide rather than their actual odds.
Targeting a less competitive college within DePaul — such as the College of Education or the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences — may improve your chances if you are flexible about your major. Program-level selectivity is real and worth researching before you decide where to direct your application. A student who is set on business or computing should build their application knowing they are competing against a sharper pool than the headline DePaul University acceptance rate implies.
Undecided applicants generally apply to the general undergraduate pool and have more flexibility in their review. If you are genuinely undecided and your stats sit right at the average, applying undeclared can sometimes be a strategic move that improves your odds of admission before you declare a major in your first or second year. Many students find their direction naturally after arriving on campus anyway, so this approach carries very little academic downside.
Application Components That Count
The DePaul University acceptance rate is shaped by more than numbers. DePaul uses a holistic admissions process, which means essays, activities, recommendations, and demonstrated interest all factor into decisions. The personal statement is genuinely read — admissions officers are not just checking a box. A well-written essay that connects your background to DePaul’s urban mission and Vincentian values can meaningfully strengthen an application that is borderline on paper.
Extracurricular activities matter, but DePaul is not looking exclusively for students with ten clubs and three varsity sports. Quality over quantity is the standard. A student who has shown sustained commitment to one or two things — a part-time job, a community organization, a passion project — can stand out just as much as someone with a packed resume. DePaul attracts a lot of first-generation college students and working-class applicants, and the admissions team understands diverse life circumstances.
Recommendations from teachers or counselors who know you well carry genuine weight. A specific, detailed letter that speaks to your character, curiosity, and potential is far more useful than a generic one from a prestigious name. If you have a teacher who has watched you grow and can write concretely about what makes you tick, that letter can push a close application in your favor.
Scholarships and the Acceptance Link
Understanding the DePaul University acceptance rate is only part of the picture — scholarships are the other side of that coin. DePaul offers a range of merit-based scholarships that are awarded automatically at the time of admission, based on GPA and sometimes test scores. Students with a 3.5 GPA or above are typically considered for the most competitive scholarship tiers, which can range from a few thousand dollars to over half of tuition annually.
The scholarship structure means that applying with a strong academic profile does not just improve your odds of admission — it directly affects how much you pay. A student admitted with a 3.8 GPA might receive a significantly larger merit award than one admitted with a 3.2, even if both are accepted. This tiered system makes the DePaul University acceptance rate almost secondary to the question of what your admitted package will actually look like financially.
DePaul also offers need-based aid through FAFSA, and Chicago residents may qualify for additional state grant funding. The combination of merit and need-based aid makes DePaul genuinely affordable for many middle-income families, which is part of why the school attracts such a large local applicant pool every year.
Comparing DePaul to Similar Schools
Putting the DePaul University acceptance rate in context requires comparing it to peer institutions. Loyola University Chicago has an acceptance rate around 72 percent — slightly higher than DePaul. University of Illinois Chicago sits around 79 percent. Marquette University in Milwaukee is around 88 percent. On the more selective end, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign sits around 45 percent and Northwestern University is below 7 percent.
This comparison tells you that DePaul occupies a specific and useful tier. It is more selective than many regional state schools but far less selective than elite private universities. For students who want a private university experience in a major American city, with real academic programs and strong career placement, DePaul competes favorably with its peer group. The DePaul University acceptance rate positions it as an achievable goal for a wide range of students without being a guaranteed admit for anyone.
Students building balanced college lists often place DePaul in the likely or match category, alongside schools like Fordham, University of San Francisco, or Saint Louis University. That positioning is accurate for most applicants with a GPA in the 3.2 to 3.6 range.
Transfer Student Acceptance Rates
The DePaul University acceptance rate for transfer students differs from freshman admissions. DePaul is a significant transfer destination, particularly for students coming from community colleges in the Chicago area. The transfer acceptance rate has historically been higher than the freshman rate, making DePaul an accessible path for students who started elsewhere and want to finish at a four-year private university in Chicago.
Transfer applicants are evaluated primarily on their college GPA rather than their high school record. A 2.5 college GPA is generally the minimum for transfer consideration, with stronger applicants showing 3.0 and above. Students transferring with an associate degree from an Illinois community college may benefit from articulation agreements that guarantee credit transfers and streamline the admissions process.
For students who did not get the high school results they wanted, the transfer route into DePaul is a legitimate and well-traveled path. Many DePaul graduates began at community colleges, transferred in with junior standing, and finished their degrees on the Lincoln Park or Loop campus. The DePaul University acceptance rate for transfers reflects the school’s genuine commitment to access and second chances.
