A top-ranked residential liberal arts college in Indiana with rigorous academics, strong study abroad participation, and proven leadership outcomes.
DePauw offers 75+ majors and minors through three schools: the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Creative School, and the School of Business and Leadership. The Institute of Music, founded in 1884, grants Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Musical Arts degrees. The curriculum follows a 4–1–4–1 calendar with 15-week autumn and spring semesters plus 4-week Winter Term and May Term, enabling experiential learning through internships, research, and study abroad. Most popular majors include econometrics and quantitative economics, speech communication and rhetoric, computer science, biochemistry, and psychology.
The 695-acre campus includes 36 major buildings, 11 residence halls, and a 520-acre nature park. Students engage with over 100 clubs and organizations, performing arts, intramural sports, and community service. Greek life is prominent, with nearly 70% of students affiliated with fraternities or sororities. Notable traditions include the Boulder Run and campus golf. The Pulliam Center for Contemporary Media houses student-run television, radio station WGRE, newspaper, and magazines. DePauw hosts the prestigious Ubben Lecture Series, which has featured speakers including Bill Clinton, Malala Yousafzai, and Trevor Noah.
DePauw practices test-optional admissions and has a zero application fee. As of 2023, admitted students averaged a 3.97 GPA, SAT scores of 1160–1420, and ACT scores of 24–31. The university considers GPA very important, high school class rank when available, and letters of recommendation important. Application deadlines include Early Decision I and Early Action (Nov. 1), Early Decision II and Early Action II (Dec. 15), and Regular Decision (Feb. 1). Beginning Fall 2026, DePauw meets 100% of calculated financial need for all incoming first-year students through The DePauw Promise.
DePauw graduates rank in the top 7% nationally for lifetime career earnings and achieve a 92% placement rate in employment within six months of graduation. The university is ranked #9 Most Innovative by U.S. News & World Report (2025) and featured in Colleges That Change Lives. Notable alumni include Vice President Dan Quayle, chemist Percy Lavon Julian, author Barbara Kingsolver, and ESPN founder Bill Rasmussen. The college maintains one of the most loyal alumni networks in the nation.