Navigating the Academic Year: A Guide to DePaul University's Calendar
DePaul University, a private institution founded in 1898, operates on a differs by program-based academic calendar. Understanding this calendar is crucial for students, faculty, and staff to navigate the academic year effectively. This article provides a comprehensive overview of DePaul's academic calendar, highlighting key dates, holidays, and resources.
DePaul University: An Overview
DePaul University, ranked No. #169 in National Universities in the 2026 edition of Best Colleges, is also recognized for its commitment to undergraduate teaching, holding the No. #58 position. The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 14,188 (fall 2024). Situated in an urban setting on a 41-acre campus, DePaul boasts a student-faculty ratio of 17:1. The school's tuition and fees are $47,676. DePaul accepts the Common Application and has a test-optional admissions policy. Sixty-six percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $29,430. The four-year graduation rate is 55%. Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $54,695.
DePaul distinguishes itself through its dedication to personalism and professionalism. As one of the largest private and Catholic institutions in the nation, DePaul ensures that most classes have fewer than 40 students, with faculty members deeply invested in the educational experiences of their students. The university prides itself on welcoming students from diverse states, countries, faiths, and backgrounds, fostering an environment where differences are celebrated and explored both inside and outside the classroom.
Located in Chicago, recently named the second most beautiful city in the world by TimeOut, DePaul integrates itself into the city's vibrant landscape. Its close proximity to internships, museums, and undergraduate research opportunities makes DePaul a place of growth, creativity, and invention. DePaul is consistently ranked as one of the best colleges in the Midwest and is recognized by US News and World Report for both social mobility and innovation.
Key Holidays and Breaks
The DePaul University academic calendar includes several holidays and breaks throughout the year:
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- Labor Day holiday
- Student Wellness Day
- Thanksgiving holiday
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Spring vacation
- Memorial Day holiday
- Juneteenth holiday
- Independence Day holiday
It is important to note that exceptions may apply for School of Law students, College of Medicine students completing clinical clerkships, College of Pharmacy students completing clinical instruction courses, and other students taking those courses.
Academic Calendar Components
The academic calendar provides students with information to mark your calendar with quarterly begin and end dates, important deadlines, exam schedules, and more. The Office of Academic Affairs provides strategic direction, striving to improve academic quality, teaching excellence, scholarly research, service and diversity.
Campus Life and Opportunities
DePaul offers a vibrant campus life with over 350 student groups and various events. Community involvement is a key aspect of the DePaul experience, with students partnering with over 250 organizations to create real-world impact through service learning.
Safety and Security
DePaul University is an equal opportunity employer and educator and complies with the Clery Act, which requires all universities to make this information available to prospective students.
DePaul University’s Safety and Security Information Report and Fire Safety Report is available upon request and at go.depaul.edu/CleryASR. The report includes statistics about crimes that occurred on campus and public property immediately adjacent to campus, institutional policies concerning campus security, sexual assault and other matters. It also includes fire statistics, fire safety practices and standards of the institution.
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Colleges and Programs
DePaul University consists of various colleges and schools, including:
- Driehaus College of Business
- Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media
- College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
- College of Science and Health
- School of Continuing and Professional Studies
These colleges offer a wide range of programs.
Career Readiness
At DePaul, students build life skills and career confidence through real-world experiences, mentorship, and support. This ensures graduates are ready to lead, adapt, and make a difference.
Read also: Understanding the DePaul University Calendar
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