International Student Admissions
International students face a slightly different process when it comes to the DePaul University acceptance rate. In addition to academic credentials, international applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS scores. DePaul requires a minimum TOEFL score of 80 on the internet-based test or an IELTS score of 6.5. Students who do not meet these thresholds may be eligible for conditional admission through DePaul’s English Language Academy.
The university enrolls students from over 100 countries, and international student admission is handled through the same holistic framework used for domestic applicants. Academic credentials are evaluated in the context of each country’s educational system, which means a strong student from a rigorous international curriculum will be recognized as such even if the grading scale looks different on paper.
Financial documentation is also required for international applicants, as DePaul needs to verify that students have sufficient funding to cover tuition and living expenses. This requirement adds a step to the process but does not significantly affect the DePaul University acceptance rate for international students who meet the academic and financial criteria.
What Happens After You Apply
The DePaul University acceptance rate becomes real to you the moment you submit your application and start waiting. DePaul uses a rolling admissions process, which means applications are reviewed as they come in rather than all at once after a single deadline. This makes timing important. Applying earlier in the cycle — ideally by November or December — generally results in faster decisions and better access to merit scholarships before funding runs out.
Rolling admissions also means that the DePaul University acceptance rate can effectively shift throughout the cycle. Early applicants compete against a smaller pool. By February or March, more of the class has been filled and scholarship money may be more limited. Students who apply in January or later are not disqualified, but they may have fewer options when it comes to aid packages and housing selections.
After submission, DePaul may request additional information in rare cases, but most decisions are made on the materials submitted. Tracking your application status through DePaul’s portal keeps you informed, and reaching out to the admissions office with genuine questions — not just to check in — is a reasonable way to show continued interest in the school.
Smart Ways to Strengthen Your Application
Even with a DePaul University acceptance rate of 69 percent, there are real things you can do to improve your individual odds. First, visit campus if you can — either in person or virtually. DePaul tracks demonstrated interest, and students who have engaged with the admissions office, attended information sessions, or visited campus are viewed more favorably than those who have not made any contact.
Second, write your essay specifically for DePaul. Generic essays that could apply to any school are easy to spot and do not help your case. Reference specific programs, professors, student organizations, or aspects of Chicago life that connect to your goals. The more specific and genuine your essay, the more it signals that DePaul is a real choice for you rather than a safety school.
Third, apply early. The rolling admissions calendar rewards students who are organized and proactive. Submitting a strong application in October or November puts you at the front of the review queue, gives you the best shot at scholarship funding, and gets you an answer before the stress of spring decision season kicks in.
FAQ Section
What is the current DePaul University acceptance rate?
The DePaul University acceptance rate is approximately 69 percent, making it a moderately selective private university. Your individual odds will vary based on your GPA, test scores, intended major, and the strength of your overall application.
Does DePaul require SAT or ACT scores?
DePaul is currently test-optional, so submitting scores is not required. However, students with strong scores — above 28 on the ACT or 1300 on the SAT — may benefit from submitting them, particularly if applying to competitive programs in business or computing.
Is DePaul a good school for students who want to stay in Chicago?
Absolutely. DePaul’s two Chicago campuses — Lincoln Park and the Loop — place students directly in one of the strongest job markets in the country. Internship access, networking opportunities, and career placement are genuine strengths of a DePaul degree, especially for students who want to build their careers in Chicago.
How does the DePaul University acceptance rate compare to other Chicago schools?
DePaul’s acceptance rate of around 69 percent is more selective than Loyola University Chicago at roughly 72 percent and University of Illinois Chicago at around 79 percent. It is far less selective than Northwestern University, which admits fewer than 7 percent of applicants. DePaul sits comfortably in the middle tier of Chicago-area universities.
Conclusion
The DePaul University acceptance rate of approximately 69 percent tells you that this is a school within reach for a wide range of students — but reaching is still required. A strong GPA, thoughtful essays, and early application timing all push your individual odds above that average. A weak academic record, a generic application, and a late submission pull them below it.
DePaul is a school worth serious consideration for students who want an urban private university experience without the impossible odds of elite admissions. The Chicago location delivers real professional value. The academic programs across business, computing, education, and the arts are genuinely strong. The financial aid structure, including automatic merit scholarships, makes the cost more manageable than the sticker price suggests.
If DePaul is on your list, treat it like it matters — because it does. Research the specific college you are applying to within DePaul. Write an essay that is actually about DePaul. Apply before the winter break if you can. The DePaul University acceptance rate gives you a real opening. What you do with that opening is entirely up to you, and the students who approach this process with intention are the ones who end up with the offers and the scholarship packages that make the decision easy.
