Academics
DePaul University’s urban setting means this Chicago school is “all about integrating the opportunities of the city into the classroom,” offering students “the essentials in order for a student to succeed in the business field.” Here, the “dedicated” teaching staff’s “extensive experience outside of the classroom...really brings valuable information into the classroom.” That experience proves beneficial to career focused students because it “encourages students to become critical life thinkers so that they are not just prepared for a job, but have the skills to become present in all life decisions.” This real-world focus in classroom studies and its “extensive school of commerce curriculum” is part of what has given DePaul a “strong academic reputation.” Internship and career-placement opportunities both during school and after graduation result in, according to some graduates, students who are “some of the hardest working and driven college students around.” The multiple colleges of DePaul University “stress engaging with other students, working collaboratively, combining previous knowledge with new learning, and being an active participant in one’s education.” Students praise the easy access provided by the urban setting and its accompanying public transportation, and like the “practical real world experience” brought to the table by the educators here—though some note “there are ones that are tougher graders,” so applicants should be prepared to work.
Student Body
There is no nailing down the typical DePaul student. “It’s like a melting pot of experience and people from all over the world that come to be a part of the DePaul environment,” a “unique blend of all kinds of students” who are “like a giant mixed bag of Jelly Bellys...every student is so different you have a little bit of everything.” One student goes so far as to suggest it’s “possibly the most diverse school in the country.” Though attendees “come from all walks of life” and “individuality is promoted strongly,” virtually anyone “can fit in easily if they want.” “Every student has a place where they feel comfortable,” one student says, “and it is hard to find a student that doesn’t fit in here.” If there is a tie that binds, it is that DePaul students are “kind and friendly,” “outgoing and respectful,” a group who “study hard to get where they’re going but still find time to socialize.” Hard work is a common trait. “The majority of students seem to hold outside employment,” a student notes, “which brings a strong real world emphasis to the class from staff and students alike.” But hard workers aside, the typical DePaul student? “There is no typical anything.”
Campus Life
The school’s location in downtown Chicago, one of the largest and most vibrant cities in the United States, means that “there is a plethora of choices of things to do” and plenty of transportation to get to them. Students “are always going to the museums, the art institute, Navy pier, shopping on Michigan Ave, the zoo, the beach, etc.,” and “in the summer the outdoor concerts and food tasting events take over Grant Park.” Throw in “the lakefront, bars and restaurants, sports teams (pro and collegiate),” along with “cultural venues [and] free public events,” and it’s no wonder students say they “never get bored.” Sports fanatics will especially find more than enough to keep themselves busy outside of class. If the wealth of riches that is Chicago professional sports is not enough—the Bulls, Blackhawks, White Sox, Cubs, and Bears all play here—“having DePaul in the Big East conference brings great college basketball to Chicago,” too. For those who prefer to stay on campus in this “simply amazing” city, DePaul has a strong Greek scene. The bottom line is, life at DePaul is all about location, location, location, so “the internships, classes, and social life are centered around the city.”
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