DePaul University

DePaul is the largest Catholic university in the country.  Founded on the teachings of Vincent DePaul, the school was created to allow access to education for everyone.  Because of this, from the beginning the school was never only for catholic  use.  Instead, the student population reflected the immigrant population of that time.  As the university progressed, it was the first school in Chicago to accept women and African Americans. This openness has continued to evolve in perpetuating a very diverse and liberal community, 12% hispanic, 9% African American and 9% Asian American.  One dynamic which the school has not been able to maintain diversity is geographic.  81% of the student population is from the Illinois area.

DePaul in many ways is a preprofessional school.  It is comprised of seven colleges, the college of Arts and Science, Education, Theater, Music, Commerce, Computing and Digital Media and Communications.   The school is also divided into two campuses, one in the heart of the business area (the Loop) and one in a more residential area of Chicago (Lincoln Park).  Not surprisingly the more business centered schools, Commerce, Communications and Computing and Digital Media, are located in the Loop while Arts and Science, Music, Theater and Education are based in Lincoln Park.   Lincoln Park also houses 15 of the 16 dorms.  The dorm located in the Loop is shared with Columbia College and Roosevelt College.

DePaul’s strongest programs include Accounting, Computer Science, Finance, Music, Theater, Communication and Psychology. DePaul’s theater school is the oldest in the country.  Both the music and theater schools require auditions for entrance.  The theater school produces over 40 productions/year but only theater students can perform.  The school views this as necessary to ensure theater students receive ample performance opportunities.  However, non-music students can perform music.  

With over 90,000 alum in the Chicago area, DePaul provides its students with great opportunities into the Chicago business community, including networking opportunities, internships and more.  The city is also an important factor in the social lives of the students.  As part of orientation to the school and city, Freshmen are offered the opportunity to take “Discover Chicago” (the week before schools starts) or “Explore Chicago” (the first week of school). For many these hold fond memories of navigating the city, learning of the various educational and entertaining options the city offers and prepares them for the adventures ahead.