DePauw University

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:

• An immersive Winter Term for focused study
• 100% faculty accessibility (per student testimonials)
• Strong programs in visual/performing arts (8% of majors) and foreign languages (4%)

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:

• Greek life (50% of students report 'lots of options' for parties Wednesday-Saturday)
• 100+ student organizations, from a cappella groups to philanthropy clubs
• Traditions like the Monon Bell football rivalry with Wabash College

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:

• 93% of graduates achieve their desired outcome (employment/grad school)
• 61% employed immediately with $55k average starting salary
• 79% 4-year graduation rate (84% in 6 years)
• Median earnings 10 years out: $70,527

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 aid?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 price?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:

• Families earning $0-$39k pay $0 after aid
• $40k-$79k households contribute $1,790
• $80k-$119k families pay $62,428

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.