Loyola University Chicago vs DePaul University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Loyola University Chicago and DePaul University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Loyola University Chicago vs DePaul University at a glance
Loyola University Chicago admits 81.6% of applicants and DePaul University 75.9% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $36,340 at Loyola University Chicago and $27,308 at DePaul University. Six-year graduation rates are 72.1% and 67.2%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Loyola University Chicago admits 81.6% of applicants and DePaul University 75.9%, so DePaul University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $36,340 a year at Loyola University Chicago and $27,308 at DePaul University; DePaul University costs $9,032 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $30,709 at Loyola University Chicago and $27,251 at DePaul University.
- 72.1% of students graduate within six years at Loyola University Chicago, against 67.2% at DePaul University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $78,431 for Loyola University Chicago and $75,602 for DePaul University; Loyola University Chicago is $2,829 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $23,750 at Loyola University Chicago and $21,787 at DePaul University.
- Loyola University Chicago enrolls 11,737 students (large city) and DePaul University 14,090 (large city).
Side by side
Loyola University Chicago and DePaul University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Loyola University Chicago | DePaul University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 81.6% | 75.9% |
| Applicants | 37,824 | 32,075 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1170–1360 | 1140–1330 |
| ACT middle 50% | 27–32 | 25–31 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $36,340 | $27,308 |
| Tuition, in state | $56,060 | $47,676 |
| Tuition, out of state | $56,060 | $47,676 |
| Cost of attendance | $70,688 | $62,681 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $30,709 | $27,251 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $31,498 | $21,638 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $31,297 | $24,864 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $35,289 | $26,128 |
| Over $110,000 | $43,708 | $37,424 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 72.1% | 67.2% |
| First-year retention | 81.7% | 85.5% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $78,431 | $75,602 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $23,750 | $21,787 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $270 | $248 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 11,737 | 14,090 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Large |
| Location | Chicago, IL | Chicago, IL |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Loyola University Chicago reports 99 bachelor's programs and DePaul University 72; 53 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Loyola University Chicago vs DePaul University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Loyola University Chicago or DePaul University?
DePaul University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Loyola University Chicago admits 81.6% of applicants and DePaul University admits 75.9%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Loyola University Chicago 1170–1360; DePaul University 1140–1330.
Which is cheaper, Loyola University Chicago or DePaul University?
DePaul University has the lower average net price after grants: $36,340 a year at Loyola University Chicago against $27,308 at DePaul University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $30,709 and $27,251. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Loyola University Chicago or DePaul University graduates earn more?
Loyola University Chicago graduates earn more at the median: $78,431 ten years after entry for Loyola University Chicago and $75,602 for DePaul University. Median federal debt at graduation is $23,750 and $21,787.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Loyola University Chicago or DePaul University?
Loyola University Chicago does: 72.1% of Loyola University Chicago students graduate within six years, against 67.2% at DePaul University.
How big are Loyola University Chicago and DePaul University?
Loyola University Chicago has 11,737 students in Chicago, IL and DePaul University has 14,090 students in Chicago, IL.