Deciding which university to attend can be a challenging decision for students and their families. DePaul University and Loyola University Chicago are two well-regarded institutions in Chicago, Illinois, and this comparison guide will help you make an informed decision about which school is the best fit for you. We will compare various aspects of the universities, including their costs, admissions, academics, student life, and outcomes.
DePaul University Overview
DePaul University, founded in 1898, is a private, Catholic institution with a student population of over 22,000. The university offers more than 300 undergraduate and graduate programs across 10 colleges and schools. DePaul’s main campus is situated in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, with an additional campus in the downtown Loop area.
DePaul University Costs & Tuition
Tuition at DePaul University for the 2021-2022 academic year is approximately $41,202 for full-time undergraduate students. Additional expenses include room and board, which costs about $15,774 per year, and other fees such as health insurance and books. Financial aid is available for eligible students, with over 90% of incoming freshmen receiving some form of assistance.
DePaul University Admissions
Admissions at DePaul University are considered moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of about 68%. Applicants are required to submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and a personal statement. The average SAT score for admitted students is between 1080 and 1260, while the average ACT score ranges from 22 to 27.
DePaul University Degrees Offered
DePaul University offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs across 10 schools and colleges, including the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, the College of Science and Health, the College of Communication, the College of Computing and Digital Media, the College of Education, the College of Law, the College of Business, the School of Music, the School of Theatre, and the School of Cinematic Arts.
DePaul University Academics
With a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio, DePaul University provides an intimate learning environment for its students. The university is known for its strong emphasis on experiential learning, and many programs offer internships, service learning, and study abroad opportunities. Students can choose from a wide range of majors and minors, including popular programs such as business, communication, computer science, and psychology.
DePaul University Diversity
DePaul University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. Approximately 45% of the student body identifies as a person of color, and the university offers numerous resources and support services for underrepresented students, including the Office of Multicultural Student Success and various cultural and affinity groups.
DePaul University Students
DePaul University has a vibrant student life, with over 350 student organizations and clubs to choose from, including academic and professional organizations, cultural and affinity groups, and recreational clubs. Greek life is also a prominent part of the DePaul experience, with 27 fraternities and sororities on campus.
DePaul University Campus
The DePaul University campus is spread across two main locations in Chicago: Lincoln Park and the Loop. The Lincoln Park campus is the larger of the two and houses the majority of residential and academic facilities. The Loop campus, located in the heart of downtown Chicago, is home to the College of Law, the College of Business, and various other programs.
DePaul University Alumni
DePaul University boasts notable alumni in various fields, including entertainment, business, politics, and sports. Some well-known DePaul graduates include actor John C. Reilly, former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, and NBA coach John Paxson.
DePaul University Rankings
DePaul University is ranked #125 in the 2022 edition of Best Colleges in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. The university is also recognized for its strong commitment to community service and is ranked #7 for Service Learning by U.S. News & World Report.
DePaul University Outcomes
The four-year graduation rate at DePaul University is approximately 57%, and the six-year graduation rate is about 72%. The average starting salary for DePaul graduates is around $51,000, and the mid-career median salary is approximately $94,000.
Loyola University Chicago Overview
Loyola University Chicago, established in 1870, is a private Roman Catholic institution with a student population of over 17,000. The university offers more than 200 undergraduate and graduate programs across 11 schools and colleges. It has two campuses in Chicago, the Lake Shore Campus in the Rogers Park neighborhood and the Water Tower Campus in the downtown Magnificent Mile area.
Loyola University Chicago Costs & Tuition
The tuition for the 2021-2022 academic year at Loyola University Chicago is approximately $45,500 for full-time undergraduate students. Additional expenses include room and board, which costs about $14,780 per year, and other fees such as health insurance and books. Financial aid is available for eligible students, with over 97% of incoming freshmen receiving some form of assistance.
Loyola University Chicago Admissions
Admissions at Loyola University Chicago are considered moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of about 67%. Applicants are required to submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and a personal statement. The average SAT score for admitted students is between 1130 and 1340, while the average ACT score ranges from 25 to 30.
Loyola University Chicago Degrees Offered
Loyola University Chicago offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs across 11 schools and colleges, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the Quinlan School of Business, the School of Communication, the School of Continuing and Professional Studies, the School of Education, the School of Law, the Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, the Stritch School of Medicine, the Graduate School, the Institute of Pastoral Studies, and the Institute of Environmental Sustainability.
Loyola University Chicago Academics
With a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Loyola University Chicago provides a supportive and engaging learning environment for its students. The university emphasizes a commitment to social justice and ethical leadership, and many programs include service learning, internships, and study abroad opportunities. Popular majors at Loyola University Chicago include biology, business, marketing, and psychology.
Loyola University Chicago Diversity
Loyola University Chicago is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. Approximately 38% of the student body identifies as a person of color, and the university offers numerous resources and support services for underrepresented students, including the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and various cultural and affinity groups.
Loyola University Chicago Students
Loyola University Chicago has a robust student life, with over 250 student organizations and clubs to choose from, including academic and professional organizations, cultural and affinity groups, and recreational clubs. Greek life is also a part of the Loyola experience, with 15 fraternities and sororities on campus.
Loyola University Chicago Campus
The Loyola University Chicago campus is spread across two main locations in Chicago: the Lake Shore Campus and the Water Tower Campus. The Lake Shore Campus, situated in the Rogers Park neighborhood, is the larger of the two and houses most of the residential and academic facilities. The Water Tower Campus, located in the heart of downtown Chicago, is home to the Quinlan School of Business, the School of Law, and various other programs.
Loyola University Chicago Alumni
Loyola University Chicago has produced notable alumni in various fields, including entertainment, business, politics, and sports. Some well-known Loyola graduates include actress Jennifer Morrison, former Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, and NBA player and coach Jerry Harkness.
Loyola University Chicago Rankings
Loyola University Chicago is ranked #112 in the 2022 edition of Best Colleges in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. The university is also recognized for its commitment to social mobility, ranking #26 in Top Performers on Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report.
Loyola University Chicago Outcomes
The four-year graduation rate at Loyola University Chicago is approximately 61%, and the six-year graduation rate is about 73%. The average starting salary for Loyola graduates is around $54,000, and the mid-career median salary is approximately $98,000.
DePaul University vs Loyola University Chicago Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs and tuition at DePaul University and Loyola University Chicago, both schools have similar pricing structures. Tuition at DePaul is slightly lower at $41,202 per year compared to Loyola’s $45,500. However, room and board expenses are slightly higher at DePaul, costing an average of $15,774 annually compared to Loyola’s $14,780. Both universities offer financial aid packages for eligible students, and the majority of incoming freshmen receive some form of assistance at both institutions.
DePaul University vs Loyola University Chicago Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at both DePaul University and Loyola University Chicago are moderately competitive, with similar acceptance rates of around 67-68%. Both schools require applicants to submit high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and a personal statement. The average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students at both universities are also comparable, with Loyola having slightly higher average scores.
