DePaul admits approximately 73.5% of applicants, meaning roughly 3 in 4 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places DePaul in the moderately selective category, making admission accessible to most academically prepared students. The peer median admission rate of 69.4% shows DePaul admits slightly more students than typical private nonprofit institutions of similar size and mission. This selectivity level means students with solid academic credentials should feel confident about their admission prospects, though competitive programs may have higher standards. Students should view DePaul as a target school rather than a safety, particularly for popular business and technology programs that may be more competitive than the overall admission rate suggests. The institution's urban Chicago location and strong career outcomes make it attractive to students throughout the Midwest, creating consistent application demand. For students building balanced college lists, DePaul represents a solid middle-ground option between highly selective institutions and open-access universities. Students with SAT scores above 1200 or strong high school records should expect favorable admission consideration, while those below this threshold should prepare stronger application materials to demonstrate fit and motivation.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at DePaul typically present strong academic credentials, with SAT scores ranging from 1130 to 1340 and a median of 1254. The middle 50% of enrolled students scored between these ranges, though students outside this range are admitted in smaller numbers. SAT Math scores range from 560 to 660, while SAT Verbal scores span 570 to 680, indicating balanced expectations across both sections. ACT scores range from 26 to 31 for the middle 50% of students. DePaul's test score profile ranks in the 96th percentile nationally, demonstrating excellent academic preparation among enrolled students despite the institution's accessible admission rate. The peer median SAT score of 1378 shows DePaul students score 124 points lower than typical private nonprofit peers, reflecting the institution's commitment to serving students across a broader academic spectrum while maintaining quality standards. Students scoring within the 1130-1340 SAT range should feel academically competitive for admission. Those scoring below 1130 remain eligible for admission but should expect to be at a competitive disadvantage and should strengthen other application components. Students scoring above 1340 may qualify for merit-based financial aid opportunities. These ranges reflect enrolled students, not just admitted students, meaning admission is possible outside these boundaries. Students should consider whether their academic profile aligns with this range when building their college list and preparing application strategies.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
DePaul enrolls a diverse student body that reflects its urban mission and accessibility focus. The institution serves 30.7% Pell-eligible students, indicating substantial enrollment of students from lower-income families. First-generation students comprise 30.2% of the student body, demonstrating DePaul's role in expanding college access for families without prior higher education experience. Transfer students represent 27.2% of enrollment, showing the institution's commitment to serving students from diverse educational pathways including community college graduates and those changing institutions. This composition suggests DePaul actively recruits and supports students from varied socioeconomic backgrounds rather than focusing exclusively on traditional high-achieving students. The geographic diversity reflects the institution's Chicago location and regional appeal throughout the Midwest. Students from lower-income families should note that nearly one-third of enrolled students share their background, creating a supportive community for navigating college financing and academic challenges. First-generation students will find substantial peer networks and likely institutional support programs designed for their needs. Transfer applicants should recognize the significant transfer population as evidence of institutional experience in supporting students transitioning from other colleges. This student composition indicates DePaul values diverse perspectives and experiences in building its academic community.
Given DePaul's 73.5% acceptance rate, most academically prepared students should gain admission. However, students seeking backup options or different opportunities should consider these alternatives.
Strong options in your region with comparable outcomes.
Students who enroll at DePaul demonstrate solid persistence and completion outcomes across different demographic groups. The institution maintains an 86.7% retention rate, with 70.0% of students completing degrees within six years. Pell-eligible students graduate at a 67.8% rate, creating a 2.2 percentage point gap with the overall completion rate. This relatively small gap indicates DePaul provides effective support systems for lower-income students, though some challenges remain in ensuring equal outcomes across income levels. The retention rate exceeds the peer median of 81.3%, while the completion rate surpasses the peer median of 63.5%, indicating DePaul students succeed at higher rates than typical private nonprofit institutions. Students who gain admission can expect strong institutional support for degree completion, with retention and completion rates indicating most students who enroll will persist and graduate. The small Pell gap suggests lower-income students receive adequate academic and financial support to succeed, though prospective Pell-eligible students should still investigate available support programs. Transfer students benefit from DePaul's experience serving diverse pathways, with institutional systems designed to help students transitioning from other colleges. Prospective students should view these completion rates as indicators of the academic environment and support structures they can expect, representing realistic expectations for degree completion across different student populations.
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