Depaul University MS Health Informatics: Fees, Living Costs, Test Scores, Visa Process, Work during Study, Entry Requirements.

DePaul University MS in Health Informatics 2026 Entry : Dates, Fees, Eligibility & Entry Requirements etc.

Chicago, IllinoisLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1898established year
21210enrollment
Private (Not for Profit)
Partner [5 Courses]
6.3/10

Master of Science [M.S] (Health Informatics)

2 years
Full Time
On Campus
College Partner

Field of Study

$23,592 /Yr

15 Students Applied
8 Students Admitted
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Naman Mittal

Updated on - Jun 19, 2026

DePaul University Master of Science (M.S.) Health Informatics is a 24-month full-time graduate program. It prepares healthcare IT professionals to lead digital transformation in hospitals and health systems. The program combines software engineering, data analytics, and healthcare policy. Eligibility requires a bachelor’s degree, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and English language proficiency (TOEFL iBT 80 or IELTS 6.5). Total tuition is US$38,000 (INR 36.22 Lakhs). Students can enrol in Fall (September) or Spring (January) intakes.

Health informatics is one of the fastest-growing tech fields in healthcare. DePaul’s program emphasizes interoperability standards, EHR systems, healthcare data governance, and clinical decision support. The faculty includes practising healthcare IT directors. Graduates work at major health systems, pharma companies, and health tech startups. This program is ideal for those combining IT expertise with healthcare business acumen.

  • A STEM-designated degree allows up to 36 months of post-study work (OPT plus STEM extension).
  • Strong Indian student cohort (20-25% of international enrolment) eases transition and networking.
  • Located in Chicago, a major healthcare IT hub with employers like Allscripts, Epic Systems regional offices, and major hospital networks.

For more information, check out DePaul University

Current Admission Status

Applications for the Fall 2026 intake are Open. International student deadline: 15 July 2026.

Indian applicants should complete TOEFL/IELTS testing and have transcripts evaluated by WES at least 8 weeks before the deadline to ensure on-time submission.


DePaul University Health Informatics Fees and Living Costs 2026

Tuition costs vary slightly by semester due to course mix and electives. All figures below are confirmed for the 2024–2025 academic year.

Fee Component Amount (USD) Amount (INR)
Annual tuition (Year 1) US$19,000 INR 18.11 Lakhs
Annual tuition (Year 2) US$19,000 INR 18.11 Lakhs
Technology and lab fees (annual) US$450 INR 42,867
Health insurance (annual) US$2,800 INR 2.67 Lakhs
Books and software (annual) US$1,200 INR 1.14 Lakhs
Total programme cost (24 months) US$42,450 INR 40.50 Lakhs
  • Tuition is charged per credit hour at approximately US$800 per credit; full-time enrolment is 9-12 credits per semester.
  • Health insurance is mandatory for all international students and is included in the totals above.
  • Technology fees cover access to EHR simulation software, healthcare databases, and cloud computing platforms used in coursework.
  • Books and software expenses include specialised health IT textbooks, coding tools, and HIPAA compliance frameworks.

Cost of Living in Chicago for Health Informatics Students

Chicago’s cost of living is moderate for a major US city. Most graduate students live in shared apartments near campus.

Expense Category Monthly Range (USD) Monthly Range (INR)
Shared apartment rent US$900–US$1,100 INR 85,734–INR 1.05 Lakhs
Food and groceries US$300–US$400 INR 28,578–INR 38,104
Public transport pass US$105 INR 1.00 Lakhs
Utilities (internet, phone) US$100–US$150 INR 95,312–INR 1.43 Lakhs
Personal care and misc. US$200–US$300 INR 1.91 Lakhs–INR 2.86 Lakhs
Total living expenses (monthly) US$1,605–US$2,050 INR 1.53 Lakhs–INR 1.95 Lakhs
Total living expenses (24 months) US$38,520–US$49,200 INR 36.76 Lakhs–INR 46.95 Lakhs
Cost Reality for Indian Students: Combined tuition and living expenses for 24 months range from INR 77.26 Lakhs to INR 87.45 Lakhs. Many students work part-time (20 hours/week on-campus during studies, unrestricted after graduation) to offset living costs; typical hourly wage is US$17–US$20.

For more information, check out DePaul University courses and fees

All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.26 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily, verify before applying.

DePaul University Health Informatics Admission 2026

DePaul offers four intake cycles annually (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer). The programme is open to international students; no visa sponsorship is restricted.

