DePaul University Rankings

DePaul University, founded in 1898, has grown into one of the most distinguished private universities in the United States. Located in the heart of Chicago, DePaul offers a broad array of undergraduate and graduate programs across a wide spectrum of disciplines. As the largest private university in Illinois, DePaul is committed to providing a transformative education that emphasizes academic excellence, social responsibility, and community engagement. A unique feature of DePaul is its strong connection to the Vincentian tradition, which shapes its values of inclusivity, service, and ethical leadership.

Historical Background and Institutional Values

DePaul University’s history is rooted in the Vincentian tradition, a religious order dedicated to the service of the poor and marginalized. Established by the Vincentian Fathers in 1898, DePaul has always prioritized access to education for underserved communities. The university’s guiding principles are reflected in its mission to educate the whole person—intellectually, spiritually, and socially.

In keeping with its founding mission, DePaul offers a wide variety of programs and fosters a campus environment where students of all backgrounds can find support and success. The university's emphasis on social justice, community service, and global responsibility continues to shape its academic offerings and extracurricular opportunities.

Academic Structure and Notable Colleges

DePaul University offers more than 130 undergraduate majors and a broad range of graduate programs through its various colleges and schools. These include the College of Commerce, the College of Law, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LA&S), the School of Music, and others. Each college has distinct features that make DePaul stand out as a comprehensive institution focused on both academic rigor and the cultivation of professional skills.

College of Commerce

The College of Commerce holds the distinction of being the first business school in downtown Chicago. It has a long tradition of preparing students for leadership roles in business, with programs that emphasize not only technical knowledge but also ethical decision-making and global perspectives. The college is consistently recognized for its excellence in business education, and its MBA program is among the top in the country.

The part-time Master of Business Administration (MBA) program is ranked 9th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report (2010), underscoring the college’s dedication to providing students with the flexibility to earn a world-class business degree while balancing their professional and personal responsibilities. DePaul’s business programs have also garnered attention for their focus on entrepreneurship, with the undergraduate and graduate entrepreneurship programs both ranking in the top 10 by Entrepreneur Magazine in 2009.

College of Law

DePaul University College of Law is known for its inclusivity and its strong commitment to diversity. As one of the first law schools in Illinois to admit women and Jewish students, the college has a long history of advancing social justice through its legal education. Today, DePaul's College of Law continues to thrive as a center of legal scholarship, producing graduates who are equipped to make a meaningful impact on the legal profession and society at large.

In addition to its commitment to diversity, DePaul’s law school is consistently ranked among the nation’s top law schools. It was recognized in 2009 for its strong part-time law program, which ranks 87th in the country according to U.S. News & World Report.

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LA&S)

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is the oldest and largest college at DePaul, offering a broad range of programs that span the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. This college is integral to DePaul’s mission of fostering critical thinking and a well-rounded education. It is home to many of the university’s foundational academic disciplines and is dedicated to providing students with the intellectual tools to succeed in a diverse and rapidly changing world.

Community Engagement and Social Responsibility

A key feature of DePaul University is its commitment to service learning and social responsibility. The university encourages its students to actively engage with their communities, both locally and globally. This commitment is reflected in DePaul’s robust service-learning program, which was honored by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s top 25 service-learning programs in 2009.

DePaul’s dedication to social responsibility is further evident in its recognition as one of the country's best universities for fostering community involvement. In 2005, The Princeton Review named DePaul one of the "Colleges with a Conscience," highlighting its emphasis on social service and civic engagement. The university's community and clinical-community psychology programs also received the Award for Excellence in Education Programs from the Society for Community Research and Action in 2007, further validating DePaul’s leadership in social service and community-based education.

Rankings and Achievements

DePaul University has consistently earned recognition for its academic excellence, community engagement, and social responsibility. The university is ranked 136th among Tier 1 National Universities by U.S. News & World Report (2011), a testament to its strong academic programs and its reputation as a leading private university in the country. In addition, DePaul’s part-time MBA program ranks 9th nationally, affirming the quality of its business education.

The university’s service learning program has garnered national attention, with DePaul being recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s 2009 list of the top 25 service-learning programs in the country. DePaul has also received the prestigious President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction, awarded by the Corporation for National and Community Service in 2008. This recognition highlights the university’s ongoing commitment to engaging students in service that has a positive impact on society.

DePaul’s undergraduate and graduate programs in entrepreneurship have been particularly lauded for their innovation and success. In 2009, Entrepreneur Magazine ranked DePaul’s undergraduate entrepreneurship program 9th and its graduate program 8th in the nation, reflecting the university’s commitment to nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit in its students. The university’s School of Music was also honored in 2005 as one of the "Schools That Rock" by Rolling Stone magazine, acknowledging its exceptional music programs.

Diversity and Campus Life

DePaul University is deeply committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment. In 2006, The Princeton Review ranked DePaul as the No. 1 university in the nation for its diverse student population, a recognition that highlights the university’s success in creating a campus that is welcoming to students from all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. This emphasis on diversity is reflected in the university’s academic programs, student organizations, and campus culture, which values the perspectives and contributions of all individuals.

Beyond its commitment to diversity, DePaul offers students a dynamic campus life. The university is located in one of the most vibrant cities in the world—Chicago—which provides students with countless opportunities for professional internships, cultural experiences, and community engagement. Whether through the arts, business, or service organizations, DePaul students have access to a wealth of opportunities to explore their interests and develop their skills.

Conclusion

DePaul University’s rich history, commitment to social responsibility, and dedication to academic excellence make it a premier institution in the United States. With strong programs in business, law, liberal arts, psychology, and more, DePaul provides students with the tools and resources they need to succeed in an increasingly interconnected and complex world. The university’s focus on service learning, diversity, and community engagement further distinguishes DePaul as a university that prepares students not only for professional success but also for lives of leadership, compassion, and social responsibility.

For those seeking a comprehensive, inclusive, and service-oriented education, DePaul University stands as an outstanding choice. Its strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and commitment to making a positive impact on the world ensure that DePaul continues to be a leader in higher education for years to come.