
Greencastle, INprivate nonprofitwww.depauw.edu/
DePauw University is a small but mighty liberal arts college in rural Indiana, where every student lives on campus and Greek life dominates the social scene. With a 57% acceptance rate and an average GPA of 3.9 for admitted students, it attracts high achievers who thrive in its intimate, immersive academic environment. The school punches above its weight in post-grad outcomes, with 93% of graduates landing jobs or grad school placements and a median starting salary of $55,000.
DePauw's admissions process is moderately selective, with a 57% Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. and an average admitted student GPA of 3.9. The university is Test-optionalA policy where you choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you don't, the rest of your application carries more weight. (except for international students from countries where SAT/ACT is available), with middle 50% SAT scores ranging 1130–1350 and ACT scores 25–29. Applicants can choose between the Common App or DePauw's own application, with Early Decision deadlines on November 1. About 55% of first-year students receive Need-based aidFinancial aid awarded based on your family's ability to pay, as measured by forms like the FAFSA, rather than on achievements., with average awards around $49,430.
DePauw offers 75+ majors and minors through its College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, with speech communication/rhetoric being the most popular degree (47 graduates annually). The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and requires all students to complete a senior capstone project. Notable features include:
Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA in their major to graduate, with most completing their degrees in 4 years (79% graduation rate).
DePauw's rural Indiana campus is a 24/7 residential community where 100% of students live on campus. Social life revolves around:
Students describe the vibe as 'work hard, play hard' — 19% say there are 'tons of raging parties almost any night,' while others appreciate the tight-knit community forged through four years of shared campus living.
DePauw delivers strong ROI for a liberal arts college:
Money magazine ranks DePauw highly for combining quality, affordability, and outcomes. The Hubbard Center provides robust career support, helping students land positions at top firms and graduate programs.
At $61,430 sticker price, DePauw isn't cheap — but 55% of first-years receive Need-based aidFinancial aid awarded based on your family's ability to pay, as measured by forms like the FAFSA, rather than on achievements. averaging $49,430. The Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator shows:
Merit scholarships and grants significantly reduce costs for middle-income students. The average aid package totals $53,003, bringing net price down to $30,507 for many.
DePauw offers a rare combo: the intimacy of a small liberal arts college (1,917 undergrads) with the resources and outcomes typically associated with larger universities. Its 100% residential model creates an intense, immersive community where students form lifelong bonds. While Greek life dominates socially, the academic experience is rigorous and personalized — alumni credit the school's emphasis on writing and critical thinking for their career success. For students who want big opportunities (93% positive outcomes) without getting lost in the crowd, DePauw delivers.