Scholarships

A private education in a bold environment shouldn’t be as expensive as it sounds. That’s why DePaul has introduced the State Scholar Plus scholarship for admitted fall freshmen. With merit award packages up to $100,000 (over four years) we are as affordable as the leading public institution in Illinois. Here’s how to qualify:

• Apply by November 15th — our Early Action Program deadline
• Earn a 3.75 GPA or higher at the point of admission (on a 4.0 scale)
• Rank in the top 10% of your graduating class
• If class ranking information is not included on your official high school transcript, a guidance counselor/school counselor can submit a supporting letter indicating ranking
• International Student: If class ranking is not available, then SAT score of 1300 or ACT score of 28 (or higher) is required

Earn up to $40,000 toward a DePaul education

DePaul has proudly partnered with RaiseMe to offer micro-scholarships that recognize your everyday achievements and allow you to start earning money for college beginning in 9th grade. Freshmen can earn up to $10,000/year*, which will be part of your DePaul University financial aid package.

Let’s get you started

1. Create your account and follow DePaul
2. Keep your RaiseMe portfolio up to date and let us know know all of your achievements such as grades, extracurricular activities and leadership positions
3. Cash in when you decide to become a Blue Demon and join our freshman class

Be sure to update your profile before the November 15 deadline.

*Students applying to DePaul University’s School of Music or Theatre School are not eligible to earn RaiseMe micro-scholarships. However, students admitted into these colleges are eligible for other talent-based scholarships. Visit music.depaul.edu or theatre.depaul.edu for more information on how to apply to these programs.

DePaul awards more than $52 million in scholarships to incoming freshman students each year, and more than $11 million in need-based gift aid on an annual basis.

By submitting an updated FAFSA to DePaul, you will be considered for additional grant funds. In recent years, new freshman students have received financial aid award packages of up to $38,400 annually.

If you’re applying to enroll in the Fall Quarter, you will automatically be considered for freshman academic scholarships of up to $24,000 annually when you complete your application.

DePaul Freshman Scholarships
Award Amount: $9,000 to $25,000

Applying. You’re automatically considered for one of our four academic scholarships (Presidential Scholarship, Deans’ Scholarship, DePaul Scholars’ Award, St. Vincent DePaul Scholarship) when you apply to DePaul. You do not need to submit a separate application. However, priority consideration is given to students who submit their admission applications by November 15—so be sure to apply by this date. If you earn an academic scholarship, we’ll notify you in your acceptance packet.

(Note: Students admitted to the School of Music or The Theatre School are not eligible for the academic scholarships listed below. Please see “Talent Scholarships” for opportunities within the School of Music and The Theatre School.)

Renewing. Academic scholarships may be renewed for up to four consecutive years (12 quarters) of undergraduate study if you maintain good academic standing. You must be enrolled full time each quarter and complete a minimum of 36 quarter hours for the Fall, Winter and Spring quarters.

Catholic Heritage Scholarship (The Illinois Catholic High School Scholarship)
Award Amount: $20,000

Any graduate of a Catholic high school in Illinois with a 3.7 GPA or higher who is admitted as a full-time freshman will be awarded a $20,000 scholarship, beginning in fall of 2019. This scholarship is renewable for four years based on satisfactory academic performance and progress, bringing the total award to $80,000. Students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement may receive a larger award. This scholarship may not be combined with other DePaul scholarships except for the Provost’s Achievement Award. Eligible students also may qualify for need-based financial aid.

Chicago Promise Scholarship (The Chicago Public School Scholarship)
Award Amount: $20,000

Any graduate of a Chicago Public high school with a 3.7 weighted GPA or higher who is admitted as a full-time freshman will be awarded a $20,000 scholarship, beginning in fall of 2019. This scholarship is renewable for four years based on satisfactory academic performance and progress, bringing the total award to $80,000. Students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement may receive a larger award. This scholarship may not be combined with other DePaul scholarships except for the Provost’s Achievement Award. Eligible students also may qualify for need-based financial aid.

Provost’s Achievement Award
Award Amount: $3,000

Students who have been selected as a National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalist are eligible for the Provost’s Achievement Award. This award is renewable for four years and can be combined with an academic scholarship.

