DePauw University 2023-2024 Admissions: Acceptance Rate, Requirements, Deadlines, Application Process

DePauw University, USA: Ranking, Programs, Application Deadlines, Admission , Fees, Scholarships

Greencastle, IndianaLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1837established year
2158enrollment
NCA
Private (Not for Profit)
6.8/10
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Study Abroad Team

Updated on - Sep 8, 2026

DePauw University is a private residential liberal arts college in Greencastle, Indiana, founded in 1837. It ranks #58 among National Liberal Arts Colleges and #1 in Indiana per US News 2026.

DePauw offers more than 75 undergraduate majors, minors and pathways across liberal arts, business and creative fields. Class sizes are smaller than at most universities in USA, with a 1,917-student residential campus and 39 nationalities represented. Instruction is English-medium with two annual intakes for international applicants: Fall in August and Spring in January.

  • Ranking: #58 National Liberal Arts Colleges, US News 2026
  • Acceptance rate: 54% (estimated), Fall 2024 admission cycle
  • Intakes for internationals: Fall (August) as primary; Spring (January) limited
  • Total undergraduate cost of attendance 2026-27: $80,120 (₹75.7 lakh)
  • Median salary 4 years after graduation: $70,091 (₹66.2 lakh)
  • International representation: Students from 39 countries in current class

DePauw charges no application fee and remains SAT/ACT test-optional. Starting Fall 2026, the DePauw Promise meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted first-year international students. F-1 graduates receive 12 months of OPT, or 36 months for STEM per the F-1 student visa rules.

Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 94.5 as of September 2026

Admission Status: Open (Fall 2027 intake). Early Decision I and Early Action I close on 1 November 2026 for international first-year applicants, with materials due 8 November 2026. Applicants who miss Early rounds can still apply in Early Decision II or Early Action II by 15 December 2026, or Regular Decision by 1 February 2027. DePauw’s international admissions currently target the Fall cycle only; Spring January admission is not standard for international first-year applicants.


Popular Courses and Fees at DePauw University 2027

DePauw uses a flat-rate tuition structure across every undergraduate major, priced per academic year. The 2026-27 published rate is $62,710 in tuition plus $1,170 in mandatory fees. Programmes run four years and are delivered fully in English. Graduate offerings are limited to the School of Music masters, so the DePauw fees table below focuses on undergraduate majors most-chosen by Indian applicants.

As per DePauw’s official tuition and fees page, the 4-year sticker tuition works out to $250,840 ($62,710 x 4). Housing, meals and personal expenses are billed separately in Section 5.

Program (BA / BS)Duration4-year Tuition ($)4-year Tuition (INR lakh)Entry Requirement
Computer Science4 years250,840237.0 lakhClass 12 with 85% or higher (recommended)
Economics4 years250,840237.0 lakhClass 12 with 80% or higher (recommended)
Biochemistry4 years250,840237.0 lakhClass 12 with 85% including PCB (recommended)
Psychology4 years250,840237.0 lakhClass 12 with 75% or higher (recommended)
Political Science4 years250,840237.0 lakhClass 12 with 75% or higher (recommended)
Communication and Theatre4 years250,840237.0 lakhClass 12 with 75% or higher (recommended)
English - Literature4 years250,840237.0 lakhClass 12 with 75% or higher (recommended)
Biology4 years250,840237.0 lakhClass 12 with 80% including Biology (recommended)
Neuroscience4 years250,840237.0 lakhClass 12 with 80% including Biology (recommended)
Actuarial Science4 years250,840237.0 lakhClass 12 with 85% including Mathematics (recommended)

[Source: DePauw Tuition and Fees 2026-27]

Insider note: Indian applicants at DePauw cluster in Computer Science, Economics, Biochemistry and Actuarial Science, which offer the strongest post-graduation salary outcomes and STEM OPT eligibility for majors classified under STEM.

Read More: DePauw University Fees and Cost of Living Guide


DePauw University Admission 2027

DePauw runs on the standard US academic calendar with a primary Fall intake (August) for international first-year applicants. Applicants submit via the Common Application, DePauw Application or Coalition Application. For Fall 2027 entry, five decision rounds are available: Early Decision I, Early Action I, Early Decision II, Early Action II and Regular Decision. As per the DePauw international application checklist, deadlines and materials due-dates are fixed below.

