Q&A with Cass Johnson
Associate Director of Admission
We sat down with Cass Johnson, associate director of undergraduate admission, to get some answers to some of the major questions our parents and students have about DePaul’s admission process. If you’d like to know more, please email admission@depaul.edu or call (312) 362-8300 to speak with an admission counselor.
Admission
What do you consider in an admission decision?
DePaul does a holistic review of each applicant; the most important aspect is the high school record, the number of college prep courses taken, the rigor of courses, and the performance in courses. Test scores are used to help demonstrate strengths and/or weak areas but we also have a test optional program for student who wish to exclude their test scores from consideration. Those students will be asked to complete a series of essay questions that will help the admission committee determine other variables that demonstrate potential for college success.
When will my student hear about admission?
Students who complete the application process by our non-binding Early Action Program deadline of November 15 will hear a decision no later than January 15; students who complete the application process by our Regular Decision deadline of February 1 will hear a decision no later than March 15. Music has an application deadline of December 1 and Theatre has an application deadline of February 1; both Music and Theatre students will be notified by April 1.
How can my student set up a visit?
We encourage campus visits for all interested students. We have daily tours and information sessions throughout the year Monday – Friday and on most Saturdays. We also have a number of special visit days during the year. Students can to go to the website to select a date and time: go.depaul.edu/visit
Financial Aid
What is the cost to attend DePaul?
Tuition for the 2017-2018 academic year is $38,410 per year for the Driehaus College of Business, College of Communication, College of Computing and Digital Media, College of Education, College of Science and Health and College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. Tuition is $39,610.00 per year for the School of Music and The Theatre School.
What type of financial assistance is available and how do we apply?
All freshmen admitted for the fall term are given consideration for merit-based scholarships. Students are also given additional consideration for need-based financial aid after DePaul receives their FAFSA results. The FAFSA filing date begins October 1, 2017 for students starting Fall 2018. Over 85 percent of DePaul students receive financial aid. Merit scholarships are awarded and students are notified at the time of admission. There are also talent awards for students in the arts through an audition or portfolio review process.
Student Life
When will my student schedule classes?
A number of orientation sessions are offered over the summer, and each freshman is required to select and attend one; parents are also invited to attend. During the orientation sessions, students will meet with an advisor from their selected college and will schedule classes at that time.
Does DePaul have housing for all freshmen?
On-campus housing at DePaul is not required for freshmen, nor is it guaranteed. It is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, and students who are interested in living on campus are encouraged to apply for housing and submit a prepayment as soon as possible; the prepayment is refundable until May 1. For further information, please go to the housing website.
How are roommates selected?
Specific roommate requests may be submitted when completing the housing agreement, or may be updated in Housing Connection before June 1. Roommate preferences will be taken into consideration when assignments are made but are not guaranteed. As a reminder, all roommate requests must be mutual and of the same gender and class standing. Roommate requests can be processed only if a student is confirmed for housing and must be mutually requested by both students. If no request is made,pairing of roommates is decided based on a student’s answers to questions in the housing application, as well as date of application.
Will they need a car on campus?
No. Students have access to public transportation at both the Loop and Lincoln Park campuses, making transportation to and from both campuses very convenient. Additionally, all full-time, undergraduate DePaul students are issued a CTA U-Pass at the start of each academic quarter. This U-Pass gives them access to both CTA buses and trains 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during academic quarters.
What about safety issues at DePaul?
The DePaul University Public Safety Department at each campus adheres to the principle that it is more prudent to prevent crimes than to react to them after the fact. A primary vehicle for accomplishing this goal is the university’s Crime Prevention Program. This program is based upon the dual concepts of eliminating and minimizing criminal opportunities whenever possible and encouraging students and employees to be responsible for their own security and the security of others. The program includes a campus escort service, printed crime prevention materials, 24-hour locked residence halls, DePaul community alert system and many other security features. For further information, go to the Public Safety website.