What SAT score is good for DePaul University?

For Fall 2025 enrolled students who submitted SAT scores, DePaul's Common Data Set lists a SAT Composite middle 50% range of 1150 to 1330, with a median of 1235.

What ACT score is good for DePaul University?

For Fall 2025 enrolled students who submitted ACT scores, DePaul's Common Data Set lists an ACT Composite middle 50% range of 26 to 31, with a median of 28.

What are DePaul University application deadlines?

DePaul lists Early Action as November 15 and Regular Notification as February 1 for freshman applicants. School of Music applicants use December 1, while Theatre School timelines vary by program.

Do DePaul Music, Theatre, Animation or Film applicants need extra materials?

Yes. School of Music applicants need audition-related steps, Theatre School applicants may need auditions, interviews and recommendations, Animation applicants need a creative statement and portfolio, and Film and Television applicants need a creative statement with portfolio strongly encouraged.

How can I improve my DePaul University application?

Improve your DePaul application by keeping grades strong in challenging courses, applying by November 15 if ready, using test optional strategically, checking program-specific requirements, completing your Blue Demon Domain tasks and applying early for scholarship consideration.

Depaul University Acceptance Rate 2026: GPA, SAT & Admissions Guide Depaul University Acceptance Rate 2026: GPA, SAT & Admissions Guide

💙 DePaul University acceptance rate 2026 guide

DePaul University Acceptance Rate 2026: 87.8%, GPA, SAT, ACT & Admissions Guide

87.8%

Direct answer: DePaul University’s Common Data Set 2025–2026 reports 27,462 first-year applicants and 24,111 admits for Fall 2025, which equals an acceptance rate of about 87.8%.

DePaul is accessible for many prepared students, but the overall admit rate does not mean every applicant is automatic. Your transcript, GPA, challenging courses, test-optional choice and program requirements still matter.

Use this guide for fast answers: acceptance rate, GPA, SAT/ACT ranges, test-optional rules, Early Action, Regular Notification, Music/Theatre deadlines, creative-program requirements, scholarships, video guide, FAQs and official DePaul links.

📊 Acceptance rate 📅 Deadlines 📚 GPA & scores ✅ Checklist

87.8% Acceptance rate

CDS 2025–26: 24,111 admits from 27,462 first-year applicants.

3.77 Average GPA

Average high school GPA for enrolled first-years who submitted GPA.

1150–1330 SAT middle 50%

For enrolled students who submitted SAT scores.

26–31 ACT middle 50%

For enrolled students who submitted ACT scores.

Quick navigation for DePaul applicants

📊 Acceptance rate and admit numbers 📅 Early Action and Regular Notification 📚 GPA, SAT, ACT and test optional 🔍 What DePaul reviews 🎭 Music, Theatre, Animation and Film 💰 Scholarship timing ✅ Submission checklist ❓ 10 DePaul FAQs

DePaul University acceptance rate 2026: clear answer first

Searcher question	Official-source answer	What it means for applicants
DePaul acceptance rate 2026	87.8% using Fall 2025 Common Data Set numbers.	DePaul is accessible, but not open admission.
How many applied?	27,462 first-time, first-year applicants.	Large enough that transcript quality and application timing still matter.
How many were admitted?	24,111 first-time, first-year students admitted.	Prepared applicants have a strong path to admission.
How many enrolled?	2,798 first-time, first-year students enrolled.	Many admitted students compare scholarships, cost, location and programs.
Waitlist result	DePaul offered 658 waitlist places; 148 waitlisted students were admitted.	The waitlist can move, but it should not be your only plan.

DePaul admissions reality = 87.8% acceptance rate + strong high school record + test-optional choice + program-specific requirements + scholarship deadline awareness

DePaul application deadlines: Early Action vs Regular Notification

Application path	Deadline	Notification	Best for
Early Action Program	November 15	December 15	Students ready early who want earlier decision and stronger scholarship timing.
Regular Notification	February 1	March 15	Students who need more time for grades, materials or test-score decision.
School of Music	December 1	By April 1 / between March 1 and April 1 in music guidance	Music applicants who need auditions, interviews and program-specific steps.
The Theatre School	February 1 generally; some Acting/Stage Management steps may use December 1.	By April 1	Theatre applicants who need auditions, interviews or additional materials.

Deadline warning: Do not use the general February 1 deadline if your program has special requirements. Music, Theatre, Animation, Film and Nursing applicants should check program-specific steps early.

DePaul GPA, SAT and ACT: what is competitive?

GPA answer

Average GPA: 3.77. DePaul’s CDS reports this among enrolled first-year students who submitted GPA.

Test policy answer

Test optional. DePaul lets freshman applicants choose whether to submit ACT or SAT scores.

SAT answer

SAT middle 50%: 1150–1330. Median SAT Composite was 1235 for submitting enrolled students.