MilestoneDateNotes for Indian Applicants
Early Decision I / Early Action I1 November 2026Materials due 8 November 2026; decisions by 15 December 2026
Early Decision II / Early Action II15 December 2026Materials due 22 December 2026; decisions by 15 January 2027
Regular Decision1 February 2027Materials due 8 February 2027; decisions by 1 March 2027
Fall 2027 semester startLate August 2027International orientation typically held 5-7 days prior

[Source: DePauw International Application Checklist]

Planning note: Indian applicants planning to study in USA at DePauw should target the Early Action I round in November 2026, since aid decisions arrive by mid-December 2026, giving time for I-20 issuance and F-1 visa slots before August 2027.

Read More: DePauw University Admissions Guide for Indian Students


DePauw University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027

The single most important document for Indian applicants is the certified Class 12 transcript from a recognised board, supplemented by an English proficiency test when the medium of instruction was not English.

  • Academic: Class 12 completion from CBSE, ISC, State Board or equivalent with 75% to 90% depending on major (recommended). DePauw remains SAT/ACT test-optional for international applicants.
  • English proficiency: TOEFL iBT minimum 85, IELTS 6.5, Duolingo English Test 110 or PTE Academic 57. TOEFL Home Edition, IELTS Indicator and PTE At-home are accepted. TOEFL MyBest Scores accepted.
  • Financial certification: Proof of $77,220 (2025-26 threshold; expected to rise for 2026-27) via the DePauw University Student Certification of Finances. CSS Profile and ISFAA are no longer accepted.
  • Supporting documents: One letter of recommendation from teacher, counsellor or community leader; official secondary board results (CBSE, ISC, State Board); certified English translations for non-English documents.

Key insight: Indian students from English-medium CBSE, ISC or IB schools can request an IELTS/TOEFL waiver by emailing intladmission@depauw.edu with proof that the entire secondary education was in English. This waiver is granted case-by-case, not automatic.


DePauw University Acceptance Rate 2027

DePauw University’s acceptance rate stands at 54% (estimated), based on Fall 2024 admission data. The rate has moved between 50% and 65% across recent editions, reflecting the college’s selective-but-accessible admissions posture. As one of the more approachable National Liberal Arts Colleges, DePauw admits over half of applicants while maintaining an admitted-student GPA of 3.50-4.05 (roughly Class 12 85% and above).

The 54% figure is derived from third-party admission statistics as DePauw does not publish a fresh institutional acceptance rate each cycle. Indian applicants with strong Class 12 marks, extracurriculars and a well-written personal essay have historically converted at rates above the school average, given DePauw’s holistic review.

Reality check: A 54% acceptance rate makes DePauw a target-not-reach school for most 80%+ Class 12 students, but merit scholarship stacking and DePauw Promise aid are competitive. Aim for the top 25% of the applicant pool for tuition awards above $30,000.

Read More: DePauw University Acceptance Rate


DePauw Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students at DePauw University 2027

The all-in cost of attending DePauw for the 2026-27 academic year totals $83,690 (₹79.1 lakh), covering tuition, housing, meals, mandatory fees and estimated indirect living expenses. Indian students are billed the same as domestic students. Merit aid and DePauw Promise need-based grants typically discount this by 30% to 60% for admitted internationals.

DePauw Fees Breakdown at DePauw University 2027

As per DePauw’s official 2026-27 cost of attendance page, direct billed expenses total $80,120 per year. Indirect costs of $3,570 cover books, transport, personal expenses and loan fees.

ComponentAnnual ($)Annual (INR lakh)
Tuition62,71059.3 lakh
Mandatory fees1,1701.1 lakh
Housing and meals16,24015.3 lakh
Direct total (billed)80,12075.7 lakh
Indirect total (books, transport, personal)3,5703.4 lakh
Total cost of attendance83,69079.1 lakh

[Source: DePauw Financial Aid Office 2026-27 estimate]

DePauw University Monthly Cost of Living in Greencastle for Indian Students

Greencastle is a small college town in central Indiana with among the lowest cost of living of any US college town. All DePauw undergraduates live on campus, so housing and meals are billed under Housing and Meals above. The table below covers indirect monthly costs.

CategoryMonthly ($)Monthly (INR)
Books and course materials676,300
Transportation837,850
Personal expenses14213,400
Federal loan fees (average)6570
Total monthly indirect29828,150
Annual indirect total3,5703.4 lakh

[Source: DePauw official cost estimate]

Insider note: Greencastle rents are low but off-campus is not offered to undergraduates. All four years are residential, so budget the full $16,240 housing and meals annually and factor an extra $1,500 for winter clothing in the first year.

Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students


DePauw University Campus, Facilities and Student Life

DePauw sits on a 655-acre residential campus in Greencastle, Indiana, 45 minutes west of Indianapolis by car. It has been fully residential since inception in 1837.

  • Housing: All 1,917 undergraduates live on campus in residence halls, Greek chapters, suites, apartments and houses; four-year housing guarantee
  • Nature access: Adjacent 520-acre nature park with over 9 miles of trails; Putnam County has more protected nature preserves than any other Indiana county
  • Community: Students from 39 states and 39 countries, including a small but active Indian student contingent supported through the Center for Diversity and Inclusion
  • Academic support: Small class sizes, faculty-led first-year seminars, mandatory Winter Term project, undergraduate research programme
  • Athletics and arts: NCAA Division III competition, School of Music with performance ensembles, Prindle Institute for Ethics

What Indian students say: The campus is safe and walkable, and the professors know your name by week two. Greencastle is quiet, so plan Indianapolis or Chicago trips for weekends. Indian food is limited on-campus, so most students cook in dorm shared kitchens or Greek chapter houses.


DePauw University Scholarships 2027

DePauw funds international undergraduates through five confirmed scholarship pathways, all administered by the Office of Admission. There is no dedicated India-only award, but Indian applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships based on academic performance and test scores.

ScholarshipTypeAward ValueEligibilityDeadline
Rector ScholarshipMerit (full tuition)Up to $62,710/year (₹59.3 lakh)Top 5% academically; separate Rector application requiredAligned with admission rounds
DePauw Merit ScholarshipMerit (cash award)$24,000 to $40,000/year (₹22.7 to 37.8 lakh)Automatic on admission; based on academics and test scoresNo separate deadline
Bonner ScholarshipNeed + serviceMeets full demonstrated need20 scholars annually; service commitment requiredAligned with admission rounds
Music Performance AwardMerit (tuition only)Up to full tuitionMusic majors and ensemble performers via auditionVerify at official page
Prindle Institute Ethics ScholarshipMerit (ethics focus)Verify at official pageDemonstrated aptitude in ethics; pre-application requiredVerify at official page

[Source: DePauw Scholarships and Financial Aid for International Students]

Insider note: The Rector Scholarship needs a separate application and interview after admission. Indian applicants targeting Rector should submit Early Action I in November 2026 to lock in an interview slot before international-quota fills.

Read More: DePauw University Scholarships Guide


DePauw University Rankings 2027

DePauw’s strongest ranking is US News Best National Liberal Arts Colleges 2026, placing #58 nationally and #1 in Indiana. As a small residential liberal arts college, DePauw is not evaluated by QS World or THE World rankings, which cover research-intensive universities. The 2024-to-2026 movement (#46 to #58) reflects methodology changes at US News rather than institutional decline.

Ranking BodyLatest EditionPrevious EditionTwo Editions Back
US News National Liberal Arts Colleges2026: #582025: #502024: #46
QS World University2027: Not ranked2026: Not ranked2025: Not ranked
THE World University2026: Not ranked2025: Not ranked2024: Not ranked
ARWU (Shanghai)2026: Not ranked2025: Not ranked2024: Not ranked

[Source: US News Best Colleges 2026]

Key insight: US News National Liberal Arts College rank is fully recognised for Indian education loan eligibility with SBI, HDFC Credila, ICICI, Prodigy and MPower. The #58 rank sits comfortably inside most lender premium-list thresholds for the USA.

Read More: DePauw University Rankings Analysis


DePauw University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027

DePauw graduates achieve strong labor-market outcomes, with 90.3% employed within three years of graduation and median earnings that exceed most other Indiana institutions. As per the DePauw press release on graduate earnings, DePauw ranks #3 in Indiana for alumni first-year salary, behind only Notre Dame and Rose-Hulman.

  • Employment rate: 90.3% employed within 3 years of graduation
  • Median salary 4 years post-graduation: $70,091 (₹66.2 lakh); 6-year median $58,476 (₹55.3 lakh)
  • Salary by major: Computer Science $64,500 (₹60.9 lakh); Economics $52,900 (₹50.0 lakh); Communication and Media Studies $43,000 (₹40.6 lakh)
  • Career support: Kathryn F. Hubbard Center for Student Engagement runs internships, career coaching and employer connections from freshman year onward
  • OPT and STEM OPT: F-1 graduates receive 12 months of OPT; STEM-classified majors (CS, Biochemistry, Actuarial Science, Neuroscience) qualify for a 24-month extension for 36 months total
  • Graduate school pathway: Roughly 25% of DePauw graduates enrol in graduate programmes within 3 years, including at leading MS universities in USA

Insider note: Consulting, banking and tech recruit primarily from DePauw’s Management Fellows and Science Research Fellows programmes. Indian students should target these fellows tracks in the first semester on campus for a shot at Chicago and New York employer recruiting.

