DePaul University was founded in 1898, by the Congregation of the Mission (or Vincentian) religious community, which follows the teachings of 17th century French priest St. Vincent de Paul. The university's mission emphasizes academic excellence, service to the community, access to education and respect for the individual.
DePaul University is the nation's largest Catholic institution of higher education and is the ninth largest private, not-for-profit university in the nation. Of the 10 largest private universities, all except DePaul are classified as "research extensive" universities, making DePaul the nation's largest university with a primary mission of teaching and service.
DePaul University uses the quarter system of class scheduling, offers more than 250 undergraduate, graduate and professional programs of study.