ACT answer

ACT middle 50%: 26–31. Median ACT Composite was 28 for submitting enrolled students.

Applicant situation	How DePaul may read it	Best action
GPA 3.75+	Strong; many enrolled first-years were in this range.	Apply by November 15 for stronger scholarship timing.
GPA around 3.5–3.74	Competitive with good rigor and grade trend.	Use test optional or scores strategically; show course strength.
GPA below 3.25	Still possible, but context becomes more important.	Highlight upward trend, senior grades, challenging courses and program fit.
SAT 1150–1330	Inside the submitted-score middle 50% range.	Submit if it supports your transcript and intended program.
ACT 26–31	Inside the submitted-score middle 50% range.	Submit if it makes your academic readiness clearer.
Test optional applicant	Allowed for most freshman applicants.	Make grades in challenging core subjects carry the academic story.

Best testing rule: DePaul says high school record, especially grades in challenging core subjects, is the most important academic component. Submit scores only if they add strength.

What DePaul actually reviews

Review factor	What DePaul says or reports	How to strengthen it
High school record	DePaul’s test-optional FAQ says high school record is the most important academic component.	Show grades in challenging core courses, not only easy A’s.
Course rigor	CDS marks rigor of secondary school record as a meaningful admission factor.	Use honors, AP, IB or advanced courses when appropriate.
Academic GPA	CDS marks academic GPA as important and reports average enrolled GPA of 3.77.	Protect junior and senior grades; explain major dips if needed.
Test scores	Not required, but considered if submitted.	Submit if SAT/ACT is within or above DePaul’s enrolled range.
Essay / recommendations	CDS reports essay and recommendations as considered factors.	Use them when they add useful context beyond grades.
Special program talent	Music, Theatre, Animation and Film can require creative work, auditions, interviews or statements.	Prepare artistic materials early instead of treating them as afterthoughts.

Practical read: DePaul is not a test-score-first school. The cleanest application shows solid grades, good course choices, a clear program match and special materials where required.

DePaul high school course preparation

DePaul’s CDS says a general college-preparatory program is required. The listed required academic units are 12, with 14 recommended.

Subject area	Required / recommended	Applicant note
English	4 required / 4 recommended	Four years of English is expected.
Mathematics	3 required / 3 recommended	Nursing and some STEM/business paths may need stronger math preparation.
Science	3 required / 3 recommended	Two lab science units are listed within the science preparation.
Foreign language	0 required / 2 recommended	Language is recommended and can strengthen a college-prep record.
Social studies	2 required / 2 recommended	Helps show a balanced college-prep curriculum.
Total academic units	12 required / 14 recommended	More rigorous preparation can help, especially for competitive majors.

Nursing note: DePaul’s CDS adds that the bachelor’s degree in Nursing requires specific science and math curriculum for admission, so Nursing applicants should not rely on general freshman guidance only.

Special program requirements: Music, Theatre, Animation and Film

Program path	Extra requirement	Deadline warning
School of Music	Auditions, interviews and application steps are required.	School of Music uses a December 1 deadline and is not Early Action.
The Theatre School	Auditions, interviews, official transcript, recommendation letters and additional materials may apply.	Some Theatre pathways have December 1 steps; general Theatre deadline is listed as February 1.
Animation BA / BFA	Creative Statement and Creative Portfolio required.	Do not wait until the main application is done to build your portfolio.
Film and Television BA / BFA	Creative Statement required; Creative Portfolio strongly encouraged.	A strong portfolio can support your fit even if not required.
Home school applicants	Official transcript listing courses and credits; college transcripts for any college courses.	DePaul recommends a textbook list, especially for math and science.

Creative applicant warning: The overall 87.8% admit rate is not a portfolio or audition rate. Talent-based programs can be more selective and require different proof.

DePaul scholarship timing and aid notes

Strongest scholarship timing

DePaul says apply by November 15 or by February 1 for strongest scholarship consideration; early applicants also receive priority advising and course registration.

State Scholar Plus

DePaul lists merit award packages up to $100,000 over four years for qualified admitted fall freshmen under State Scholar Plus.

Academic benchmark

State Scholar Plus qualification includes applying by Nov. 15, earning 3.75 GPA or higher, and ranking in the top 10% of the graduating class.

International scholarship

International freshmen are automatically considered for the Global DePaul Scholarship, listed from $12,000 to $32,000.

Scholarship move: If your GPA is strong, do not wait for Regular Notification unless you need more time. November 15 can matter for scholarship positioning.

DePaul admissions video guide

Watch the video, then use the checklist below to check what your DePaul application still needs.

After watching, write down: your GPA, course rigor, test-score decision, deadline plan, scholarship timing, intended college/major and whether you need portfolio, audition or interview materials.

DePaul application checklist: scan before submitting

Start with the 87.8% acceptance-rate reality DePaul is accessible, but your transcript and program fit still matter.

