North Park University vs DePaul

North Park University and DePaul University, both located in Chicago, Illinois, offer distinct educational experiences for prospective students. North Park, a private Christian university, boasts a tight-knit community with a focus on liberal arts and professional studies. DePaul, a private Catholic university, is renowned for its diverse student body, strong academic programs, and vibrant urban campus. While both universities offer a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, they differ in acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation rates. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	DePaul University	North Park University
Overview
Location	Chicago, Illinois	Chicago, Illinois
Campus setting	City: Large	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Quarter	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	84.0%	70.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation	Catholic	Evangelical

Admission
Acceptance rate	69.4%	67.1%
Application fees	$40
SAT range	N/A	890 - 1162
ACT range	N/A	20 - 26
Students submitting SAT score		19.0%
Students submitting ACT score		6.0%
Total number of applicants	32,075	4,053
Total number of admissions given out	22,274	2,721
Admitted students who chose to enroll	2,838	464
Yield rate	12.7%	17.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$60,771	$47,375
Average net price	$31,872	$20,260
Tuition	$41,361	$32,380
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $10,647 Meal plan: $4,578	Room/dormitory: $5,160 Meal plan: $5,430
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	99.0% Average amount $25,282	100.0% Average amount $19,942
Students receiving federal student loan	47.0% Average amount $5,009	60.0% Average amount $5,488
Students taking out private loans	5.0% Average amount $18,848	4.0% Average amount $11,842

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	14,294 Men 45.8% Women 54.2%	1,849 Men 40.5% Women 59.5%
Graduate students	7,376 Men 43.3% Women 56.7%	900 Men 39.6% Women 60.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	37.3%	19.9%
International students	5.6%	5.6%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	2,719	975
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Illinois California Michigan Ohio Wisconsin	Illinois Michigan Minnesota Indiana Texas

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Computer and Information Science Visual & Performing Arts Communication and Journalism Education	Business Health Professions Education Psychology Theology
Students to faculty ratio	17:1	10:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	69.6%	61.2%
Dropout rate	10.5%	38.5%
Transferred out	18.0%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $95,909 Year 2: $100,096 Year 3: $109,948 Taxation (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $101,821 Year 2: $93,076 Year 3: $106,341 Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $82,374 Year 2: $99,547 Year 3: $105,164 Information Science/Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $83,120 Year 2: $86,867 Year 3: $101,886 Computer Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $86,090 Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $98,092 Computer Programming (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $86,558 Year 2: $85,206 Year 3: $96,827 Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $62,205 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $96,034 Human Computer Interaction (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $80,116 Year 2: $77,213 Year 3: $92,462 Computer Software and Media Applications (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $101,831 Year 2: $86,550 Year 3: $92,108 Applied Mathematics (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $77,007 Year 2: $70,456 Year 3: $85,312	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $91,035 Year 2: $101,701 Year 3: $102,196 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,814 Year 2: $63,826 Year 3: $68,658 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $59,735 Year 2: $58,303 Year 3: $68,598 Education, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $52,020 Year 2: $47,260 Year 3: $51,484 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $43,981 Year 2: $45,584 Year 3: $50,369 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $40,705 Year 2: $39,153 Year 3: $42,488 Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $36,833 Year 2: $30,228 Year 3: $41,110 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $37,424 Year 3: $36,568 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $31,061 Year 2: $32,094 Year 3: $34,344 Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $28,644 Year 2: $24,421 Year 3: $31,996

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary differences in location between North Park University and DePaul University?

North Park University is located in the North Park neighborhood of Chicago, offering a more residential and suburban feel within the city. DePaul University has multiple campuses, with its main campus in Lincoln Park and another significant presence in the Loop (downtown Chicago). DePaul's locations provide greater access to the city's business, cultural, and entertainment districts.
How do the academic programs compare at North Park and DePaul?

DePaul University offers a significantly broader range of academic programs, including a wider selection of graduate programs and professional schools (law, business, etc.). North Park University has a strong focus on liberal arts and sciences, with notable programs in nursing, business, and music. DePaul generally has a larger student body and more specialized programs.
What is the student body like at each university?

DePaul University has a much larger and more diverse student body than North Park. DePaul attracts a diverse student population, including a significant number of commuter students. North Park has a smaller, more close-knit community, often with a strong emphasis on faith-based values and a more residential student experience.
How does the cost of attendance compare?

The cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room, and board) at both universities is substantial. However, the specific costs can vary depending on the program and financial aid received. Generally, DePaul's tuition is comparable to North Park's, but the overall cost of living, especially in Lincoln Park, might be higher than in North Park's neighborhood. It's essential to check each university's website for the most up-to-date information on tuition and financial aid opportunities.
What are the strengths of North Park University?

North Park University excels in providing a close-knit community, a strong liberal arts foundation, and a faith-based environment. It offers a more personalized learning experience and a focus on undergraduate education. Its location in a residential neighborhood provides a quieter, more focused environment for students.
What are the strengths of DePaul University?

DePaul University is known for its extensive academic offerings, its strong ties to the city of Chicago, and its diverse student body. It provides excellent opportunities for internships and networking, particularly in business, communication, and the arts. Its location offers unparalleled access to cultural events, professional opportunities, and a vibrant city life.
How do the campus environments differ?

North Park University has a more traditional, residential campus with a focus on community and a quieter atmosphere. DePaul's Lincoln Park campus is integrated into the neighborhood, with a blend of campus buildings and city life. The Loop campus is entirely urban, offering a fast-paced environment.
Which university is better for students interested in internships and career opportunities?

DePaul University, due to its location in the heart of Chicago and its strong industry connections, generally offers more extensive internship and career opportunities, particularly in fields like business, communication, and the arts. However, North Park also provides career services and opportunities, though they may be more focused on specific industries or local businesses.
How does the religious affiliation impact the student experience?

North Park University is affiliated with the Evangelical Covenant Church, and this affiliation influences the campus culture and values. While students of all faiths are welcome, the university's mission and curriculum often reflect Christian principles. DePaul University is a Catholic university, but it is known for its diversity and inclusivity. While its Catholic identity is present, it is generally less overtly emphasized in the day-to-day student experience compared to North Park.
Which university is a better fit for a student seeking a strong sense of community?

North Park University generally fosters a stronger sense of community due to its smaller size, residential campus, and faith-based environment. DePaul, while having a vibrant campus life, has a larger student body, which can make it more challenging to build close-knit relationships, although student organizations and activities help foster community.

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