DePaul University is a private, Catholic research institution in Chicago, Illinois, located in the Lincoln Park and Loop districts. It is a large university with about 14,374 undergraduate students. DePaul's admissions are moderately competitive with an acceptance rate around 73.5%. The most sought-after majors are Business, Communication, Social Sciences, Liberal Arts and Humanities, and Psychology. Six-year graduation rate stands at 70%, and DePaul alumni have a median income of about $68,750 (INR 57,00,000) about ten years after enrollment.
Loyola University Chicago is a private Catholic research institution based in Chicago, Illinois, with its primary campus located in Rogers Park and a second campus in downtown Chicago. It is a mid-sized university with about 12,487 undergraduate students. Admissions is slightly selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 79%. Business, Social Sciences, Biology, Psychology, and Health Professions are some of the most sought-after majors. The six-year graduation rate is approximately 72%, and Loyola graduates have a median salary of around $71,530 (INR 59,30,000) ten years post-enrollment.
| DePaul University | Loyola University | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.1 Out of 10 | 4.1 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 1727 Center for World University Rankings 2025 # 151 US News 2024 # 1693 US News 2024 | # 1001 QS World University 2026 # 734 Center for World University Rankings 2025 # 1001 QS World University 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 133 for Law by US News 2025 | # 501 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 79 for Law by US News 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -134 PG Programs -98 Doctorate Programs -1 | UG Programs -115 PG Programs -40 |
| Acceptance Rate | 73.5 % | 81.4 % |
| Exam Score | IELTS-6.5 TOEFL-80 | IELTS-6.5 SAT-1120 TOEFL-79 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 41361 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 28224 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 36990 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 42720 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 30990 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 27180 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | The programs and the average salary are as follows: Doctorate: $140,000 MBA: $115,000 Masters of Arts: $100,000 Masters in Science: $93,000 Masters in Finance: $69,000 Bachelor of Science: $65,000 | Top median earnings of the university students after completing bachelors in the following majors are given below: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, Clinical Nursing - $66,195 Top median earnings of the university students after completing masters in the following majors are given below: Health and Medical Administrative Services - $220,906 |
| application requirements | Submit official transcripts of all previous education Submit English language proficiency test scores Check program specific requirements | Submit official transcripts Submitting entrance scores is optional Submit English language scores Check program specific requirements |
| Campuses and B-Schools | NA | Loyola University Loyola University Maryland |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 6.1/10 Read 6 reviews | 7.6/10 Read 4 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 601 for Business by QS World University 2025 | # 551 for Business by QS World University 2025 |
| exam scores | Duolingo - 115/160GMAT - 500/800IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 53/90TOEFL - 80/120 | Duolingo - 115/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 61/90TOEFL - 90/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -71750 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -63360 |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | DePaul University | Loyola University |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1898 | 1870 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 16:1 | 14:1 |
| Male:Female | 48% Male, 52% Female | 34% Male, 66% Female |
| Location Facts | DePaul's two campuses are in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago and in the downtown Loop area. | Loyola's flagship Lake Shore Campus is on the shores of Lake Michigan in the Rogers Park and Edgewater neighborhoods on Chicago's north side, about seven and a half miles north of the Loop. The other campuses are water tower campus, health sciences campus and John Felice Rome center. |
| Library | DePaul University Library supports faculty teaching and research, and also partners with faculty to promote student success by providing research help and instruction, as well as access to resources. | The university has four libraries spread across its campuses. Libraries provide resources to the students, faculty and staff that are useful in their research and studies. The new Library Catalog is a discovery system used to find Loyola’s physical library collections (books, journals, DVD, archives, and more) as well as the majority of our online resources (e-books, article databases, streaming video, and more). The Library Catalog combines access to all of these resources into a single search location. |
| Campus Life | DePaul has more than 350 student organizations dedicated to community service, student government, professional development, recreational sports and more. The easiest way to learn about all of DePaul's student organizations is to attend the semi-annual Student Involvement Fair. It's held at the beginning of the Fall and Winter quarters at both the Loop and Lincoln Park campuses. University's on-campus dorms, suites and apartments are comfortable, spacious and full of students giving the students an instant sense of community when they walk through the door. Students can play various type of sports like basketball, volleyball, swimming etc. The DePaul Art Museum (DPAM) features international and national, contemporary and historical work — including work from Salvador Dali, Francisco De Goya and Andy Warhol. The university also provides various resources to the students like mental health counselling, health services etc. | Whether you live on campus or off, you’re sure to find a home away from home at Loyola. And with two campuses in the city, you’re never more than a few steps away from all the great things Chicago has to offer. As a Jesuit university, Loyola considers faith and spirituality to be essential components of education. The university offers several spirituality programs for students and encourage everyone to explore the religious diversity of other faiths. Loyola athletes compete in 15 Division I sports, giving you plenty of chances to root for the mighty Ramblers. The university provides students with primary medical care, preventive services, and wellness programs designed for young adults. Students have access to 30+Intramural and club sports at Loyola and 200+ Student organizations you can join. |
