DePaul may award scholarships to newly entering students who exhibit academic excellence, artistic talent, strong leadership or service to their communities. Each year DePaul awards more than $9 million in scholarships. Entering students may be awarded only one category of scholarship. (Eligible music and theater applicants may be considered for academic as well as talent scholarships.)
Learn more about our Honors Program, and get information on credit given by Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams.
Academic Scholarships
If you are a freshman admitted for the fall term, you'll be considered for academic scholarships based on your academic achievement in high school. You do not need to submit a separate application. Be sure your complete application for admission (official high school transcripts, test scores and high school counselor recommendation) is postmarked by November 15, 2009. After this date, scholarships are awarded on a funds-available basis. Your acceptance packet will contain either your academic award notification or an invitation to apply for one of our leadership or service scholarships.
If you receive an academic scholarship, it can be renewed for up to four years of consecutive undergraduate study as long as you earn 36 quarter hours annually and remain enrolled full time each quarter. Additional requirements are listed under each scholarship.
Presidential Scholarship
Award Amount: $15,500
The Presidential Scholarship, DePaul's most prestigious scholarship, is awarded to a select number of our most academically qualified admitted students. For renewal, you must maintain a 3.3 grade point average.
Deans' Scholarship
Award Amount: $12,000 to $12,500
The Deans' Scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate an exceptional level of achievement as measured by outstanding classroom performance and above-average scores on college entrance exams. For renewal, you must maintain a 3.0 grade point average.
DePaul Scholars' Award
Award Amount: $10,000 to $11,500
The DePaul Scholars' Award is given to students who have strong academic credentials and have performed above average compared to others in our applicant pool. For renewal, you must maintain a 2.7 grade point average.
Arthur J. Schmitt Scholarship
Award Amount: Varies
A few select Presidential Scholarship recipients with high academic achievement who demonstrate financial need may be chosen as Arthur J. Schmitt scholars. To be considered, Presidential Scholarship recipients are required to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after January 1st and no later than February 1st. These scholarships offer additional educational funding and are awarded in mid-April.
School of Accountancy and MIS Scholarships
Award Amount: Varies
Students intending to major in accounting or management information systems (MIS) are eligible for the School of Accountancy's four-year renewable scholarships provided by its alumni association, Ledger & Quill, as well as generous alumni and firms. The School of Accountancy will contact candidates for a required interview. Recipients are required to participate in the Strobel Honors Accounting Program and maintain dean's list standing.
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Service/Leadership Scholarships
Select freshmen admitted for the fall term are invited to apply upon admission if they have an exceptional record of community service or leadership. An application will be included in your acceptance packet. You must select one scholarship, complete the separate application and mail it by the postmark deadline of February 1, 2010. If you're a finalist, you'll be invited to an on-campus interview in March.
If you receive a service or leadership scholarship, it can be renewed for up to four years of consecutive undergraduate study as long as you remain enrolled full time each quarter, maintain a 2.7 grade point average and earn 36 quarter hours annually. Additional requirements are listed under each scholarship. (Note: Students admitted to the School of Music or The Theatre School are not eligible to receive a service or leadership scholarship.)
DePaul Community Service Scholarship
Award Amount: $8,500
The DePaul Community Service Scholarship (CSS) rewards students who have demonstrated an exceptional record of community service. Scholarship recipients are mentored as they serve Chicago's marginalized communities and establish a connection between their classroom experience and community organizations.
To be considered, you must demonstrate an exceptional record of community service with priority going to those exhibiting consistency in their commitments, as well as a depth of understanding of their service. Recipients must complete 30 hours of community service each quarter, complete the Community Services Studies academic minor (six courses) and attend quarterly workshops. CSS students are also asked to develop an academic and service profile for the duration of their scholarship program. For more information, visit cbsl.depaul.edu.
DePaul Leadership Scholarship
Award Amount: $8,500
The DePaul Leadership Scholarship Program is designed to prepare students to act as socially responsible leaders who are dedicated to the Vincentian values such as compassion, promoting human dignity and a commitment to the common good. Recipients of this scholarship will engage in leadership development experiences, community service, meaningful reflection and interfaith dialogues. Scholars will maintain supportive relationships with each other and with mentors in the Student Leadership Institute and University Ministry.
Candidates must have demonstrated leadership, service and a commitment to promoting positive change with a high school, neighborhood, or a political or religious community. Visit studentaffairs.depaul.edu/sli/scholars/index.asp for more information.
Monsignor Egan Hope Scholarship
Award Amount: $15,500
The Egan Hope Scholarship Program was initiated in 1992 to honor Monsignor John Egan on the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. The program was developed in response to a need for initiatives that would enable inner-city students from Chicago neighborhoods to earn college degrees.
To be considered, you must prove residency within the City of Chicago, graduate from a City of Chicago high school and demonstrate need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)*. You must have an exceptional record of social activism, leadership and community service. Recipients are required to commit to social activism, serve as a community leader, fulfill community service projects and participate in events determined by supervisors in the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, including sessions with staff for advising, mentoring and assessment.
*Note: The FAFSA must be filed as soon as possible after January 1, 2010, but no later than February 1, 2010 to be considered for the Egan Hope Scholarship.
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Talent Scholarships
You may be considered for a talent scholarship if you are a freshman admitted for the fall term and intend to enroll in one of the academic programs listed below that offer talent scholarships. An audition, interview or portfolio is required. Specific details on the application process are listed under each scholarship.