If you’re admitted as part of the Early Action Program, you may be eligible for one of the scholarships that are listed below. These scholarships offer additional financial assistance to your college education and can stack with your academic merit-based scholarships and grants.

Each scholarship has specific criteria, so please read each award’s description carefully. Award amounts range from $5,000 to full tuition. These scholarships may be renewed for up to four consecutive years (12 quarters) of undergraduate study if you meet the requirements of each scholarship.

Arthur J. Schmitt Leaders Scholarship

Application deadline: February 1
Application required
Award amount: $12,000

The Arthur J. Schmitt Scholarship is awarded to students selected from the incoming class who are eligible to participate for up to four consecutive academic years. Schmitt Scholars are identified by their positional leadership and academic excellence in their High School careers. This scholarship is designed to further students’ formation as leaders who work for positive social change in the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul and Arthur J. Schmitt. This vision is accomplished through leadership education, leadership initiatives, and reflection.

ComEd Scholars Program Scholarship

Application deadline: February 1
Application required
Award amount: $12,000

The ComEd Scholars Program Scholarship is awarded to students graduating from DePaul College Prep High School with an interest and aptitude for STEM. To be considered, students must be participants in the ComEd Scholars program at DePaul College Prep High School.

Gerald and Jennifer Beeson Scholarship

Semi-finalists will be selected by February 1
Award Amount: $10,000

The Beeson Scholarship is awarded to incoming traditional freshman students. The scholarship was created to support highly promising seniors from Chicago Catholic High Schools in meeting their academic and personal goals.

To be considered, you must be from a Chicago-area Catholic High School with a cumulative high school GPA of 2.7 or higher and have leadership skills as well as a commitment to social justice. Semi-finalists will be selected upon admission and contacted for a scholarship interview.

Recipients are required to commit to social activism, serve as community leaders, fulfill community service projects and participate in events determined by supervisors in the Office of Multicultural Student Success, including sessions with staff for advising, mentoring and assessment.

Greer Foundation Scholarship

Award amount: $5,000

The Greer Foundation Scholarship provides recognition and financial assistance to academically high-achieving undergraduate students pursing STEM-related majors. Preference will go to underrepresented students.

James T. and Michelle A. Ryan Family Scholarship

Semi-finalists will be selected by February 1
Award amount: Varies, up to full tuition

This scholarship was established to provide recognition and financial assistance to high-potential incoming DePaul University students with financial need. Students who graduated from the Chicago Jesuit Academy middle school will be given priority consideration. This scholarship will provide support on top of federal, state, and institutional aid to cover recipients’ tuition, room and board, and program support. Semi-finalists will be selected upon admission and contacted for a scholarship interview.

Recipients must reside on campus, maintain good academic standing and demonstrate appropriate progress toward degree completion in order to maintain eligibility for award renewal.

Mazza Foundation Scholarship

Semi-finalists will be selected by February 1
Award amount: $15,000

The Mazza Foundation Scholarship supports highly promising seniors from Chicago Big Shoulders High Schools or Mazza Scholars in meeting their academic and personal goals.

To be considered, you must graduate from a Big Shoulders High School or be a current Mazza Scholar with a cumulative high school GPA of 2.7 or higher. In addition, need must be demonstrated as determined by the FAFSA. Applicants must have leadership skills as well as a commitment to social justice. Recipients are required to participate in events determined by supervisors in the Office of Multicultural Student Success, including participation as a S.T.A.R.S. (Students Together Are Reaching Success) peer mentee. Semi-finalists will be selected upon admission and contacted for a scholarship interview.

Monsignor Egan Hope Scholarship

Application deadline: February 1
Award amount: $13,500

The Egan Hope Scholarship Program was created to honor Monsignor John Egan’s lifetime work of social activism and community service and is designed to prepare inner-city students from Chicago to continue that work.

To be considered, you must prove residency within the city of Chicago and graduate from a city of Chicago high school. You must have an exceptional record of social activism, leadership and community service. Recipients are required to commit to social activism, serve as community leaders, fulfill community service projects and participate in events determined by supervisors in the Office of Multicultural Student Success, including sessions with staff for advising, mentoring and assessment.

