DePaul University is a private Catholic research university in Chicago, Illinois, with locations in the Lincoln Park and Loop districts. It is a big school with around 14,374 undergraduates. Admissions is moderately competitive with an acceptance rate of around 73.5%. DePaul is test-optional; of students who provide scores, SAT and ACT. The most sought-after majors are Business, Communication, Social Sciences, Liberal Arts and Humanities, and Psychology. The six-year graduation rate stands at 70%, and DePaul graduates have a median starting salary of around $68,751 after a period of ten years from graduation.
University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is a public research university based in Chicago, Illinois, on the Near West Side. It is a large university with around 33,906 total students. Admissions are fairly competitive with an acceptance rate of about 79%. UIC is test-optional; the SAT scores. Business, Biology, Social Sciences, Engineering, and Health Professions are popular majors. The six-year graduation rate is about 71%, and UIC graduates have a median starting salary of about $68,740 ten years post-graduation.
| DePaul University | University of Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.1 Out of 10 | 5.4 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 1727 Center for World University Rankings 2025 # 151 US News 2024 # 1693 US News 2024 | # 201 Times Higher Education 2026 # 334 QS World University 2026 # 201 Times Higher Education 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 133 for Law by US News 2025 | # 201 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025 # 119 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 169 for Law by US News 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -134 PG Programs -98 Doctorate Programs -1 | UG Programs -89 PG Programs -57 Doctorate Programs -1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 0.0 % | 78.5 % |
| Exam Score | Duolingo-115 IELTS-6.5 PTE-53 TOEFL-80 | GMAT-600 GRE-299 IELTS-6.5 PTE-54 SAT-1080 TOEFL-80 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 41361 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 28224 [For PG Program] | Average Tuition Fees 44758 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 24738 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 29000 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 | Graduate Employability: 161-170 (2020). |
| application requirements | Submit official transcripts of all previous education Submit English language proficiency test scores Check program specific requirements | Applicants must have scores requirements: 66-91 (based on program). You are also required to fulfill country-specific requirements. |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 6.1/10 Read 6 reviews | 7.5/10 Read 8 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 601 for Business by QS World University 2025 | # 251 for Business by QS World University 2025 # 301 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| exam scores | Duolingo - 115/160GMAT - 500/800IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 53/90TOEFL - 80/120 | IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 54/90TOEFL - 80/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -71750 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) - |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | Jan 15, 2025 (Application Deadline For Spring 2025 Intake) Feb 2, 2025 (Ryan Family Scholarship Application deadline) Apr 15, 2025 (Application Deadline For Summer 2025 Intake) Jun 15, 2025 (Application Deadlilne For Fall 2025 Intake) Oct 15, 2025 (Application Deadline For Winter 2026 Intake) | Mar 15, 2026 (Application Deadline For 2026 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | DePaul University | University of Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1898 | 1867 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | :1 | 11:1 |
| Male:Female | 45% Male, 0% Female | 49% Male, 50% Female |
| Location Facts | DePaul's two campuses are in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago and in the downtown Loop area. | Located among culturally rich neighborhoods of Pilsen, Chinatown, Southloop, Little Italy, West loop, Greektown, is a 15-minute walk from downtown Chicago. It is highly accessible through public transport stops. |
| 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. | Total ebooks: 504,341. Databases: 634. Journals:60,000 are all housed together in 5 university libraries. The library also has a special and university archives collectiom. |
| 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. | Chicago’s only public university offers a pop-up pantry, wellness center, a gallery, theatre, student-run radio show, NCAA competing sports teams to indulge in. IT hosts free back to school concert, free comedy show during spring, The university has over 300 student organizations offering a number of opportunities to chose from. |
| Hostel | - | #Housing and Food Expenses - $14400 #Housing and Food Expenses - $14600 |
| Famous Alumni | Richard Driehaus, CEO, Driehaus Capital Management Andre Brown, forward, NBA 2007–2015 | Carol Moseley Braun (Former US Senator), Bernard Shaw (American Journalist), Bobby Rush (US representative), Justin Hartley (actor), Joanne McCarthy (baseball player), Adrian Smith (architect), Azhar Usman (Comedian), James Thompson (former governor Illinois). |
| 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 is the 3rd most populous city, 3rd largest gross metropolitan product and 2nd largest central business district in USA. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan. Home to several Fortune 500 companies (such as Boeing, McDonald's, Walgreens, Kraft Heinz, etc.). Famous landmarks include Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Science and Industry, Navy Pier, etc. The unemployment rate as high as 17.5% (April’ 2020). |
| Weather |
DePaul University vs University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
DePaul and UIC are both leading institutions in Chicago. UIC is generally ranked higher internationally as an internationally active public research institution. In QS World University Rankings 2026, UIC ranks 327th, and DePaul ranks 901–950. In US News National Universities 2025, UIC is ranked 82nd, and DePaul is ranked 294th. UIC is particularly good in Engineering, Health Professions, and Social Sciences, with global top 100 rankings in Clinical Medicine. DePaul performs well in Business, Communication, and Performing Arts, with significant rankings in the top 50% in these disciplines (EduRank 2025).
General Information
UIC is the larger university, with an enrollment of 33,906 versus DePaul's 21,348. UIC has more than 250 undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs in 16 colleges that focus on research and urban community involvement. DePaul has more than 300 programs in 10 colleges that concentrate on professional and creative education in its urban locations. UIC's campus blends into Chicago's medical and tech areas, while DePaul's two-campus design serves traditional as well as professional students.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
UIC has a slightly higher acceptance rate at 79% than DePaul's 73.5%. Both are test-optional. The SAT range for UIC is 1140–1330, and for DePaul it is ~1240; ACT ranges are 28–29 for DePaul. DePaul enrolls students with an average high school GPA of 3.8, while the typically admitted students of UIC range from 3.5–3.75. UIC places a focus on diversity and access, and DePaul places a focus on creative and professional programs.
Research Impact & Facilities
UIC, being an R1 research institution, enjoys a strong research profile in Medicine, Engineering, and Social Sciences, with large research centers and library facilities. DePaul, with high research activity classification, specializes in Business, Communication, and Social Sciences, with a background in urban campus resources and alliances in Chicago's corporate world. UIC's research activity is greater, based on its size and public support.
Cost & Financial Aid
DePaul's undergraduate rate is $45,195, with room/board costing $19,095. Financial aid is received by most students, averaging $30,302 per freshman. UIC's in-state rate is $12,656, with room/board costing $14,400. UIC has more reasonably priced choices, with 66% of students accepting grants or scholarships. UIC's public school status makes it easier for in-state students to attend, and DePaul's increased aid figures are a plus for private university students.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
DePaul alumni receive a slightly higher median incomes ($68,751 vs. UIC's $68,740, decade after graduation), but UIC has a slightly lower rate of graduation (71% vs. 70%). UIC alumni perform well in Medicine, Engineering, and public administration, taking advantage of its public research status and the medical district in Chicago. DePaul alumni perform well in Business, Communication, and Performing Arts, with strong connections to Chicago's business and creative communities. UIC's wider alumni community fosters diverse career opportunities, while DePaul's urban affiliations promote professional success.
