Concordia Chicago vs DePaul

Concordia University-Chicago and DePaul University, both located in Chicago, Illinois, offer distinct educational experiences. Concordia, a private Lutheran university, boasts a smaller student body and a lower acceptance rate compared to DePaul, a private Catholic university. While DePaul offers a wider range of undergraduate programs, Concordia focuses on liberal arts and sciences, with popular majors in education, nursing, and business. DePaul's student body is more diverse, with a higher percentage of international students, while Concordia's student body is predominantly White. DePaul's higher graduation rate may be attributed to its larger endowment and research opportunities. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more key differences and make an informed decision about which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Concordia University-Chicago	DePaul University
Overview
Location	River Forest, Illinois	Chicago, Illinois
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Quarter
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	57.0%	84.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation	Evangelical	Catholic

Admission
Acceptance rate	87.8%	69.4%
Application fees	$50	$40
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants	5,620	32,075
Total number of admissions given out	4,935	22,274
Admitted students who chose to enroll	336	2,838
Yield rate	6.8%	12.7%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$44,860	$60,771
Average net price	$18,817	$31,872
Tuition	$33,310	$41,361
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,550 Meal plan: $3,880	Room/dormitory: $10,647 Meal plan: $4,578
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	99.0% Average amount $23,508	99.0% Average amount $25,282
Students receiving federal student loan	64.0% Average amount $4,744	47.0% Average amount $5,009
Students taking out private loans	7.0% Average amount $11,395	5.0% Average amount $18,848

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	1,438 Men 43.3% Women 56.7%	14,294 Men 45.8% Women 54.2%
Graduate students	4,648 Men 32.1% Women 67.9%	7,376 Men 43.3% Women 56.7%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	38.4%	37.3%
International students	2.7%	5.6%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	726	2,719
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Illinois Missouri Indiana Michigan Florida	Illinois California Michigan Ohio Wisconsin

Academics
Popular study areas	Education Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Business Health Professions Psychology	Business Computer and Information Science Visual & Performing Arts Communication and Journalism Education
Students to faculty ratio	13:1	17:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	42.8%	69.6%
Dropout rate	14.0%	10.5%
Transferred out	43.2%	18.0%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $111,823 Year 2: $114,892 Year 3: $115,033 Educational Administration and Supervision (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $86,536 Year 2: $99,683 Year 3: $105,927 Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $56,837 Year 2: $64,493 Year 3: $69,591 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $64,893 Year 2: $64,493 Year 3: $69,201 Educational/Instructional Media Design (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $59,510 Year 2: $63,855 Year 3: $67,477 Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $60,778 Year 2: $57,657 Year 3: $64,254 Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $53,253 Year 2: $58,057 Year 3: $60,306 Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $55,265 Year 2: $57,937 Year 3: $59,496 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $53,650 Year 2: $56,415 Year 3: $59,101 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $56,219 Year 2: $59,576 Year 3: $57,980	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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in location between Concordia University-Chicago and DePaul University?

Concordia University-Chicago is located in River Forest, Illinois, a suburban community just west of Chicago. DePaul University has multiple campuses, with its main campus in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago and another significant campus in the Loop (downtown Chicago). This means DePaul offers a more urban experience, while Concordia provides a more traditional suburban college setting.
How do the academic programs compare at Concordia University-Chicago and DePaul University?

DePaul University offers a wider range of programs, including many highly ranked programs in business, law, and the arts. It is a larger university with more specialized programs. Concordia University-Chicago, while offering a solid core curriculum, is known for its strengths in education, business, and healthcare programs, often with a focus on practical application and a more personalized learning environment. DePaul has a broader selection of graduate programs.
What is the student body like at each university?

DePaul University has a significantly larger and more diverse student body than Concordia University-Chicago. DePaul attracts students from various backgrounds and locations, reflecting the diversity of Chicago. Concordia has a smaller student body, often with a stronger connection to the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and a more close-knit community feel.
How does the cost of attendance compare?

Tuition and fees at both universities are competitive. However, the overall cost of attendance, including room and board, can vary. DePaul, being located in Chicago, may have higher living expenses. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available at both institutions, so it's important to compare your individual financial aid packages.
What are the campus life and extracurricular activities like?

DePaul University offers a vibrant campus life with numerous clubs, organizations, and Division I athletics. Its location in Chicago provides easy access to cultural events, internships, and job opportunities. Concordia University-Chicago also has a range of clubs and activities, with a focus on community and faith-based organizations. Its suburban location offers a different set of opportunities, with a focus on campus-based activities and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Which university is better for someone interested in a specific career path?

If you're interested in business, law, or the arts, DePaul University's strong programs and location in Chicago provide excellent opportunities. If you're interested in education, healthcare, or a more personalized learning experience, Concordia University-Chicago might be a better fit. Research specific programs and consider your career goals when making your decision.
How do the admission requirements differ?

Both universities require standard application materials, including transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation. DePaul University may have slightly more competitive admission standards due to its larger size and broader appeal. It's important to check the specific requirements for each program you're interested in at both universities.
What are the graduation rates and job placement rates like?

Both universities have good graduation rates. DePaul, being a larger university, may have a slightly different approach to career services, with a wider network of alumni and industry connections. Concordia University-Chicago also provides career services, often with a focus on helping students find internships and jobs in the local area. Research the specific career services offered by each university to see which aligns with your needs.
Is one university better for students seeking a religious affiliation?

Concordia University-Chicago has a strong affiliation with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and its campus culture reflects this. While DePaul University is a Catholic university, it is known for its diversity and inclusivity. Students seeking a strong religious community may find Concordia a better fit, while those seeking a more diverse environment may prefer DePaul.
How can I decide which university is right for me?

Consider your academic interests, career goals, preferred campus environment, and financial situation. Visit both campuses if possible, talk to current students and faculty, and compare the programs and resources offered by each university. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Compare Similar Colleges

The list of suggested college comparisons provided below is generated automatically by our system, utilizing statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you don't find the colleges you wish to compare, please visit our comparison page. There, you can search for the specific colleges and initiate your comparison.