Illinois vs DePaul University

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CollegeRanker is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Illinois vs DePaul University Introduction

Choosing the right college is a critical decision that can shape your future. In this article, we will compare two prominent Illinois universities: Illinois and DePaul University. We will analyze various aspects of each school, including costs, admissions, academics, campus life, and outcomes, to help you make an informed decision about which institution is the best fit for you.

Illinois Overview

The University of Illinois is a public research university located in Urbana-Champaign. Established in 1867, the school is known for its strong engineering and computer science programs. With over 47,000 students, it is one of the largest universities in the United States.

Illinois Costs & Tuition

For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated cost of tuition and fees for Illinois residents is $16,445, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $34,091. The university offers several scholarships and financial aid options to help students cover their educational expenses.

Illinois Admissions

Admissions to the University of Illinois are competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 62%. Applicants are required to submit their high school transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), and a personal statement. The middle 50% SAT and ACT scores for admitted students are 1290-1480 and 27-33, respectively.

Illinois Degrees Offered

Illinois offers over 150 undergraduate programs in various fields, including engineering, business, liberal arts, and sciences. The university is especially known for its engineering and computer science programs, which rank among the top in the nation.

Illinois Academics

The University of Illinois has a strong academic reputation, with a student-faculty ratio of 20:1. The average class size is 37 students, allowing for personalized attention and a supportive learning environment. The school also offers numerous research opportunities for undergraduate students, fostering innovation and intellectual curiosity.

Illinois Diversity

Illinois is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on its campus. The university’s student body consists of individuals from over 100 countries, creating a vibrant and multicultural learning environment. The school offers various resources and support services to help students from diverse backgrounds succeed academically and socially.

Illinois Students

Illinois has a total enrollment of over 47,000 students, with about 33,000 undergraduate students and 14,000 graduate students. The university offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including over 1,600 student organizations, Greek life, and various athletic programs, providing students with numerous opportunities to get involved and engage with their peers.

Illinois Campus

The University of Illinois campus spans over 1,700 acres, featuring state-of-the-art academic buildings, modern residence halls, and numerous recreational facilities. The campus also boasts a rich history and architectural beauty, making it an enjoyable and stimulating place to study and live.

Illinois Alumni

Illinois has a strong alumni network, with over 400,000 members worldwide. Some notable alumni include Marc Andreessen, co-founder of Netscape; Roger Ebert, Pulitzer Prize-winning film critic; and Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle Corporation.

Illinois Rankings

The University of Illinois consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, the school ranked 47th among national universities and 15th among public universities.

Illinois Outcomes

Graduates of the University of Illinois enjoy successful careers and a strong return on their educational investment. The average starting salary for a University of Illinois graduate is $61,000, and the school boasts a 91% graduation rate.

DePaul University Overview

DePaul University is a private, Catholic university located in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1898, DePaul has a strong commitment to providing a diverse and inclusive educational environment. With over 22,000 students, it is the largest Catholic university in the United States.

DePaul Costs & Tuition

For the 2021-2022 academic year, the cost of tuition and fees at DePaul University is $41,202 for both in-state and out-of-state students. The university offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help students manage their educational expenses.

DePaul Admissions

Admissions to DePaul University are moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 68%. Applicants are required to submit their high school transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), and a personal statement. The middle 50% SAT and ACT scores for admitted students are 1080-1300 and 22-28, respectively.

DePaul Degrees Offered

DePaul offers over 130 undergraduate programs across various fields, including business, education, communication, and liberal arts. The university is particularly well-known for its strong theatre, music, and film production programs.

DePaul Academics

DePaul University has a student-faculty ratio of 15:1, providing students with personalized attention and a supportive learning environment. The average class size is 21 students, allowing for close interaction with faculty and peers. The university also offers numerous experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and service-learning projects, to help students develop their professional skills.

DePaul Diversity

DePaul is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on its campus. The student body consists of individuals from various cultural, ethnic, and economic backgrounds, reflecting the university’s mission to provide an inclusive educational experience. DePaul offers numerous resources and support services to help students from diverse backgrounds succeed academically and socially.

DePaul Students

DePaul has a total enrollment of over 22,000 students, with approximately 14,000 undergraduate students and 8,000 graduate students. The university offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including over 350 student organizations, Greek life, and various athletic programs, providing students with numerous opportunities to get involved and engage with their peers.

DePaul Campus

DePaul University’s main campus is located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, providing students with easy access to the city’s vibrant culture and numerous professional opportunities. The campus features modern academic buildings, residence halls, and recreational facilities, creating a dynamic and engaging learning environment.

DePaul Alumni

DePaul has a strong alumni network, with over 190,000 members worldwide. Some notable alumni include Gillian Anderson, actress known for her role in “The X-Files”; Richard Driehaus, renowned investor and philanthropist; and John C. Reilly, Oscar-nominated actor.

DePaul Rankings

DePaul University consistently ranks among the top national universities in the United States. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, the school ranked 124th among national universities.

DePaul Outcomes

DePaul University graduates enjoy successful careers in various fields, with an average starting salary of $54,000. The school has a graduation rate of 72%, reflecting its commitment to student success.

Illinois vs DePaul University Cost Comparison

While both schools offer financial aid and scholarship options to help students manage their educational expenses, there are some differences in costs. For Illinois residents, the University of Illinois is significantly more affordable, with a tuition cost of $16,445 compared to DePaul’s $41,202. However, out-of-state students will find the costs more comparable, with tuition at Illinois being $34,091.

Illinois vs DePaul University Admissions Difficulty

Both universities have competitive admissions processes. However, the University of Illinois has a slightly lower acceptance rate of 62% compared to DePaul’s 68%. Additionally, Illinois tends to admit students with higher standardized test scores, indicating a more competitive applicant pool.

Illinois vs DePaul University Academic Difficulty

While both schools provide a rigorous education, the University of Illinois is known for its top-ranked engineering and computer science programs, which are considered highly challenging. DePaul, on the other hand, is recognized for its strong theatre, music, and film production programs. The academic difficulty of each school may vary depending on the program in which a student is enrolled.

Illinois vs DePaul University Outcome Comparison

Graduates of both universities enjoy successful careers and solid returns on their educational investment. However, the University of Illinois has a slightly higher average starting salary ($61,000) and graduation rate (91%) compared to DePaul ($54,000 and 72%, respectively). These differences may be attributed to factors such as program offerings and the reputation of each institution within specific industries.

Overall, both Illinois and DePaul University offer unique strengths and opportunities. Prospective students should carefully consider factors such as cost, program offerings, location, and desired career outcomes when determining which school is the best fit for their needs and goals.