DePaul University

Chicago, IL · founded 1898 · 22,000 students · private research university · Big East

Known for: DePaul University is the largest Catholic university in the United States, celebrated for its highly ranked programs in business, computing, film, and theatre, as well as its commitment to Vincentian values of service and access to education. Its location in Chicago provides extensive professional opportunities.

Rankings

U.S. News national: #124
QS World: #801
Times Higher Education: #601
Forbes: #201

Top programmes

Business
Computing
Film & Television
Theatre
Law
Education

Notable alumni

John C. Reilly — Academy Award-nominated actor (also attended Marquette)
Bob Newhart — Legendary comedian and actor
Richard M. Daley — Former Mayor of Chicago
Gillian Anderson — Actress known for 'The X-Files'
George Mikan — NBA Hall of Fame basketball player
Jack Lynch — CEO of Grainger
Katherine Legge — Professional race car driver
Michael Sheen — Award-winning Welsh actor

Traditions

Fest of All (fall festival)
DePaul Christmastime
Founders' Week
Urban Plunge (service event)
Blue Demon Week

If DePaul University were…

As a food: Chicago-style Italian beef from Portillo's — Working-class roots, no-frills but deeply satisfying, serves a diverse crowd without pretension, and represents the practical, get-it-done ethos of a commuter school in a big city.
As an athlete: Joakim Noah — Played for the Bulls, gritty and hardworking rather than flashy, deeply connected to Chicago, and brought heart and hustle to a city that values effort over pedigree.
As a person alive today: Gillian Anderson — DePaul Theatre School alum who built a serious career through craft and versatility, moved between mainstream and indie projects, and represents the school's focus on practical training over Ivy prestige.
As a historical figure: Jane Addams — Chicago social reformer who founded Hull House to serve immigrants and the working class, believed in education as social mobility, and embodied the Vincentian mission of serving the underserved.
As a movie or TV show: The Bear — Set in Chicago, captures the city's working-class grit and creative hustle, diverse cast navigating high-pressure environments, and shows how passion and skill matter more than fancy credentials.
As a US president: Harry S. Truman — No Ivy pedigree, worked his way up, practical and unpretentious, served the common person, and proved you don't need elite credentials to lead effectively—just grit and competence.
As a city: Toronto, Canada — Large, diverse, urban university integrated into a major city, students commute and treat the city as campus, and it's a practical launching pad for careers rather than an ivory tower experience.
As an element: Copper — Highly conductive and practical, used in infrastructure and technology, not precious but essential, and represents DePaul's focus on connecting students to real-world opportunities in an urban environment.
As a car: 2015 Honda Accord — DePaul is the reliable urban commuter that gets thousands of working professionals and creatives where they need to go—affordable, practical, and perfectly at home navigating Chicago's Loop. It's not flashy, but it's dep

Campus life

Campus life is diverse, urban, and engaged, with a strong emphasis on career preparation and leveraging Chicago's resources. Social life is active through student organizations, campus events, and the city's vast cultural and professional offerings. The vibe is practical, creative, and inclusive.