DePauw University vs Peer Universities

DePauw’s peer set includes the top Great Lakes liberal arts colleges Indian applicants also consider: Kenyon, Denison, Wabash and Wooster. All share the small-college model and 4-year residential experience. Peer comparison is against national LAC rank and sticker tuition, not against MBA universities in USA or large research schools.

UniversityUS News LAC 2026 RankAnnual Sticker Tuition ($ / INR lakh)Differentiator
DePauw University#5862,710 / 59.3 lakhAutomatic merit up to $40,000; DePauw Promise meets 100% need for 2026 entrants
Kenyon College (Ohio)Ranked in top 40 range~68,000 / ~64.3 lakh (estimated)Strong humanities and creative writing tradition
Denison University (Ohio)Ranked in top 45 range~65,000 / ~61.4 lakh (estimated)Rising CS and data analytics programmes
Wabash College (Indiana)Ranked in top 60 range~50,000 / ~47.3 lakh (estimated)Men-only; strong economics and pre-law placement
College of Wooster (Ohio)Ranked in top 80 range~63,000 / ~59.5 lakh (estimated)Independent Study senior capstone required of all seniors

DePauw’s edge for Indian students is the combination of stackable merit aid, DePauw Promise need coverage and the Management Fellows recruiting pipeline. Median first-year alumni salary is higher than most Great Lakes LAC peers.

For an Indian student wanting a small, residential US liberal arts college with high-touch teaching and generous automatic merit, DePauw is a strong fit. The 4-year sticker of $250,840 (₹237.0 lakh) is offset by scholarships worth up to $40,000 annually and a 4-year median post-graduation salary of $70,091 (₹66.2 lakh), with STEM OPT available to CS, Biochemistry and Actuarial Science graduates.

DePauw is not the right fit for applicants set on a large research university, urban campus or specialised graduate programme in engineering or medicine. Candidates chasing MBA or MS specialisations later can compare Purdue and Indiana University Bloomington, or scan public universities in USA for larger, cheaper alternatives.


DePauw University FAQs

Ques. What documents do Indian students submit to DePauw University without an English school background?

Ans. Indian applicants from non-English-medium schools submit the online application (Common, DePauw or Coalition), Class 12 board results, one teacher recommendation, TOEFL 85 or IELTS 6.5 or Duolingo 110 or PTE 57, and the DePauw Student Certification of Finances proving $77,220 in support. Certified English translations are required for non-English transcripts. There is no application fee.

Ques. How does the DePauw Promise apply to Indian first-year applicants from Fall 2027?

Ans. The DePauw Promise took effect for the Fall 2026 incoming class and continues for Fall 2027 entrants. It commits to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need through a combination of scholarships, grants, work-study and loans. Indian applicants must submit the Student Certification of Finances, since CSS Profile and ISFAA are no longer accepted, and awards arrive with the admission decision.

Ques. Can international students work part-time on the DePauw campus during studies?

Ans. F-1 visa holders at DePauw can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during academic sessions and 40 hours per week during breaks. Common on-campus roles include library assistant, dining services, research assistant to faculty, and IT helpdesk. Off-campus work needs Curricular Practical Training authorisation, typically permitted after the first academic year for internships tied to a major.

Ques. Does DePauw waive the IELTS requirement for CBSE English-medium graduates?

Ans. Yes, DePauw waives the English test for applicants whose entire secondary education was in English-medium schools, granted case-by-case on request. Indian CBSE, ISC and IB students should email intladmission@depauw.edu with a school letter confirming English as the sole medium of instruction. The waiver is not automatic, so request it before the application deadline.

Ques. What are the WES credential evaluation steps for Indian transcripts to DePauw?

Ans. DePauw does not mandate a WES or ECE course-by-course evaluation for undergraduate admission but recommends it for scholarship review. Indian applicants should order a WES ICAP or ECE report 6 to 8 weeks before the application deadline, since board result issuance and evaluation together can take 5 to 7 weeks. Original transcripts must arrive directly from the school.

Ques. Which Indian education loan providers recognise DePauw University for financing?

