DePaul University, a private institution founded in 1898, is renowned for its academic excellence, diverse student body, and strong regional reputation. Located in Chicago, Illinois, the university offers a wide array of programs across various disciplines. Below is a comprehensive overview of DePaul University’s rankings, key highlights, and comparisons with other institutions.


Overall University Rankings

Here's a breakdown of DePaul University's YoY overall ranking:

Ranking Body 2023 Rank 2024 Rank 2025 Rank
US News National Universities #137 #151 #165
QS World University Rankings - - #1501
US News Global Universities #1526 #1693 -

Subject-Specific Rankings

Here's a breakdown of DePaul University's subject-specific rankings and other relevant information

Law

Ranking Body Rank
US News (Best Graduate Law Schools) #105 (2023)
ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) #151 (2023)

Business

Ranking Body Rank
US News (Undergraduate Business Programs) #86 (2023), #103 (2024)
US News (MBA Entrepreneurship) #15 (2025)
The Princeton Review (Undergraduate Entrepreneurship) #12 (2025)
College Rank (Master’s in Entrepreneurship) #10 (2024)

Education

Ranking Body Rank
US News (Best Education Schools) #163 (tie) out of 255

Film and Arts

Ranking Body Rank
The Hollywood Reporter (Film School) #11 (2024)
Animation Career Review (Game Design MFA) #5 (2021)
The Princeton Review (Undergraduate Game Design) #34 (2024)
The Princeton Review (Graduate Game Design) #23 (2024)

Program-Specific Rankings

Program Ranking Body Rank
LL.M US News #135
BBA US News #114
Business & Management Studies US News #114
Master’s in Entrepreneurship College Rank #10 (2024)

Niche Rankings

Category Rank
Best Catholic Colleges in Illinois #1 out of 51
Best Colleges for Business in Illinois #3 out of 50
Best College Athletics in Illinois #3 out of 46

Global and Regional Comparisons

University 2023 Rank 2024 Rank
DePaul University #1526 #1693
Arizona State University #156 #179
Illinois Institute of Technology #735 #796
University of Illinois at Chicago #250 #267

QS Ranking by Subject (2025)

Subject Area Rank
Overall #601–650

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Law

Year Rank
2022 #201
2023 #151
2024 #201

Key Highlights of DePaul University Rankings

  1. Strengths:
    • DePaul excels in niche areas such as Film (#11 nationally), Game Design (#5), and MBA Entrepreneurship (#15).
    • Its undergraduate business programs maintain strong rankings in the top 100–150 range.
    • The university is ranked #1 among Catholic colleges in Illinois.
  2. Catholic Education Leadership:
    • Recognized as the best Catholic college in Illinois, DePaul continues to uphold its mission-driven values.
  3. Global Standing:
    • While its global ranking in QS is lower (#1501), it remains competitive in specific fields like law and business.
  4. Entrepreneurship Excellence:
    • Ranked #10 for its Master’s in Entrepreneurship program and #15 for its MBA Entrepreneurship program.
  5. Arts and Communication:
    • The film school ranks #11 nationally, and the university is recognized for its game design programs (#5 MFA, #34 undergraduate, #23 graduate).

Additional Information

  • Tuition and Fees : $45,999
  • Undergraduate Enrollment : 14,374 (Fall 2023)
  • Campus Size : 41 acres
  • Shiksha Grading : Rated C overall but A for BBA and other programs rated between A and B.

Recent Accolades of DePaul University (2025)

DePaul University has been recognized in several categories beyond traditional rankings:

  1. National Recognition :
    • Named one of the Best Midwestern Colleges in the U.S. (The Princeton Review, 2025 ).
    • Among the nation’s Top Performers on Social Mobility (U.S. News & World Report, 2025 ).
    • Ranked one of the Best Value Colleges in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report, 2025 ).
  2. Diversity and Inclusion :
    • Received the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award (INSIGHT into Diversity Magazine, 2024 ).
  3. Technology and Innovation :
    • Named a top graphic design school (Graphic Design USA, 2024 ).
    • Recognized as one of the best colleges for Information Technology in America (Niche, 2025 ).
  4. Student Achievements :
    • The DePaulia student newspaper won 33 Illinois College Press Association Awards (2023 ).
    • Radio DePaul received 4 Intercollegiate Broadcasting System Awards (2022 ).

DePaul University is a well-rounded institution with strengths in specialized fields such as business, law, film, and game design. While its national ranking has seen a decline over recent years, it continues to excel in niche programs and regional rankings. For students seeking a focused education in entrepreneurship, creative arts, or technology, DePaul offers excellent opportunities.