FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
General Student Life
I don't have a computer. Will I need one and is there one at DePaul I can use?
Many students have come to rely on the use of computers. But even if you don't have your own, you're in luck. The University provides more than 850 computers for general student use. Students can either visit the computer labs, conveniently located on all six of DePaul's campuses, or use one of the many computers located in classrooms, at the library, or in the Student Center. (Of course, Student Housing offers network access.) What's more, many of the computers at these locations offer access to the Internet, so you can browse the Web or email your professors and friends. There's even an online tool that allows you to check computer availability — in real time — on the Lincoln Park and Loop campuses.
Will I have to go across town to use the library?
You'll have no problem finding a library at DePaul. In fact, DePaul has three libraries on its two city campuses, additional library facilities on the Naperville campus, and electronic libraries at the O'Hare, Rolling Meadows and Oak Forest campuses. The DePaul Center Library on the Loop campus and the John T. Richardson Library on the Lincoln Park campus contain more than 740,000 volumes and more than 6,000 periodical subscriptions, as well as extensive microfiche and microfilm collections. The Law Library, also on the Loop campus, has more than 183,000 volumes and more than 10,000 periodical subscriptions. Click here to visit the DePaul Libraries Web site. Click here to view a map of the Lincoln Park Campus.
How safe is DePaul?
Security is taken very seriously at DePaul. Because the University is integrated with the city, a fully staffed police force regularly patrols the campus. Call boxes located around campus connect students to the security office, and all dorms operate on an electronic key-card system. In addition, each dorm has a 24-hour security desk where all visitors must register. And for anyone who needs a ride back to campus when it's dark, DePaul's late-night transport-escort service is just a phone call away.
What's DePaul's freshman class like?
DePaul welcomed 2,555 freshmen in fall 2008, compared with 2,522 in fall 2007. This is an increase of 238 freshmen since 2004 (10%), and is 72% larger than the freshman class of 1998.
By Academic Profile
Measures of academic preparedness of the fall 2008 freshman class are stronger when compared to 2004. The average high school GPA is 3.5, compared with 3.4 in 2004. The percentage of freshmen who graduated in the top 10% of their high school classes has increased from 18% in 2004 to 22% this year.
The average ACT composite score was the highest ever this year at 24.9, with the middle 50% of the class scoring between 22 and 27. In 2004, the average ACT was 23.7, and the middle 50% of the class scored between 21 and 26. Nationally, the average ACT composite was 21.1 in 2008, and only one in five test takers nationally scored above DePaul's median of 25.
By Gender and Ethnicity
The fall 2008 freshman class is 41% male, compared with 42% in 2007.
Compared to 31% in 2004, the freshman class is 27% minority, including 14 freshmen from multiracial/non-Hispanic backgrounds. The proportion who did not report ethnicity has increased from 6% in 2004 to 10% in 2008. Based only on those who report ethnicity in 2008, the freshman class is 30% minority. This fall, DePaul enrolled:
- 321 Hispanic/Latino freshmen (13%)
- 200 Asian/Pacific freshmen (8%)
- 130 African-American freshmen (5%)
- 20 Pacific Islander freshmen (0.8%)
- 14 Freshmen from multiracial/non-Hispanic backgrounds (0.5%)
- 10 Native American freshmen (0.4%)
From 2004 to 2008, in-state freshman enrollment declined by 2% and out-of-state enrollment grew by 49%.
Almost half of this year's freshmen are from the Chicago suburbs (47%), compared with 46% in 2004. Another 33% were from out of state, compared with 25% in 2004. Enrollment of freshmen from the city of Chicago is 16%, compared with 24% in 2004.
Seventy-two percent of full-time freshmen live in the residence halls, compared with 69% in 2004.
First-generation Freshmen
Enrolling this fall are 766 first-generation freshmen (30%), from families where neither parent has a college degree.
Half of these students come from the Chicago suburbs and another 24% from the city of Chicago. Twenty-five percent were in the top 10% of their high school classes.
These freshmen enrolled in all colleges, with Commerce having the largest proportion of first-generation freshmen (35%), followed by Education (34%). Compared with 72% of the freshman class at large, 58% of full-time first-generation freshmen live in residence halls.
Sixty-two percent of this year's first-generation freshmen are women. Hispanic/Latino and African-American students make up 29% of the first-generation freshmen, and 49% of all Hispanic/Latino and African-American freshmen are first-generation.
What is dorm life like?
At the Lincoln Park campus DePaul has 13 residence halls, all of which are co-ed and located on the Lincoln Park campus. These residence halls range from apartment-style living to conventional dorm rooms. Aside from two halls that house only upperclassmen, students from all classes live together. Although many students choose to live off-campus, the 3,000 who choose to stay in residence halls say that living on campus fosters a sense of community with other DePaul students.
Will it be difficult to juggle a part-time job with my class schedule?
If you plan to get a part-time job while at DePaul, you're not alone. More than 70 percent of DePaul's students work to help finance their education. Because of this, very few undergraduate classes are scheduled late in the afternoon. What's more, the University's downtown location provides many excellent employment opportunities.
Will I be able to get to know my professors or just be another face in the crowd?
Many DePaul students consider the undergraduate student-faculty relationship at the University to be one of the best anywhere. Most professors are personable and willing to help, and most class sizes are no larger than 30 to 40 students. And, virtually all classes at DePaul are taught by faculty members -- not teaching assistants.
