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DePaul University College of Law
The DePaul University College of Law boasts nationally-ranked programs and a downtown-Chicago location. Moreover, the school's alumni network is strong, and the professors are well-respected. However, the school has limitations, including weak national placement and facilities that need updating.
Contents
History
In 1897, the Illinois College of Law was established in Chicago by Howard N. Ogden (1864-1915). The college's purpose was to provide an education that met the requirements for admission to the bar. Initially located at 160 W. Washington St., its growing student body necessitated a move to a larger facility at 301 Erie St. by 1904.
At the time, Illinois College of Law was the only law school not on the east coast, offering both day and evening instruction for its students. It was a successful local bar school with an academic post-graduate program, prospering for 15 years before merging with DePaul University in 1912.
Admissions
The admissions process at DePaul University College of Law is highly competitive, and those who are accepted have achieved excellent academic results. Students should ensure that they put together a strong application to increase their chances of acceptance. Those who are successful in the admissions process can look forward to an excellent legal education and strong prospects.
Statistics
| Admissions Stats | ||
| Class of: | 2023-2024 | 2024-2025 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT | 153-157-159 | 153-158-159 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA | 3.27-3.59-3.79 | 3.16-3.65-3.82 |
| Acceptance rate | 41.8% | 45.4%% |
| Applications received | 1771 | 1889 |
| Acceptances | 772 | 857 |
| Matriculants | 157 | 161 |
DePaul University College of Law’s 2025 entering class demonstrates a slight increase in academic competitiveness alongside notable shifts in admissions dynamics. The median LSAT score rose by one point, and the GPA’s 75th percentile also saw a small increase, signaling that the school continues to attract students with strong academic credentials. The acceptance rate increased from 41.8% to 45.4%, which suggests that the school admitted a higher proportion of applicants, likely as part of its efforts to reach enrollment goals. Additionally, applications grew by 118 compared to the previous year, highlighting an uptick in interest from prospective students. Despite the larger number of acceptances, the number of matriculants only rose modestly—from 157 to 161—indicating relatively stable enrollment figures.
Overall, DePaul’s 2025 class reflects slightly stronger academic performance among admitted students, a rise in application numbers, and a more generous acceptance rate. These trends suggest that the program is maintaining its academic quality while responding to an increasing demand and adjusting its admissions strategy to keep enrollment steady.
These results demonstrate that applicants are highly sought after by DePaul University College of Law each year and that the university is highly selective in its admissions process. Accepted students have achieved excellent academic results, setting them up for success as they continue their legal education.
Ultimately, DePaul University College of Law offers a high-quality educational experience to those selected, making it an attractive option for aspiring lawyers. Those interested in applying should ensure they have the best academic credentials to make them competitive applicants.
Tuition and Financila Aid
For the 2025–2026 academic year, DePaul University College of Law lists the full-time J.D. tuition (12–16 credit hours per semester) at $55,328, while the part-time evening J.D. program costs $35,946. Students who enroll in courses on a per-credit basis pay $1,808 per credit hour. Beyond tuition, students should expect additional required fees of about $300 along with estimated yearly costs of $1,650 for books and supplies, approximately $18,202 for housing and meals, around $1,300 for transportation, and $6,590 for personal expenses. Altogether, the projected total cost of attendance for a full-time student is approximately $84,738 per year.
In terms of financial aid, all incoming J.D. students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships when they apply, and any awards are usually outlined in the admission letter. To qualify for federal aid such as Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal borrowing for law students is capped at $138,500 in total, which includes any previous undergraduate loans. DePaul also provides interest-free tuition payment plans that allow students to spread out their payments over a term or the entire academic year, making tuition more manageable. Additionally, students who experience financial hardship or have special circumstances can submit an appeal for adjustments to their cost of attendance or aid eligibility.
Overall, DePaul’s tuition and financial aid structure aims to balance accessibility with comprehensive support, offering various financing options to help students manage the significant costs associated with pursuing a law degree.
Cost of Attendance
For full-time JD students, DePaul estimates that the COA includes both direct costs (tuition, fees, etc.) and indirect costs (books, living, transportation, personal expenses).
