DePaul's published cost of attendance reaches $59,467 per year, including $44,460 in tuition, $18,468 for room and board, and $1,104 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with a net price of $29,141—representing $30,326 in average financial aid savings.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $63,052 |
| Tuition and Fees | $45,999 |
| Room and Board | $19,095 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,104 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$32,150 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $30,902 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $27,359 |
| $30–48k | $25,950 |
| $48–75k | $28,687 |
| $75–110k | $31,057 |
| $110k+ | $37,092 |
DePaul's published cost of attendance reaches $59,467 per year, including $44,460 in tuition, $18,468 for room and board, and $1,104 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with a net price of $29,141—representing $30,326 in average financial aid savings. This net price sits $4,390 below the peer median of $33,531, making DePaul more affordable than typical private nonprofit institutions of similar size and mission.
The substantial gap between sticker price and net price indicates DePaul uses financial aid strategically to make attendance accessible across income levels. Students should focus on net price rather than sticker price when evaluating affordability, as the majority of students receive some form of institutional aid. The cost structure reflects DePaul's urban Chicago location, where room and board costs align with city living expenses.
DePaul enrolls 30.7% Pell-eligible students, indicating substantial support for lower-income families through federal and institutional aid programs. The $30,326 average financial aid savings represents 51% of the sticker price, showing most students receive significant institutional support.
Financial aid concentration toward lower-income tiers aligns with the institution's 30.2% first-generation student population, suggesting coordinated efforts to support students from families with limited college experience and resources. The progressive aid structure, where net prices increase with family income, indicates DePaul uses need-based rather than merit-based aid as its primary affordability strategy.
Students from middle-class families should expect moderate aid, while those from higher-income backgrounds may qualify primarily for merit-based opportunities. The substantial Pell population creates a supportive community for students navigating financial aid processes and college financing challenges.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
DePaul graduates carry median debt of $23,168, which exactly matches the peer median, indicating typical borrowing levels for private nonprofit institutions. Student debt ranges from $9,166 at the 25th percentile to $27,000 at the 75th percentile, showing controlled borrowing across most students with few carrying excessive debt loads.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 indicates manageable debt levels relative to post-graduation income, as graduates earn $68,751 median salaries that support comfortable loan repayment. Parent PLUS borrowers face median debt of $35,600 with monthly payments of $469, representing additional family financial obligations beyond student borrowing.
The combination of moderate student debt and solid earnings creates favorable conditions for post-graduation financial stability. Students should expect debt levels consistent with typical private college experiences, though individual borrowing depends on family financial circumstances and aid packages.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
DePaul delivers solid return on educational investment through its combination of controlled debt and above-average earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $2,779 beyond expectations relative to students with similar demographics at comparable institutions, ranking in the 66.6th percentile nationally for value-added performance.
The median earnings of $68,751 rank in the 85th percentile nationally, while debt levels remain at typical private college levels. This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34, supporting comfortable loan repayment and post-graduation financial flexibility.
DePaul's net price of $29,141 sits below the peer median by $4,390, while graduates earn $7,820 less than the peer median of $76,571, creating a favorable cost-benefit balance for many career paths. The institution's 86th percentile ranking for return on investment reflects this positive relationship between costs and outcomes.
