M.B.A from Depaul University

Master of Business Administration (Accountancy) at DePaul University, Chicago

DePaul University’s Master of Business Administration in Accountancy, offered through the prestigious Driehaus College of Business and Kellstadt Graduate School of Business, is a 15-month full-time program designed to equip professionals with comprehensive accounting expertise and business acumen. Located in Chicago, Illinois, DePaul’s MBA Accountancy program combines rigorous academic training with practical industry experience, making it an excellent choice for international students aspiring to build careers in accounting and finance.

The program is AACSB-accredited, placing DePaul among the top 5% of business schools globally. For Indian students, this program offers a pathway to American business education with strong employment prospects, OPT work authorization, and potential H-1B eligibility. Chicago’s thriving business ecosystem, combined with DePaul’s networking opportunities, creates an ideal environment for aspiring accountants.

The MBA Accountancy specialization distinguishes itself by combining foundational MBA coursework with specialized accounting modules, preparing graduates for roles as certified public accountants, financial analysts, auditors, and accounting managers across Fortune 500 companies and mid-market firms.

Program Cost and Financial Planning for MBA Accountancy at DePaul University

Understanding the complete cost structure is essential for Indian students planning to pursue an MBA at DePaul. The tuition for the MBA Accountancy program is $35,760 per academic year, translating to ?3,406,926 at the current exchange rate (95.26 USD-INR as of June 2026). For the 15-month program, students typically complete coursework in two academic years, resulting in total tuition costs of approximately $71,520 (?6,813,852).

Beyond tuition, students must budget for living expenses in Chicago. The monthly cost of living for MBA students in Chicago ranges from $2,000 to $2,500, including accommodation ($1,200-$1,400), food ($400-$500), transportation ($150-$200), and personal expenses ($250-$400). Over 15 months, this translates to approximately $30,000 to $37,500 (?2,857,800 to ?3,572,250). Books, supplies, and course materials add another $1,500-$2,000 per year (?142,890 to ?190,520).

Payment options include quarterly installments aligned with DePaul’s academic calendar. For Indian students, currency fluctuations and INR depreciation should be factored into long-term budgeting. Many students combine tuition financing with part-time on-campus employment (up to 20 hours weekly during the academic year) to offset living costs.

Scholarships and Financial Aid for MBA Accountancy at DePaul

DePaul University offers multiple scholarship avenues to reduce the financial burden for international students, particularly those pursuing the MBA in Accountancy. The university’s scholarship portfolio includes merit-based awards, graduate assistantships, and specialized funding for accounting professionals.

Merit-based scholarships for MBA students typically range from $5,000 to $20,000 per year, awarded based on GMAT/GRE scores, undergraduate GPA, and professional experience. The Kellstadt Graduate School offers tuition waivers for students with exceptional academic credentials. Additionally, DePaul’s Double Demon alumni discount program provides up to 25% tuition reduction for graduates of DePaul’s undergraduate programs or family members.

Graduate assistantships in the College of Business offer opportunities for students to work 10-15 hours weekly in administrative, teaching, or research roles while receiving tuition credits worth $5,000-$10,000 annually. These positions are highly competitive but provide valuable professional experience alongside financial assistance. For Indian students, some assistantships may not require work authorization complications, though F-1 students must work on-campus.

External funding sources include scholarships from Indian organizations, education loan providers in India (HDFC, ICICI, AXIS), and the Indian government’s international education schemes. Students should explore Chevening Scholarships (if UK dual-citizenship applies) and educational loans from banks offering competitive rates for US MBA programs.

DePaul’s financial aid office works with international students to identify funding opportunities and structure payment plans. Early application (by January or April deadlines) maximizes scholarship eligibility, as merit awards are distributed sequentially as admissions decisions are made.

Admission Requirements for DePaul MBA Accountancy

DePaul University maintains a holistic admissions process for its MBA Accountancy program, evaluating candidates on academic credentials, professional experience, English proficiency, and demonstrated interest in accounting. The overall university acceptance rate is 74%, though MBA cohorts are more selective with higher typical credentials.

Academic requirements include a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA (approximately 86% on Indian grading systems). While GMAT or GRE scores are optional for MBA admission, strong scores (above 550 for GMAT, above 300 for GRE) significantly strengthen applications. Test scores older than five years are not considered valid.

English proficiency is required for all international students. The minimum TOEFL score is 80 on the Internet-Based Test (iBT) with individual section scores of at least 17. Alternatively, applicants may submit IELTS scores of 6.5 or higher, Duolingo English Test scores of 115+, or PTE scores of 53+. Students from English-medium educational backgrounds may request waivers.