If you receive a talent scholarship, it can be renewed for up to four years of consecutive undergraduate study as long as you remain enrolled full time each quarter in the corresponding major. You must earn 36 quarter hours annually and maintain good academic standing. Additional requirements are listed under each scholarship.
Art Scholarship
Award Amount: $2,500 to $5,000
To be considered, you must be admitted to DePaul as a declared art major by February 1, 2010. In addition, the scholarship coordinator must receive your portfolio by February 1, 2010, for review by art department faculty. Your portfolio should contain eight to 10 pieces of artwork, either as individual slides or on a CD-ROM. Clearly identify the title, medium and size of each piece. Also include a resume of shows you've participated in and awards you've won. Send your portfolio to the Scholarship Coordinator at 1 East Jackson Blvd., Suite 9000, Chicago, IL 60604.
Music Performance Scholarship
Award Amount: $2,000 to $15,000
To be considered, you must apply to the School of Music by January 15, 2010. Recipients must audition for and perform (as assigned) in School of Music performance ensembles as determined by the ensemble conducting faculty. (Note: Ensemble participation is separate from the curriculum requirements.) Please call the School of Music to schedule an audition at 773-325-7444.
Theatre Performance Scholarship
Award Amount: $2,000 to $8,000
If you apply to the B.F.A. Acting Program, you'll automatically be considered once you've completed your application and audition. To be eligible, you must apply to and declare a major in acting in The Theatre School by January 15, 2010. Admission auditions are generally held November through February. Please call The Theatre School to schedule an audition at 773-325-7999.
Theatre Design Scholarship
Award Amount: $2,000 to $8,000
If you apply to the B.F.A. Design and Technical Program, you'll automatically be considered once you've completed your application and interview (portfolio review). To be eligible, you must apply to and declare a major in costume design, costume technology, lighting design, scenic design, stage management or theatre technology in The Theatre School by January 15, 2010. Admission interviews are generally held November through February. Please call The Theatre School to schedule an interview at 773-325-7999.
Theatre Studies Scholarship
Award Amount: $2,000 to $8,000
If you apply to the B.F.A. Theatre Studies Program, you'll automatically be considered once you've completed your application and interview (portfolio review). To be eligible, you must apply to and declare a major in dramaturgy/criticism, playwriting, theatre arts or theatre management in The Theatre School by January 15, 2010. Admission interviews are generally held November through February. Please call The Theatre School to schedule an interview at 773-325-7999.
If you are a transfer student admitted by May 15 (fall quarter); October 15 (winter quarter) or January 15 (spring quarter), you also can apply for academic scholarships based on your academic achievement in college. You must submit a separate application to be considered for a transfer scholarship.
If you receive a transfer scholarship, it can be renewed for up to two years of consecutive undergraduate study as long as you remain a full-time student. You must complete at least 12 hours per quarter, excluding summer sessions, for a full award renewal. Less than full-time enrollment will result in a reduction of the award by one half. In addition, you must maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) and agree to assist the Office of Admission at transfer student recruitment events.
Transfer Scholarship
Awards range from $2,000 to $4,000*
The Transfer Scholarship is awarded to admitted students who have attended another college and will have a 3.5 cumulative GPA in addition to completing 30 semester (44 quarter) hours of transferable college credit at the time the recipient enrolls at DePaul.
Note: At least 15 semester (22 quarter) hours must be posted to your transcript when you submit an application for the Transfer Scholarship.
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship
Awards range from $5,000 to $7,000*
The Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship is awarded to members of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society who have attended another college and will have a 3.5 cumulative grade point average in addition to completing 30 semester (44 quarter) hours of transferable college credit at the time the recipients enroll at DePaul. Note: At least 15 semester (22 quarter) hours must be posted to your transcript when you submit an application for the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship.
* Award amounts are based on funds available at each application deadline throughout the academic year.
Please download our scholarship application, contact transferscholarship@depaul.edu or call 312-362-5551 for further information.
After you are enrolled at DePaul, there are additional scholarship opportunities. If you have any questions about scholarship opportunities for enrolled students at DePaul, please contact the scholarship team in the Office of Financial Aid by e-mail at ofascholarships@depaul.edu.
Internal Scholarships
Internal Scholarships are offered on a limited basis by college offices, academic departments and the Office of Financial Aid. Current DePaul students are encouraged to contact the college department in which they are enrolled to inquire about scholarship opportunities related to their field of study.
The generosity of our donors allows DePaul to provide numerous scholarships to students who exhibit academic merit, financial need, strong leadership and service to their communities. We value the commitment of these donors to DePaul and our students. We invite you to view a list of scholarships made possible by our benefactors.
Need-based Scholarships
Need-based Scholarships (awarded based on need as determined by the FAFSA) also are available to current DePaul students. The financial aid office strongly encourages you to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online at fafsa.ed.gov if you are interested in need-based scholarships. Completing a FAFSA is not a requirement for all scholarships, but it is an instrumental tool used to help select scholarship recipients.
External Scholarships
External Scholarships (not administered or awarded by DePaul but applied to your tuition) are also available to DePaul students. Several internet search tools can assist you in locating scholarships, fellowships and grants available through the private sector. Remember, you should never pay for scholarship or financial aid search results. Two excellent Web sites are FastWeb.com and collegenet.com.