Intake Start Month Application Deadline Status
Fall September 2026 15 July 2026 Open
Winter January 2027 15 October 2026 Open
Spring April 2027 15 February 2027 Expected
Summer June 2027 15 April 2027 Expected

Academic eligibility requires completion of a bachelor’s degree (any field) with minimum 3.0 GPA. Prerequisites include foundational understanding of computer science or IT; the admissions office will note deficiencies and may require post-admission bridge courses.

English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirements

All non-native English speakers must submit one of the following test scores:

  • TOEFL iBT: Minimum 80 overall (no section below 17).
  • IELTS: Minimum 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0).
  • Duolingo English Test: Minimum 115.
  • PTE Academic: Minimum 53.

For Indian applicants, TOEFL iBT 80 is widely achievable with 6–8 weeks of preparation. IELTS is slightly more conversational; choose based on your English comfort level. Allow 4 weeks for test result processing before submitting the application.

DePaul University ranks #169 nationally (US News 2025). The Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media, which houses the Health Informatics programme, is known for industry partnerships with healthcare IT vendors.

DePaul University Health Informatics Application 2026

Applications are submitted online via the DePaul Graduate Admissions portal. Processing time is 4–6 weeks after submission.

Application Round Intake Month / Year Deadline Status
Round 1 Fall 2026 15 July 2026 Open
Round 2 Winter 2027 15 October 2026 Open
Round 3 Spring 2027 15 February 2027 Expected
Round 4 Summer 2027 15 April 2027 Expected

Required documents: completed online application, bachelor’s degree transcript, three professional or academic references, statement of purpose (1-2 pages), CV, and English language test score. Application fee is US$75 for international students.

No GMAT or GRE is required for Health Informatics, though strong quantitative reasoning in your undergraduate transcript strengthens the application. WES (World Education Services) transcript evaluation is required; processing takes 7–10 business days.

Application Tip for Indian Students: Submit your WES evaluation request 6 weeks before the deadline. Request official transcripts from your university early; postal delays from India add 2 – 3 weeks. Use the Express Mail system and track shipment.

For more information, check out DePaul University's admissions

DePaul University Health Informatics Scholarships 2026

DePaul awards merit-based scholarships ranging from US$5,000 to US$20,000 (INR 4.76 Lakhs to INR 19.05 Lakhs) per year. Scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis during admissions review; no separate application is required.

Strong applicants with relevant IT work experience, healthcare exposure, or published research are prioritised. International students receive the same consideration as domestic students. Typical scholarship value for Health Informatics students is US$8,000 to US$12,000 annually.

Scholarship Type Annual Award (USD) Annual Award (INR) Eligibility
Merit-based grant US$5,000–US$15,000 INR 4.76 Lakhs–INR 14.29 Lakhs GPA 3.5+, career goals
Graduate assistantship US$7,500 + tuition waiver INR 7.15 Lakhs + INR 18.11 Lakhs tuition Competitive, 10 positions
Department scholarship US$3,000–US$8,000 INR 2.86 Lakhs–INR 7.62 Lakhs Healthcare IT background

Graduate assistantships (research or teaching) reduce your out-of-pocket costs significantly. These are highly competitive and typically offered to the strongest applicants. Assistants work 10 hours per week and receive tuition remission plus a monthly stipend.

Scholarship Reality: Average out-of-pocket cost after merit aid is INR 25–32 Lakhs for 24 months. Assistantships eliminate this entirely. Indian students have successfully secured both merit scholarships and assistantships based on strong IT background and GPA.

Also check, 

DePaul University Health Informatics Salary 2026

Graduates from DePaul’s Health Informatics programme secure roles in healthcare IT at major health systems, technology vendors, and consulting firms. Placement rate is 92% within 6 months of graduation.

Job Title Starting Salary (USD) Starting Salary (INR) Median Salary 3 Years (USD) Median Salary 3 Years (INR)
Health IT Analyst US$58,000 INR 55.31 Lakhs US$72,000 INR 68.59 Lakhs
EHR Implementation Specialist US$65,000 INR 61.92 Lakhs US$82,000 INR 78.11 Lakhs
Clinical Systems Manager US$70,000 INR 66.68 Lakhs US$92,000 INR 87.64 Lakhs
Healthcare Data Analyst US$62,000 INR 59.06 Lakhs US$80,000 INR 76.21 Lakhs
Average starting salary US$63,750 INR 60.78 Lakhs US$81,500 INR 77.64 Lakhs

Salaries vary by location and employer size. Roles in New York, San Francisco, and Boston command 15–25% premiums over national averages. Consulting firms (Deloitte, Accenture) and large health systems (Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Cedars-Sinai) offer higher entry salaries than regional hospitals.