The 2025–2026 estimated cost of attendance for a full-time JD student at DePaul University College of Law is about US $84,738. This figure combines direct expenses, such as the $55,328 tuition and $300 in mandatory fees, with indirect costs including $1,650 for books and supplies, $24,792 for housing and food, $924 for transportation, and $5,884 for personal expenses. Loan origination fees (approx. $1,368) are also factored into the total, even though these are not paid to the school directly. These estimates are intended as a budget guideline and can vary depending on a student’s actual housing, lifestyle, or course load.
| Cost Component | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Tuition (full-time JD, 12–16 credit hrs) | $55,328 |
| Mandatory Fees | $300 |
| Loan Origination Fees* | $1,368 |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies | $1,650 |
| Living Expenses (Housing & Food) | $24,792 |
| Transportation | $924 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $5,884 |
| Total Estimated Cost of Attendance | $84,738 |
* Loan origination fees are costs tied to federal loans and not paid directly to DePaul.
Scholarships
DePaul University College of Law offers financial aid opportunities to its incoming first-year students. Scholarships are granted based on academic merit, with those displaying superior achievement most likely to receive an award. The College of Law considers all accepted applicants when determining who should receive scholarships and notifies them of their eligibility upon accepting their offer.
In addition to scholarships, financial aid is available through loan programs and employment opportunities. The College of Law’s Office of Financial Aid assists students in applying for loans, grants, and work-study options. Furthermore, the office provides helpful resources on budgeting, managing expenses, and understanding the terms of individual loan agreements.
The College of Law also encourages students to pursue external aid options. Extracurricular activities, such as student organizations and summer internships, offer unique ways to receive funding for law school. Furthermore, federal grants and scholarships are available through the government or private endowments.
Academics and Curriculum
DePaul University College of Law is located in the heart of Chicago, putting it at the center of some of the most prestigious legal institutions in the country. Home to a knowledgeable and experienced faculty, the college has earned its place as a top-ranked school for healthcare and intellectual property law, according to USNews.
The location has also proven beneficial for students seeking internships or summer jobs. With the federal and county courthouses nearby, DePaul's alum network helps to bolster even more job opportunities for its graduates.
Though there have been some criticisms of the college, such as "terrible" classrooms and career services center complaints, most reviews praise the overall quality of the education. With a strong faculty and ample location amenities, DePaul Law School stands out as one of the most respected legal institutions in the nation.
DePaul is an excellent choice for prospective students looking to jump-start their legal careers. The experienced faculty, prime location, alumni network, and top rankings provide the resources and opportunities for a successful career. With everything the college offers, DePaul Law School is an excellent choice for those seeking a legal degree.
Experiential Learning
At DePaul University College of Law, they understand that your legal education is about more than just the bookwork and theory. To give you the strength and confidence to succeed in the legal field, they offer a variety of experiential learning programs. Through these experiences, you will have the opportunity to work with real clients on real legal issues in their legal clinics, take part in dispute resolution and client counseling through practical skills courses, engage in a variety of externships and sharpen your ability to argue cases through competitions and writing courses.
Legal Clinics
Legal Clinics at DePaul University College of Law are an excellent opportunity for law students to put the theory they learn in the classroom into practice. After their first year, students can use the clinics to hone their lawyering skills by providing legal services to actual clients with real-world legal issues. The university offers a variety of In-House and Field Clinics to suit various interests, from criminal law practice and business law to counseling asylum seekers.
In-House Clinics are located within the college and allow students to be the primary contact for their clients and counsel them directly on their legal issues. Depending on the Clinic, credits range from 3 to 8, and there are semester-long or year-long options.
Field Clinics, on the other hand, provide law students with a hands-on experience in their chosen field by placing them in partner organizations such as government agencies, courts, and social service organizations. While working with these organizations, students can practice basic lawyering skills such as interviewing clients, conducting research, preparing written legal documents, and even appearing in court.
DePaul University College of Law's Legal Clinics is a great way for law students to get hands-on practice experience while building their resumes. The university offers various In-House and Field Clinic options to meet aspiring lawyers' needs. With these clinics, law students can sharpen their legal knowledge and skills and gain invaluable experience in law practice.
DePaul Law currently offers clinical programs in the following practice areas:
- Asylum & Immigration
- Business Law
- Civil Litigation and Health Law
- Civil Rights*
- Criminal Appeals
- Croak Community Legal Clinic
- Family Law
- Technology/Intellectual Property
Externship Program
The DePaul University College of Law Externship Program is an innovative approach to bridging the gap between legal theory and practice, allowing students to gain firsthand legal work experience with judges, government agencies (federal, state, or local), not-for-profit organizations, and for-profit entities such as private law firms and corporations. The program is designed to allow students to be part of a legal team and learn how to apply the law in real-world settings.