Professional experience is valued but not mandatory. The program accepts students straight from undergraduate studies as well as mid-career professionals with 3-10 years of accounting or finance experience. Prior accounting knowledge or certifications (CA, CPA, ACCA) enhance candidacy but are not prerequisites.

Indian students should note that DePaul actively recruits from India, and demonstrating fluency in English (especially conversational ability) can overcome borderline test scores. Letters of recommendation from professors or employers carry significant weight in evaluation.

Application Process and Timeline for MBA Accountancy at DePaul

DePaul operates on a rolling admissions basis with quarterly application deadlines. For the MBA Accountancy program, international students seeking the full-time cohort should apply by the fall intake deadline (typically June 15 or earlier for full consideration). Additional deadlines fall on October 15, January 15, and April 15, but fall enrollment offers the strongest cohort experience and optimal internship timing.

The application process requires submission of five core components. First, the completed online application form through DePaul’s graduate admissions portal. Second, official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate degree-granting institutions, with English translations if originally in another language. Third, proof of English proficiency via TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE scores (sent directly to DePaul’s code 6316 for TOEFL).

Fourth, a personal essay (500-750 words) articulating your professional goals, motivation for pursuing an MBA in Accountancy, and how DePaul specifically aligns with your career aspirations. This essay is critical for competitive applications. Fifth, a resume or CV highlighting relevant work experience, certifications, and professional achievements.

Two letters of recommendation are required, ideally from academic professors or direct supervisors who can speak to your analytical abilities, teamwork, and academic potential. For Indian applicants without strong academic referees, professional recommendations from senior colleagues or audit/finance managers are acceptable.

After submission, the graduate admissions office reviews applications within 2-4 weeks. Strong candidates are invited to interviews (conducted virtually for international applicants), typically lasting 20-30 minutes. Interviewers assess communication skills, professional motivation, and fit with the program. Admission decisions are communicated via email, with accepted students receiving enrollment deposits and visa sponsorship documentation.

Indian students must allow 6-8 weeks post-admission for visa processing. The College of Business provides an I-20 form immediately upon enrollment commitment, enabling F-1 visa applications at US embassies in India. Visa interview preparation, including financial documentation (tuition fees, living expenses, sponsor affidavits) and enrollment verification letters, should commence upon I-20 receipt.

Lifestyle and Campus Experience at DePaul MBA

DePaul’s campus is located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, a vibrant area with excellent public transportation, restaurants, cultural institutions, and professional networking opportunities. The MBA program operates both at the downtown Chicago campus and the Loop campus, offering flexibility for working students while maintaining strong community engagement.

The MBA Accountancy cohort comprises approximately 150-200 students per cohort, creating a tight-knit professional community. Class sizes average 30-40 students per course, enabling meaningful instructor interaction. Peer cohorts are diverse, with 40-45% international students from 30+ countries, enriching classroom discussions with global perspectives on accounting standards (IFRS vs GAAP), taxation, and regulatory frameworks.

Campus life includes dedicated MBA clubs and organizations: the Accounting Club, Kellstadt Graduate Student Association, CPA Society partnerships, and industry networking events with the Big Four (Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC). Guest speakers from major audit and accounting firms visit quarterly, and alumni mentorship programs connect current students with practitioners in target industries.

Chicago’s cost of living is moderate compared to coastal tech hubs, with international MBA students budgeting $1,500-$2,000 monthly for housing, food, and entertainment. Apartments near campus rent for $800-$1,200 (shared) to $1,300-$1,600 (private bedroom), with roommate-sharing common among international cohorts. The university operates a housing portal and partners with off-campus providers to assist students.

Social and cultural integration opportunities abound. Chicago hosts India House (cultural student center), Indian student associations at nearby universities, Diwali festivals, and Indian cuisine restaurants throughout the city. For sports enthusiasts, Chicago’s professional sports culture (Cubs, Bears, White Sox) provides community bonding, while numerous hiking, running, and outdoor recreation groups cater to active students.

Mental health and academic support services are comprehensive. DePaul’s International Student Office, Office of Disability Services, and Counseling Services support students’ holistic well-being. The library system provides 24/7 access, group study spaces, and research support. For accounting students, tutoring in advanced topics like consolidations, derivatives, and tax planning is available.

Graduate Outcomes and Placement for DePaul MBA Accountancy

DePaul’s MBA Accountancy program maintains strong employment outcomes, with 92% of graduates employed within three months of graduation. The program ranks #41 nationally for MBA Accountancy programs (Eduniversal 2020) and graduates from the accounting specialization have secured positions at Big Four firms (Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC), mid-market accounting firms (Grant Thornton, BDO, CliftonLarsonAllen), and corporate accounting departments across sectors.