Take-home pay after federal income tax (12–22% bracket) and FICA is typically 75–85% of gross. Use the IRS tax calculator or consult a CPA for precise estimates based on your state.

ROI Reality: Total investment (tuition + living costs) averages INR 77–87 Lakhs. Average starting salary covers this in 14–18 months. Salary growth over 5 years typically reaches INR 95 Lakhs+ (US$95,000–US$120,000), offering strong lifetime ROI for Indian graduates transitioning to H1B roles.

USA Visa for Health Informatics Students 2026

All international students at DePaul University are sponsored on the F-1 Student Visa. The process requires Form I-20 (issued by DePaul), visa interview at a US Embassy or Consulate, and biometric screening.

  • Post-Graduation Work Permit (OPT): Health Informatics is a STEM-designated programme. Graduates receive 12 months of standard OPT plus 24 months of STEM extension, totalling 36 months (3 years) of legal work authorisation in the USA.
  • H1B Visa Eligibility: After OPT expires, graduates are eligible for H1B skilled-worker sponsorship. DePaul reports strong H1B conversion rates for healthcare IT roles; employers in Chicago and major metro areas actively sponsor.
  • Spouse and Dependents: F-2 visa holders (spouse/children) may accompany you. Spouses cannot work but children can attend school. Dependent visa processing adds 4–6 weeks and costs approximately US$300 per dependent.
  • Return to India: On-campus employment is permitted up to 20 hours per week during studies and full-time during authorised breaks. Wages range from US$17 to US$21 per hour at campus IT help desk roles.
Visa Reality for Indian Students: STEM extension eligibility is critical. Health Informatics STEM designation gives you 3 years of work authorisation post-graduation, substantially longer than non-STEM peers (1 year). This time window allows securing H1B sponsorship and transitioning to longer-term work visas or PR pathways.

Also check, F1 Visa Application: A Comprehensive Guide

DePaul University Health Informatics Ranking 2026

The U.S. News & World Report does not publish a dedicated ranking for Health Informatics programmes. DePaul’s overall position in graduate computer science and information systems ranks within the top 50 nationally (U.S. News 2025).

The Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media holds regional reputation for healthcare technology partnerships. Employer recognition surveys place DePaul Health Informatics graduates among the top-tier in hiring and retention (PayScale, LinkedIn Salary data). Healthcare IT industry bodies (HIMSS, AHIMA) frequently cite DePaul alumni as programme leaders.

Peer recognition comes from strong placement rates (92% within 6 months) and alumni salary growth. Organisations like Epic Systems, Cerner, and Allscripts actively recruit from DePaul’s programme, validating its standing in the healthcare IT ecosystem.

Key Insight: While no specific health informatics subject ranking exists, programme strength is evidenced through employer hiring patterns and graduate outcomes. Health informatics is an emerging field; academic rankings often lag industry recognition. DePaul’s partnerships with major health tech vendors and strong alumni outcomes signal genuine programme quality.

DePaul University Health Informatics Graduate Outcomes and Placement 2026

DePaul tracks graduate employment outcomes systematically. The Health Informatics programme reports strong placement metrics across healthcare IT sectors.

Metric Value Context
Placement rate (6 months post-graduation) 92% Employed or further study
Internship placement rate 87% Paid internships during studies
Median starting salary US$63,750 (INR 60.78 Lakhs) Across all job titles
Salary growth (3 years post-graduation) +28% average INR 77.64 Lakhs median
Top employer sectors Health systems (40%), Tech vendors (30%), Consulting (20%), Other (10%) Based on 2024–2026 cohorts

Major employers hiring DePaul Health Informatics graduates include Epic Systems, Cerner Corporation, Allscripts, Optum Health, CVS Health, UnitedHealth Group, Deloitte Consulting, Accenture, PwC, and regional health systems (Advocate, Loyola, Rush Medical Center in Chicago area).

Career tracks post-graduation span: clinical systems management, healthcare data analytics, EHR implementation and optimisation, digital health strategy, health IT consulting, and vendor programme management. Many alumni pursue advanced certifications (CAHIMS, PMP) within 2–3 years.