Choose Early Action or Regular Notification Early Action is due Nov. 15; Regular Notification is due Feb. 1.

Check your GPA against the 3.77 average A lower GPA does not automatically block admission, but you need stronger context and course performance.

Make the test-optional choice carefully If you apply test optional, DePaul says sent scores will not be considered if you selected that option.

Prepare transcripts DePaul needs official academic records, and international applicants may need translations and English proof.

Check special program steps Music, Theatre, Animation, Film and Nursing applicants should follow program-specific requirements.

Use Blue Demon Domain After applying, monitor your application status portal for missing items and next steps.

Plan aid and scholarship timing Apply early and complete FAFSA or scholarship-related steps on time.

International applicant quick answers

International item	DePaul detail	Action
Application	International freshmen apply through the Common Application.	Choose freshman if you are entering directly after secondary school.
Transcripts	Transcripts and secondary school exams are required; English translations may be required.	Submit official documents early and follow country-specific rules.
English proficiency	Students educated outside the U.S. for secondary school must submit English proof unless exempt.	Check TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, SAT, ACT or PTE options.
English test examples	DePaul lists TOEFL 80, IELTS 6.5, Duolingo 115, SAT EBRW 540, ACT Reading 18 and English 20, or PTE 53.	Use the option easiest to submit officially by the deadline.
SAT/ACT codes	SAT code 1165; ACT code 1012.	Send scores only when using them for admission or English proof.

Common DePaul application mistakes

Only reading the 87.8% rate: The overall rate does not show Music, Theatre, Animation, Film or Nursing selectivity.
Ignoring the 3.77 average GPA: DePaul is accessible, but many enrolled students have strong grades.
Submitting weak scores without strategy: DePaul is test optional, so scores should help.
Choosing test optional carelessly: DePaul asks for your test-optional choice on the application.
Missing Nov. 15 scholarship timing: Early Action can improve scholarship and advising timing.
Applying to Music or Theatre like a regular major: Auditions, interviews and extra materials can matter more than the general application.
Forgetting Animation or Film creative requirements: Creative Statement and portfolio rules should be handled early.
Not checking Blue Demon Domain: Missing items and next steps appear there after applying.
International applicants delaying English proof: English scores and translations can take time.
Ignoring placement after admission: Enrolling freshmen complete DePaul’s placement process for writing and math before orientation.

Official DePaul University links and sources

The key details are summarized above. Use these official links for final confirmation, live application steps, portal actions and program-specific requirements.

DePaul Common Data Set

Official acceptance rate, applicants, admits, enrolled students, GPA, SAT/ACT and admissions policy data.

Open DePaul Common Data Set

Undergraduate Admission

Official freshman admission overview, deadlines, scholarship timing and applicant-type guidance.

Open Undergraduate Admission

DePaul Deadlines

Official Early Action, Regular Notification, School of Music and Theatre School deadline table.

Open DePaul Deadlines

Test-Optional FAQs

Official test-optional policy, score-use explanation and application-choice guidance.

Open Test-Optional FAQs

Animation and Film Requirements

Official Creative Statement and Creative Portfolio rules for CDM applicants.

Open Animation and Film Requirements

International Freshman Admission

Official international application, transcript, English proficiency and scholarship details.

Open International Freshman Admission

FAQs about DePaul University acceptance rate 2026

What is DePaul University acceptance rate for 2026?

For 2026 planning, use about 87.8%. DePaul’s 2025–2026 Common Data Set reports 24,111 admits from 27,462 first-year applicants.

How many students applied to DePaul University?

DePaul’s CDS reports 27,462 first-time, first-year applicants for Fall 2025.

What GPA do you need for DePaul University?

DePaul’s CDS reports an average high school GPA of 3.77 among enrolled first-year students who submitted GPA.

Is DePaul University test optional?

Yes. DePaul lets freshman applicants choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of the application.

What SAT score is good for DePaul?

For enrolled score-submitters, DePaul’s SAT Composite middle 50% range was 1150–1330, with a median of 1235.

What ACT score is good for DePaul?

For enrolled score-submitters, DePaul’s ACT Composite middle 50% range was 26–31, with a median of 28.

What are DePaul application deadlines?

DePaul lists Early Action as Nov. 15 and Regular Notification as Feb. 1. School of Music uses Dec. 1, and Theatre deadlines vary by program.

Does DePaul have an application fee?

DePaul’s 2025–2026 Common Data Set indicates no undergraduate freshman application fee for the reported cycle item.

Do DePaul creative programs require extra materials?

Yes. Music, Theatre, Animation and Film applicants may need auditions, interviews, creative statements, portfolios or additional materials.

How can I improve my DePaul application?

Keep grades strong in challenging courses, apply by Nov. 15 if ready, use test optional strategically, prepare special-program materials early and monitor Blue Demon Domain after applying.