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School of the Art Institute of Chicago vs DePaul University

School of the Art Institute of Chicago is a private institute in Chicago, IL, and DePaul University is a private university in Chicago, IL. DePaul University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 76% of applicants against 77% at School of the Art Institute of Chicago. DePaul University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $30,902 a year against $49,790 at School of the Art Institute of Chicago. About 69% of students graduate at DePaul University, compared with 65% at School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Ten years after enrolling, DePaul University alumni earn a median of about $68,751, against $40,151 for School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Chicago, IL
Chicago, IL
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,805
14,090
Acceptance rate
77%
76%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.45–3.95
SAT (middle 50%)
1048–1260
1140–1330
ACT (middle 50%)
22–25
25–31
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$49,790
$30,902
Full cost / yr
$75,625
$63,052
In-state tuition
$56,420
$45,999
Out-of-state tuition
$56,420
$45,999
Application fee
$65
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$43,798
$27,359
$30k - $48k
$39,845
$25,950
$48k - $75k
$46,708
$28,687
$75k - $110k
$49,595
$31,057
Over $110k
$55,790
$37,092
Outcomes
Graduation rate
65%
69%
Freshman retention
84%
86%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$26,742
$54,695
Median earnings (10 yr)
$40,151
$68,751
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$23,168
Student body
Pell grant recipients
19%
32%
First-generation students
21%
30%
International students
28%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Nov 15
Regular decision
Jan 15
Feb 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is School of the Art Institute of Chicago or DePaul University harder to get into?
DePaul University is harder to get into. It admits about 76% of applicants, compared with 77% at School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, School of the Art Institute of Chicago or DePaul University?
DePaul University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $30,902 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $49,790 at School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at School of the Art Institute of Chicago and DePaul University?
Before aid, DePaul University costs about $63,052 a year and School of the Art Institute of Chicago about $75,625. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, School of the Art Institute of Chicago or DePaul University?
DePaul University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $27,359 there, against about $43,798 at School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, School of the Art Institute of Chicago or DePaul University?
DePaul University is the larger of the two, with about 14,090 undergraduates against 2,805 at School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Does School of the Art Institute of Chicago or DePaul University have a better graduation rate?
DePaul University has the higher graduation rate, at about 69% against 65% at School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Do graduates of School of the Art Institute of Chicago or DePaul University earn more?
DePaul University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $68,751 ten years after enrolling, against about $40,151 for School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do School of the Art Institute of Chicago and DePaul University require SAT or ACT scores?
School of the Art Institute of Chicago is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. DePaul University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do School of the Art Institute of Chicago and DePaul University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1048–1260 at School of the Art Institute of Chicago and 1140–1330 at DePaul University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school