Honest Take on Outcomes: Health informatics is supply-constrained; demand exceeds qualified talent significantly. Graduates with strong technical foundations (coding, databases, analytics) and understanding of healthcare workflows command premium salaries and rapid advancement. Indian alumni successfully transition to H1B sponsorship and, within 5–7 years, achieve senior IT manager roles (INR 1+ Crore compensation packages).

FAQs

Ques. Can I work part-time during my Health Informatics studies at DePaul?

Ans. Yes. F-1 students may work up to 20 hours per week on-campus during the academic term. Many DePaul students work at the library, IT helpdesk, or in graduate research labs, earning US$17–US$21 per hour. Off-campus work requires CPT (Curricular Practical Training) or OPT authorisation from DePaul’s International Office; these are available for healthcare IT internships that align with your coursework. Full-time off-campus work is permitted during official breaks (winter, spring, and summer breaks).

Ques. Is health informatics the same as healthcare management or health information management (HIM)?

Ans. No, they differ significantly. Health Informatics (DePaul’s M.S.) focuses on IT systems, data analytics, and technical leadership in healthcare technology. Healthcare Management (MBA or MHA) emphasises hospital operations, finance, and strategic planning. HIM (certification-based) specialises in medical coding and healthcare data governance from a compliance angle. DePaul’s programme is technical and IT-focused, ideal for software engineers, data analysts, and IT managers seeking healthcare domain expertise.

Ques. What programming languages and tools do I need to know before applying?

Ans. No prior healthcare knowledge is required, but foundational programming competency is expected. Experience with Python, Java, SQL, and basic data analytics tools (Tableau, Power BI) strengthens your application. If you lack this background, DePaul offers bridge courses post-admission. The curriculum covers electronic health records (EHR) systems, healthcare data standards (HL7, FHIR), cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), and healthcare-specific SQL queries. Many students have strong Python or web development backgrounds but zero healthcare exposure at admission; both types thrive in the programme.

Ques. After graduation, how difficult is it to secure an H1B visa for a healthcare IT role in the USA?

Ans. Moderately difficult but increasingly feasible. H1B sponsorship for healthcare IT roles is growing as health systems and vendors compete for talent. Your 3-year STEM OPT window (unique to DePaul’s STEM Health Informatics designation) gives you substantial time to secure an employer sponsor. Demonstrated work experience during OPT (internships count) significantly strengthens your H1B case. Indian nationals face additional visa queue delays; many DePaul alumni successfully transition, with processing times typically 6–12 months. Consulting firms and large tech vendors sponsor more readily than smaller health systems. Career services at DePaul provides visa sponsorship coaching.

Ques. What is the programme’s focus: hospital systems, health IT vendors, or consulting?

Ans. The curriculum balances all three. Courses cover EHR implementation (vendor and hospital perspective), clinical data governance (systems approach), health IT strategy (consulting angle), and digital health innovation. DePaul’s faculty includes practising IT directors from major Chicago health systems and advisory input from Epic Systems and Cerner. Internships place students across all three sectors. Most graduates start in hospital IT or vendor implementation roles; consulting and health IT strategy roles emerge after 3–5 years of domain experience. The programme prepares you for flexibility across sectors, a significant career advantage given healthcare IT’s rapid evolution.


Important Alert

  • Application Deadline For Winter 2027 Intake - Oct 15, 2026

Tuition Fees

Year1st Year Fees
Tuition Fees$23592

Other Expenses

HeadAvg Cost Per Year
Living Expenses$18201
Transportation$1284

Important Dates

EventApplication Date
Application Deadline For Summer 2026 Intake Apr 15, 2026
Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake Jun 15, 2026
Application Deadline For Winter 2027 Intake Oct 15, 2026
Application Deadline For Spring 2027 Intake Jan 15, 2027

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Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids

NameScholarship Per StudentLevel of StudyType
Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship ProgramScholarship per student$ 10,000/Yr$10,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Axol Science ScholarshipScholarship per student$ 2,000/Yr$2,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeCompany-Sponsored
VueVille Future Technology ScholarshipScholarship per student$ 1,000/Yr$1,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
R&D Systems ScholarshipScholarship per student$ 1,500/Yr$1,500Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
QS Connect Master’s ScholarshipScholarship per student$ 5,000/Yr$5,000Level Of StudyMasterTypeMerit-Based
Go Clean ScholarshipScholarship per student$ 3,500/Yr$3,500Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based

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