Founded in 1898, DePaul University is a private institution with deep roots in Chicago, Illinois. Serving over 22,000 students, it stands as the largest Catholic university in the United States by enrollment and one of the nation's top 15 largest private institutions. Its urban setting sprawls across two main campuses in Lincoln Park and the Loop, offering students an integrative learning experience that combines a comprehensive, rigorous education with the vibrant opportunities of Chicago's cultural and business landscape.
Unique to DePaul University is its strong emphasis on real-world application and community engagement. Notably, DePaul operates one of the country's most well-respected game design programs, continually ranked by The Princeton Review as a national leader. In addition to its prominent School of Cinematic Arts, part of the College of Computing and Digital Media, DePaul is home to the innovative Coleman Entrepreneurship Center, offering practical resources for budding entrepreneurs. The university also takes pride in its DePaul Community Music Division, which enriches the cultural fabric of Chicago by offering music classes to both the university community and the public.
DePaul University prides itself on fostering an environment where education extends beyond the classroom. It frequently earns accolades for its service-learning curriculum, connecting coursework with community service to deepen both knowledge and social impact. Leveraging its prime locale, DePaul has established strong partnerships with Chicago businesses, providing students ample internship and employment opportunities. The university's Theatre School is heralded for its contribution to the arts, exemplified by the number of alumni gracing stages and screens nationally. Additionally, programs like the Honors Program enrich the student experience by providing unique academic challenges to high-achieving undergraduates.
However, DePaul University faces certain challenges. Located in a bustling urban area, some students find the cost of living and associated expenses in Chicago to be a financial burden. Furthermore, while DePaul has made significant strides in sustainability, the Sierra Club's "Cool Schools" ranking highlighted the need for ongoing improvements in environmental initiatives. Also, despite the university's broad selection of academic offerings, some niche fields of study are less represented than at larger universities with more extensive research facilities. These factors represent hurdles that DePaul continues to address to improve the student experience and its environmental footprint.
