Choosing between Roosevelt University and DePaul University can be challenging for prospective students seeking quality education in Chicago. This listicle breaks down ten essential aspects of both institutions, helping you understand their academic offerings, campus life, costs, and more. Whether you’re an undergraduate or graduate applicant, this guide highlights concrete details to support your decision-making process.
1. Location and Campus Environment
Roosevelt University’s main campus is located in downtown Chicago’s Loop, offering students immediate access to business, cultural, and governmental hubs. DePaul University has two primary campuses: the Lincoln Park campus, which provides a vibrant, traditional college atmosphere near residential neighborhoods, and the Loop campus, focused on graduate and professional programs. Both universities benefit from Chicago’s urban setting, but DePaul’s dual-campus system offers more variety in student experience.
2. Academic Programs and Strengths
Roosevelt University is well-regarded for its strong emphasis on social justice and liberal arts education, with notable programs in psychology, business, and education. It also offers the Chicago College of Performing Arts, which is an important draw for students focused on music and theater. DePaul University is recognized for its robust business school (Driehaus College of Business), computing and digital media programs, and a large College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. DePaul’s curriculum tends to be broader with more specialized options in technology and business fields.
3. Class Sizes and Student-Faculty Ratio
Roosevelt University boasts smaller class sizes, with an average student-faculty ratio of about 13:1, fostering more personalized attention and closer interaction with professors. DePaul’s ratio is slightly higher at approximately 15:1, but still offers manageable class sizes, especially in upper-level courses. Smaller classes at Roosevelt can benefit students who prefer discussion-based learning and individualized support.
4. Tuition and Financial Aid
As of the 2023–2024 academic year, Roosevelt University’s undergraduate tuition is around $40,000 annually, while DePaul University’s undergraduate tuition is slightly higher, near $44,000 per year. Both universities offer merit-based scholarships and need-based financial aid, but DePaul has a larger endowment, allowing it to provide more extensive scholarship opportunities and grant funding. Prospective students should carefully compare net costs after aid, as sticker prices don’t fully represent affordability.
5. Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives
Roosevelt University has a longstanding commitment to social justice, diversity, and inclusion, reflected in its diverse student body and community engagement programs. It actively promotes equity through initiatives like its Center for Equity and Justice and offers numerous multicultural student organizations. DePaul University also emphasizes diversity, with over 40% of undergraduates identifying as students of color. DePaul supports inclusion via its Office of Institutional Diversity and Equity and various cultural centers, making both schools appealing to students seeking diverse campus environments.
6. Internship and Career Opportunities
DePaul University’s location and extensive alumni network provide strong internship pipelines, particularly in business, technology, and media sectors. Its Career Center offers tailored services such as career fairs, resume workshops, and employer connections specifically in Chicago’s corporate and creative industries. Roosevelt University, while smaller, leverages its downtown location to connect students with internships in nonprofits, education, and social services, aligning with its mission-driven programs. Both schools have solid career support but cater to somewhat different professional focuses.
7. Campus Facilities and Student Life
DePaul University’s Lincoln Park campus features modern residence halls, recreational facilities, and a wide range of student organizations, creating a more traditional college experience. Its Loop campus, meanwhile, houses graduate programs in a high-rise urban setting. Roosevelt University’s facilities are integrated into Chicago’s urban core, with smaller dorm options and a focus on commuter students. Roosevelt’s student life is active but less extensive than DePaul’s, reflecting its smaller size and urban commuter emphasis.
8. Graduate and Professional Programs
Both universities offer graduate degrees, but DePaul’s graduate programs are larger and more diverse, including well-ranked law, business, and computing degrees. Roosevelt’s graduate offerings focus on education, psychology, and performing arts, consistent with its undergraduate strengths. DePaul’s graduate enrollment is significantly higher, providing a more extensive network and resources for professional studies.
9. Athletics and Extracurriculars
DePaul University competes in NCAA Division I as part of the Big East Conference, with notable men’s and women’s basketball programs that draw strong campus and citywide support. Roosevelt University competes in NCAA Division II, with a smaller athletics program primarily focused on providing opportunities for student-athletes rather than high-profile competition. For students seeking vibrant collegiate sports culture, DePaul offers more visibility and school spirit through athletics.
10. Alumni Network and Reputation
DePaul University has a larger alumni base of over 190,000 graduates worldwide, which can be advantageous for networking and career advancement. Its reputation is particularly strong in Chicago and the Midwest, especially for business and technology fields. Roosevelt University, with about 35,000 alumni, is known for its commitment to social justice and community impact, attracting students passionate about advocacy and service. Each institution’s reputation aligns with different career goals and values.
How to Choose
When deciding between Roosevelt University and DePaul University, consider what matters most to your academic and personal goals. If you value a smaller campus with a strong social justice mission, personalized attention, and performing arts programs, Roosevelt may be the better fit. If you prefer a larger university with diverse academic options, a vibrant campus life, strong athletics, and extensive career services, DePaul is likely the better choice. Location-wise, both are in Chicago, but DePaul’s dual campuses offer more variety in environment. Finally, compare financial aid offers closely, as net cost can be a decisive factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which university is more affordable? Roosevelt University generally has a slightly lower sticker price, but financial aid packages can vary widely. It’s essential to review net costs after scholarships and grants.
Do both schools have strong business programs? Yes, but DePaul’s Driehaus College of Business is larger and more nationally recognized, offering more specialized business degrees.
Can I study performing arts at both universities? Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts is a major highlight, whereas DePaul offers performing arts but with less focus and fewer dedicated facilities.
What are the class sizes like? Roosevelt typically offers smaller classes with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, while DePaul’s ratio is about 15:1, still allowing for meaningful interaction.
Is campus housing available at both schools? DePaul has extensive on-campus housing options, especially at Lincoln Park, while Roosevelt offers more limited housing, mainly for freshmen and some graduate students.
Which school has better internship connections? DePaul’s larger size and alumni network provide broader internship opportunities, especially in business and tech, but Roosevelt’s downtown location benefits students interested in nonprofits and social services.
Final Thoughts
Roosevelt University and DePaul University each offer distinct advantages depending on your priorities. Roosevelt excels in intimate learning environments, social justice, and performing arts, while DePaul provides a larger, more diverse academic portfolio, strong athletics, and extensive career resources. Chicago’s urban setting enriches both experiences, but your choice should align with your academic interests, financial considerations, and desired campus culture. Visiting campuses and speaking with current students can further clarify which university fits your aspirations best.
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