Students who participate in the DePaul University College of Law Externship Program will have access to experienced supervision from their site supervisor and guidance and feedback on their work. They will also attend site visits, guest lectures, and networking events to understand the industry better. Through this program, students will gain valuable work experience that can benefit their future careers.
The DePaul University College of Law Externship Program is an excellent opportunity for law students to bridge the gap between theory and practice and gain firsthand legal work experience. The program provides an invaluable experience that will benefit students in their future legal career endeavors.
Employment Prospects & Bar Passage
DePaul University College of Law graduates generally experience strong employment outcomes, particularly within Illinois and the broader Chicago legal market. According to the school’s most recent NALP/ABA disclosures for the Class of 2023, about 85.9% of graduates were employed in full-time, long-term positions within 10 months of graduation. A majority of these graduates—approximately 59.2%—entered law firm positions, reflecting DePaul’s strong connections to the private legal sector in Chicago. Others pursued diverse career paths, with 14.6% working in business and industry, 7.3% in government roles, 3.1% in public interest positions, and about 3.7% securing judicial clerkships. Geographically, more than 80% of these graduates remained in Illinois, underscoring DePaul’s regional employment strength. To support these outcomes, DePaul’s Office of Professional & Career Development provides individualized career counseling, resume and interview preparation, clerkship guidance, and networking opportunities that connect students with local and national employers.
Bar Passage Rates (2025)
Bar exam performance for DePaul graduates has remained relatively steady in recent years. For the 2024 graduating class, the first-time bar passage rate was approximately 76.02%, which reflects a slight increase from 75.00% for the Class of 2023 (105 passers out of 140 takers). While this is slightly below the average for other ABA-approved law schools in Illinois—where the statewide first-time pass rate is typically around 75%—DePaul’s graduates tend to close this gap over time. The school’s ultimate bar admission rate, which tracks graduates who pass the bar within two years of graduation, was about 87.15% for the Class of 2022, showing that most graduates ultimately achieve licensure. Within Illinois specifically, DePaul’s first-time pass rate stood at 66.88%, slightly under the state’s broader ABA-school average. Despite this, the majority of graduates do go on to pass the bar, and the school continues to provide bar preparation resources and
Quality of Life
DePaul University College of Law is conveniently located in the heart of Chicago, one of the most exciting and vibrant cities in America. The city is full of life and offers something for everyone, from breathtaking lakefront beaches to iconic deep-dish pizza. There’s no shortage of things to do in Chicago; the music scene is diverse, the sports culture is engaged, and the nightlife is endless. DePaul Law provides students with easy access to all of these amenities while providing an excellent legal education at one of the top law schools in the country. With a beautiful library, numerous student organizations, and great career services, there’s no doubt that students can find success at DePaul Law. DePaul Law can provide both, whether you’re looking for an exciting urban environment or a challenging legal education. See what Chicago offers and join the diverse community of scholars at DePaul Law!
Synopsis
DePaul Law School offers sound academics and a vibrant and diverse social scene. The latter is more attractive than the former, however, and prospective students should be aware of the school's academic limitations.
Contact Information
DePaul University
College of Law
Admissions Office
Loop Campus
Lewis Center
9th Floor
25 East Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60604
Phone: (312) 362-8701
Email: lawinfo@depaul.edu
https://law.depaul.edu/admission/jd-admission/Pages/default.aspx
Summary
| Established | 1912 |
| Location | Chicago, IL |
| Dean | Julie D. Lawton |
| 2025 US News Ranking | 133th |
| LSAT Median Score | 158 |
| GPA Median Score | 3.65 |
| Bar Passage Rate | 75% (2025) |
| Employment Rate | 41.2% (2025) |
| Cost | "$54,218 full-time,
$35,402 part-time" |
| Average Debt | $116,537 |
| Application Deadline | April 1, 2025 |
Forum and Discussion
DePaul University College of Law Discussions
Law School Admissions Forums
Law Student Forums
Law School Class Forums
Reference
https://law.depaul.edu/Pages/default.aspx
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