Rita and John Canning Scholarship

Semi-finalists will be selected by February 1
Award amount: $10,000

The Rita and John Canning Scholarship supports highly promising seniors from Chicago Big Shoulders High Schools or Big Shoulders Fund Scholars in meeting their academic and personal goals.

To be considered, you must be from a Big Shoulders High School or a current Big Shoulders Fund Scholar with a cumulative high school GPA of 2.7 or higher. In addition, need must be demonstrated as determined by the FAFSA. Applicants must have leadership skills as well as a commitment to social justice. Semi-finalists will be selected upon admission and contacted for a scholarship interview.

Recipients are required to participate in events determined by supervisors in the Office of Multicultural Student Success, including participating as a S.T.A.R.S. (Students Together Are Reaching Success) peer mentee.

Application Instructions

1. Go to depaul.academicworks.com
2. Login using your Campus Connect user ID and password. (You can find this information in Blue Demon Domain.)
3. The first page will be the “General Application.” Please read all of the instructions and fill out the application. You do not need to upload a transcript to complete the application.
   
   Note: After completing the General Application, you will be able to find or search for a specific scholarship. You may apply for only one of these scholarships.

Talent scholarships are based on artistic, musical and theatrical ability/potential.

Applying. If you’re a freshman admitted for the Fall Quarter and intend to enroll in one of the academic programs detailed below, you may be considered for a talent scholarship. An audition, interview or portfolio is required.

Renewing. Talent scholarships may be renewed for up to four consecutive years (12 quarters) of undergraduate study if you meet the requirements listed under each scholarship. You must be enrolled full time each quarter in the corresponding major, maintain good academic standing and complete a minimum of 36 quarter hours for the Fall, Winter and Spring quarters.

Art Scholarship*
Award Amount: $10,000

To be considered, you must be admitted to DePaul as a first year student and as a declared Art, Media and Design major by February 1. To apply, go to depaul.academicworks.com and login using your Campus Connect user ID and password. You will first need to fill out the "General Application" and then should upload a portfolio containing 10 digital files as follows: nine digital images (one for each of your artworks) and one digital file with your name and resume. All submissions are due by February 1.

Each digital image should be saved as a JPEG file (100 dpi and no larger than 7 x 5 inches) and include your name, the title of the work, medium, size (HxWxD) and year completed. For your resume, please include your name and contact information, schools attended, art exhibitions you’ve participated in, awards you’ve received and any other art-related activities. If you submit a video file, use QuickTime and title the file using the same guidelines outlined above. Submissions uploaded as a PowerPoint will not be accepted.

*Please note: the Art Scholarship cannot be combined with a service or leadership scholarship.

School of Music Award
Award Amount: Varies

If you apply to the School of Music by December 1, you’ll automatically be considered once you’ve performed your entrance audition. The School of Music Award amounts will vary and will be determined by the musical and academic achievements of each applicant paired with the School of Music’s ensemble and departmental needs. Award recipients must be music majors and audition for and perform (as assigned) in School of Music performance ensembles as determined by the ensemble conducting faculty. (Note: Ensemble participation is separate from the curriculum requirements.) Visit the School of Music website to schedule an audition and view audition requirements.

Theatre School Scholarship
Award Amount: Varies

If you apply to The Theatre School, you’ll automatically be considered once you’ve completed all application requirements, including an audition or interview depending on your intended major. The Theatre School Scholarship award amounts will vary and will be determined on the basis of both academic qualifications and artistic talent as demonstrated in the entrance audition or interview. Auditions and interviews are held November through February. Visit the Theatre School website to schedule an audition or interview.

External scholarships are offered by organizations and foundations outside DePaul. Some of the best resources for scholarships are organizations with which you or your family is associated (for example, parent's employer, ethnic heritage groups, Kiwanis club, nonprofit volunteer organizations, community organizations, high schools, etc.). You can research these opportunities on scholarship search websites. Keep in mind that you should never pay a fee for scholarship search assistance. 

In addition, DePaul Scholarship Connect lists external scholarships that have been sent to our Office of Financial Aid. New opportunities are added frequently, so please check the site regularly.