I may want to study abroad my junior year. Where can I go?
What, leave Chicago? It's no surprise that some do, considering DePaul's extensive foreign study opportunities. We offer 44 Study Abroad programs in 29 countries, including tudy in Belgium, China, England, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Poland and Spain.
Admission
My grades probably haven't been as good as they should be. What are my chances of getting into DePaul?
A lot of factors go into an admission decision at DePaul, so don't hesitate to apply because one aspect of your high school career is not so great. Typically, DePaul looks for applicants who rank in the top half of their graduating class and present strong SAT or ACT scores, but the University also takes into consideration recommendations, interviews, and extracurricular activities and achievements.
Can I apply early to DePaul?
Yes, you can. DePaul's Early Action Program (EAP) is an excellent option if DePaul is your first choice. Students admitted under this program receive priority consideration for advising, registration, housing, and financial aid. Postmark deadline for the Early Application Program is November 15. You will be notified of your decision by early January.
Will my Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) or College Level Examination Program (CLEP) credits transfer?
We encourage students to take advanced coursework in high school and offer credit, where appropriate, for demonstrated prior learning at the college level. Students may earn Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Examination Program (CLEP) credit. Further information, as well as specific advanced credit equivalencies, may be obtained from our Academic Resource Center.
Additionally, we offer credit to satisfy undergraduate general education, major field and elective requirements for dual (high school - college) enrollment programs. For these dual enrollment programs, credit is evaluated by the Office of Admission and students need to send an official transcript from the institution awarding credit.
If I miss the Regular admission deadline, can I still apply?
Applications submitted after February 1st will be considered if space is available in the class. In order to ensure that your application is reviewed, have all application materials postmarked by February 1.
Financial Aid
What is financial aid?
Financial aid is monetary assistance from institutional, governmental, or private sources that is available to assist students in affording educational costs. This aid can take the form of academic scholarships, need-based grants, low-interest loans, and student employment.
If I don't qualify for need-based aid, what other options are available?
As an undergraduate, there are three things you can look into: merit scholarships, part-time employment, and direct loan programs. DePaul's scholarship programs, with values ranging from $1,500 to full tuition per year, are awarded to students who have outstanding academic ability or talent, or who have demonstrated leadership in serving others. All eligible students are automatically considered for merit scholarships.
What is DePaul's tuition?
DePaul's Tuition Rates vary according to what program of study you are pursuing. Use this chart as a guide. Remember, if you plan to live on campus, you will also have housing and food expenses.
Are my chances of being admitted to DePaul reduced if I apply for financial aid?
Not at all. DePaul adheres to a "need-blind" admission policy, which means that a student's financial need is not taken into account in the admission decision.
How many DePaul students receive financial aid?
DePaul has planned its financial aid program to assist as many students as possible. As a result, about 65 percent of full-time students receive some form of financial aid at DePaul.
I sent in my financial aid information ages ago. How do I find out the status of my request?
You should call the Financial Aid office at (312) 362-8091.
Visiting Campus
I am interested in attending DePaul. Should I plan a visit?
One of the best ways to experience what life is like on campus is to visit. We offer a number of visit days each year. These events give an overview of everything DePaul has to offer. You will get the chance to learn more about admission, financial aid, student housing and other departments. You can also go on a tour of campus.
Throughout the calendar year, we also offer regularly scheduled weekly admission information sessions and tours of the Lincoln Park and Loop campuses. We provide the opportunity for you to enjoy a customized visit, as well, which might include taking a campus tour, visiting one of our residence halls, sitting in on a class, scheduling an overnight visit and more. Please contact us at 1-800-4-DePaul, extension 57500 or fill out our online form and we'll contact you to reserve your space.
Until you visit, you won't know exactly what it's like on campus. We encourage you to browse through our slideshow – it's a good place to find out more about life at DePaul.
Career Placement
I have no idea what kind of career I want after college. Where do I start?
Lots of new students feel unsure about their career goals. At DePaul, your advisor will help you explore different career options and choose courses that will help you decide. DePaul's Career Center provides a range of educational and career planning services for all DePaul students and alumni.
Lots of universities offer a good education, but how can I be sure I'll get a job after I graduate from DePaul?
DePaul is a career-minded university. Its partnership with the city provides students with exceptional career-related job experiences, internships, and mentorships at organizations such as the Chicago Tribune, Lincoln Park Zoological Society, and Motorola Inc. In addition, DePaul graduates are actively sought after each year by an average of 800 large and small domestic and international corporations, arts groups, educational institutions, government agencies, and competitive graduate programs.
Getting Involved
What can I expect my overall DePaul experience to be like?
We firmly believe that your education will be even more rewarding if you get involved in the many activities and organizations DePaul has to offer - outside of the classroom.
Whether you're interested in being a DJ, running for office, or playing intramural sports, DePaul has the extracurricular activity for you.
Students can choose to participate in a wide array of activities and organizations (more than 200) such as DePaul's literary magazine, radio station, newspaper, yearbook, choral groups, drama club, jazz band, student government, academic organizations, ethnic clubs, honorary academic groups, special interest clubs, debate team, and community service organizations. These are just a few of the many groups for you to get involved with. And, of course, there are the Blue Demon athletes who compete in the Big East Conference within the NCAA Division I intercollegiate level.
Or, if that's not enough, you can pursue your own activities throughout the lively city of Chicago - where there is always something to do.
For more information on Student Life at DePaul, explore the possibilities at our Student Services site.
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