Career pathways post-MBA include positions as senior accountant, accounting manager, senior auditor, tax senior, or financial analyst—typically commanding salaries of $65,000-$80,000 in entry-level roles and $100,000+ within 5 years. For international graduates on OPT work authorization, the accounting profession is high-demand, particularly CPA-track positions where American credentials are essential for career progression.

The MBA Accountancy curriculum specifically prepares students for the Uniform CPA Examination (USCPA), a critical credential for accounting professionals. Most graduates complete CPA requirements within 12-24 months post-graduation, with exam pass rates among DePaul MBAs exceeding national averages. Passing the USCPA while on F-1 visa is permissible, and many employers sponsor candidates for exam fees ($500-$800 per state section).

Indian students leveraging OPT (Optional Practical Training) can work for 12-24 months post-graduation without employment sponsorship, allowing time to acquire US accounting experience and CPA credentials—both highly valued by Indian firms upon return. Approximately 35% of DePaul MBA Accountancy alumni eventually return to India or transition to Indian multinational corporations (TCS, Infosys, HCL, Deloitte India, EY India) in senior accounting or finance roles.

Professional development support extends beyond graduation. DePaul’s Kellstadt Career Services maintains partnerships with recruiters, facilitates alumni networking, and provides resume review and interview coaching. The MBA Accountancy program also maintains connections with the Illinois CPA Society and state board of accountancy, supporting licensing pathways for both US and international credentials.

Visa and Post-Study Work Opportunities at DePaul

International students pursuing the MBA Accountancy at DePaul are sponsored for the F-1 Student Visa, the standard visa category for full-time graduate study in the United States. The F-1 visa permits full-time enrollment, part-time on-campus employment (up to 20 hours weekly during semesters), and practical training opportunities (discussed below). Visa sponsorship is provided immediately upon enrollment confirmation via the I-20 document issued by DePaul’s International Student Office.

F-1 visa application at US embassies in India requires proof of financial resources (tuition fees and living expenses), enrollment verification, and a clean background. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks, with interview appointment availability depending on mission-specific demand. Students are advised to apply 6-8 weeks after receiving the I-20 to secure visas before program start dates.

Upon completing the MBA, international graduates are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), a critical benefit for Indian students. OPT permits employment in the United States for 12-24 months, depending on eligibility: standard MBA graduates receive 12 months of OPT, while accounting and certain business-track graduates may qualify for an additional 24-month STEM extension if the degree qualifies. With STEM-OPT extension, Indian MBA Accountancy graduates can legally work for up to 36 months post-graduation.

During OPT, international graduates work on an EAD (Employment Authorization Document) without requiring employer sponsorship, providing crucial time to acquire US work experience, professional certifications (such as CPA), and build professional networks. This extended timeline is invaluable for accounting professionals transitioning to corporate or big four roles that typically sponsor H-1B visa transitions only after OPT expiration.

Post-OPT, graduates typically transition to H-1B visa sponsorship if remaining in the US, or return to India with enhanced credentials. The H-1B visa requires employer sponsorship and is subject to annual lottery caps; however, MBA graduates with CPA credentials are highly marketable and frequently sponsored by big four firms and multinational corporations. Indian government and private sector employers increasingly value American MBA credentials combined with US work experience, making the DePaul MBA + OPT pathway a strategic career investment for ambitious Indian accounting professionals.

Peer University Comparison

When evaluating the DePaul MBA Accountancy program, prospective students often compare it against peer institutions in the Midwest and nationally. Below is a comparison with similar-tier MBA programs offering accountancy specializations and strong Indian student populations.

DePaul’s competitive advantages include lower tuition than most peer Midwest institutions (especially UIUC and Kelley), strong AACSB accreditation, located in Chicago’s major business hub, and a robust accounting placement network through big four partnerships. The higher acceptance rate (74%) reflects DePaul’s holistic admissions approach, which favors experienced professionals and diverse cohorts—attractive for international candidates with strong work backgrounds but potentially lower standardized test scores.

Compared to higher-ranked programs (UIUC #22, Kelley #18), DePaul offers better value at lower tuition with comparable employment outcomes for accounting graduates. The Chicago location provides unmatched networking access to accounting and audit functions of major corporations, where DePaul alumni are well-represented. For Indian students prioritizing affordability, practical experience, and post-MBA work authorization, DePaul’s combination of cost, outcomes, and OPT benefits is highly competitive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)