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University of Chicago vs DePaul University

University of Chicago is a private university in Chicago, IL, and DePaul University is a private university in Chicago, IL. University of Chicago is the more selective of the two, admitting about 4% of applicants against 76% at DePaul University. University of Chicago is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,860 a year against $30,902 at DePaul University. About 95% of students graduate at University of Chicago, compared with 69% at DePaul University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Chicago alumni earn a median of about $91,885, against $68,751 for DePaul University.

University 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
7,569
14,090
Acceptance rate
4%
76%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.45–3.95
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1580
1140–1330
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
25–31
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,860
$30,902
Full cost / yr
$90,360
$63,052
In-state tuition
$70,662
$45,999
Out-of-state tuition
$70,662
$45,999
Application fee
$75
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$0*
$27,359
$30k - $48k
$914
$25,950
$48k - $75k
$226
$28,687
$75k - $110k
$12,602
$31,057
Over $110k
$48,524
$37,092
Outcomes
Graduation rate
95%
69%
Freshman retention
99%
86%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$80,870
$54,695
Median earnings (10 yr)
$91,885
$68,751
Median debt at graduation
$15,000
$23,168
Student body
Pell grant recipients
15%
32%
First-generation students
20%
30%
International students
18%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 2
Not reported
Early action
Nov 2
Nov 15
Regular decision
Jan 4
Feb 1

* Reported aid for this income range averaged above the billed cost.

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 University of Chicago or DePaul University harder to get into?
University of Chicago is harder to get into. It admits about 4% of applicants, compared with 76% at DePaul University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Chicago or DePaul University?
University of Chicago is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,860 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $30,902 at DePaul University. 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 University of Chicago and DePaul University?
Before aid, DePaul University costs about $63,052 a year and University of Chicago about $90,360. 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, University of Chicago or DePaul University?
University of Chicago. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-1,264 there, against about $27,359 at DePaul University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Chicago or DePaul University?
DePaul University is the larger of the two, with about 14,090 undergraduates against 7,569 at University of Chicago.
Does University of Chicago or DePaul University have a better graduation rate?
University of Chicago has the higher graduation rate, at about 95% against 69% at DePaul University.
Do graduates of University of Chicago or DePaul University earn more?
University of Chicago alumni earn more on average: a median of about $91,885 ten years after enrolling, against about $68,751 for DePaul University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Chicago and DePaul University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Chicago is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. DePaul University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Chicago and DePaul University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1580 at University 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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