| Hostel | #Off campus (not with family) - $13797 #On campus - $19095 #Off campus (with family) - $4098 | #Off campus (not with family) - $11500 #On campus - $14080 #Off campus (with family) - $1600 |
| Famous Alumni | Richard Driehaus, CEO, Driehaus Capital Management Andre Brown, forward, NBA 2007–2015 | Leslie David Baker, actor (The Office) |
| City Life | The third-largest city in the U.S., Chicago, is the ideal city for people who want to live in a world-class city with Midwest values. The Windy City offers more than its fair share of culture, Michelin-starred restaurants, world-class business districts, and neighborhoods that are its true character. Despite not having access to the coast like its urban rivals, New York and Los Angeles, the Chicago lakefront is a significant part of city life. With numerous beaches, waterfront restaurants, and an abundance of recreational activities, the lakefront offers a nice reprieve from the summer heat. The bulk of Chicago’s scene surrounds the downtown areas of River North and the Loop. Chicago’s 77 different neighborhoods offer their own unique flair of attractions, culture, and history. Chicago’s job market is robust- always in search of top talent. High-paying positions are in high demand. Marketing jobs in Chicago, in particular, are a popular career in the industries of sports entertainment, tech companies, startups, and major corporations like Morningstar, United, and Boeing. | Chicago has around 2.7 million residents. In addition to the Windy City (which refers to boastful politicians as well as the weather), Chicago also goes by the Second City. Chicago has the 2nd largest public transportation system (behind New York City). The city is a large metropolis, but its residents have a friendly, midwestern attitude. Chicago is a melting pot and home to people from all over the world. Chicago has more than 20 beaches with free public access. The food scene is top notch. Local love for the city’s sports teams is real. One of the major points to consider before moving is the cost of living in Chicago. According to BestPlaces, Chicago’s cost of living is about 7% higher than the U.S. average. There’s always something to do in Chicago, and many times, it won’t cost you a dime (free museum days, local live music, and outdoor festivals to name a few). Chicago has more than 60 museums (and the like) for you to explore. |
| Weather |
DePaul University vs Loyola University Chicago
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
Both Loyola and DePaul are reputable private Catholic institutions. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, Loyola is ranked 1001–1200 and DePaul is not in the overall global top 1500 for this year's ranking. In the US News National Universities 2025 rankings, Loyola ranks #132 in National Universities and DePaul ranks 165th. Loyola shines particularly in Health Professions, Social Sciences, Biology, and Psychology, with national prominence in healthcare fields. DePaul is particularly strong in Business, Communication, and Performing Arts, with excellent rankings in the top half of US programs (EduRank 2025).
General Information
DePaul is the bigger university with overall enrollment of 21,348 (undergraduate + graduate) versus Loyola's 17,397. DePaul has more than 300 undergraduate and graduate programs in its 10 colleges with an urban and professional focus. Its Lincoln Park and Loop campuses are deeply embedded in Chicago's business, cultural, and media centers. Loyola has 80 undergraduate and 140 graduate programs that are steeped in a Jesuit liberal arts tradition. Its Lake Shore Campus on Lake Michigan offers a more traditional college experience, with the Water Tower Campus linking to downtown Chicago's professional and medical hubs.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
DePaul: Acceptance rate 73.5 %, average GPA ~3.8. Test-optional, but middle 50% SAT range 1130–1340; ACT 26–31. Loyola: Acceptance rate ~79%, mean admitted SAT ~1250; ACT ~29. Middle 50% SAT range 1160–1340; ACT 27–31. Both institutions are test-optional. DePaul focuses on professional and creative programs, whereas Loyola stresses social justice, ethics, and Jesuit values.
Research Impact & Facilities
Both institutions are categorized as research universities with high research activity (R2). Loyola: Defining strengths in Health Professions, Biology, and Social Sciences, complemented by research institutes, the Cudahy Science Hall, and collaborations with medical centers. DePaul: Known for Business, Communication, and Digital Media, with close Chicago industry relationships and buildings such as the Loop Campus College of Business and Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media. Loyola's health and biological sciences research output is slightly more, while DePaul uses Chicago's business sector for applied research.
Cost & Financial Aid
DePaul: Projected full annual cost (2025–26) is $69,320, with average net price after aid of $32,129. Approximately 98% of students are awarded financial aid, with an average merit award of ~$18,580. Loyola: Projected full annual price (2025–26) is $74,110, with a net price of $37,592. Approximately 91% of the students are given financial aid, with excellent support for applicants who are need-based. DePaul is not quite as expensive overall, but Loyola has very good aid packages, particularly for students who have demonstrated financial need.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
DePaul alumni have a median income of $68,750 ten years after matriculation. Alumni succeed in Business, Communication, and Performing Arts through the industries of Chicago and DePaul's large alumni network. Loyola alumni have a median income of $71,530 ten years after matriculation. Alumni particularly excel in Health Professions, Social Sciences, and Nonprofit/Community Service, due to the Jesuit nature of the university. Loyola boasts a slightly better graduation rate (72% vs. 70%) and retention rate (84% vs. ~83%), and DePaul the benefit of a more extensive alumni network and greater urban exposure.