Ans. DePauw is on the approved-university list of SBI Global Ed-Vantage, HDFC Credila, ICICI Bank, Bank of Baroda, Avanse, Auxilo, Prodigy Finance and MPower Financing. Non-collateral loans up to ₹50 lakh are typical for SBI, while HDFC Credila and Prodigy fund the full 4-year cost of attendance. Merit and Promise aid must be disclosed before final loan sanction.

Ques. How does DePauw handle dependent F-2 visas for accompanying spouses of students?

Ans. DePauw issues DS-2019 forms for F-2 dependents once the primary applicant is admitted and enrolled. F-2 spouses cannot work in the USA and may only study part-time. The primary applicant must show additional financial proof of roughly $8,000 per year per dependent on top of the base $77,220 in the Student Certification of Finances.

Ques. What is DePauw University’s refund policy for international students withdrawing after enrolment?

Ans. DePauw follows a standard US semester refund schedule. Withdrawals before the first day of classes receive 100% tuition refund. Withdrawals in weeks 1 to 2 receive 80%, weeks 3 to 4 receive 60%, weeks 5 to 6 receive 40%, and no refund after week 6. Housing and meal refunds are prorated separately. Contact studentaccounts@depauw.edu before withdrawing to lock the refund calculation.

Top Recommended Courses


4 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: IELTS6.5|TOEFL85|PTE57|Duolingo110
USD 57,990 /Yr

4 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: IELTS6.5|TOEFL85|PTE57|Duolingo110
Entry Requirement: Duolingo-110
USD 57,990 /Yr

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4 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: IELTS6.5|TOEFL85|PTE57|Duolingo110
USD 57,990 /Yr
4 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: IELTS6.5|TOEFL85|PTE57|Duolingo110
USD 57,990 /Yr
4 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: IELTS6.5|TOEFL85|PTE57|Duolingo110
USD 57,990 /Yr

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DePauw University comparison

University NameDePauw UniversityDePaul University
Overall Ranking
  • #132 Forbes 2019
  • #495 Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026
  • #2099 US News 2026
  • #1727 Center for World University Rankings 2025
Programs
  • UG Programs- 32
  • UG Programs- 134
  • PG Programs - 98
  • Doctorate Programs -1
Acceptance Rate54.1 %0.0 %
Exam Score
Cost to Study
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 48860 [For UG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 23629 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 41361 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 28224 [For PG Program]
CollegeDunia Reviews6.8/10 Read 1 reviews6.3/10 Read 8 reviews
-Read Full Comparison

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DePauw University Ranking

2019

Forbes logo
Overall 132 out of 650 in National Ranking
( #117 out of 507 in USA 2019)

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DePauw University Ratings

Based on 1 Students Rating

6.8 out of 10
8.0/10Academic
7.0/10Accommodation
9.0/10Faculty
8.0/10Infrastructure
9.0/10Placement

DePauw University Reviews


Student StatusBatch
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1 Reviews Found

A
6.8 /10

Overview

I chose this university because of reasonable cost to study at and a nice and rural campus to stay in. Overall my expectations in terms of academics and living experiences, nice buildings and top rated air quality.

Campus Life

8

Really nice experience so far. The campus is located in the rural side of the city, but there was always a lot of things to do. Living experience is also really nice apart from the unstable WiFi.

academic: 8/10
faculty: 9/10
infrastructure: 8/10
accomodation: 7/10
placement: 9/10

DePauw University Scholarships


NameScholarship Per StudentLevel of StudyType
QS Connect Master’s ScholarshipScholarship per student$5,000Level Of StudyMasterTypeMerit-Based
BL Mandhana ScholarshipsScholarship per student$10,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Go Clean ScholarshipScholarship per student$3,500Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Business Administration ScholarshipsScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Novus Biological Scholarship ProgramScholarship per student$1,500Level Of StudyAssociateTypeMerit-Based
Washington DC ScholarshipsScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based

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DePauw University Admissions

  • Early Action Deadlines

    Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)
    Important Date: April1 (Application results)
  • Regular Decision Deadlines

    Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)
    Important Date: April1 (Application results)

DePauw University Exam Scores

ExamsAvg. ScoreMin ScoreMax. Score%Submitted'
Language Proficiency
TOEFL-80--
Check Detailed Score
Reading-17--
Speaking-17--
Listening-17--
Writing-17--
IELTS-6.5--
PTE-53--
Undergraduate
SAT12201110133056
Check Detailed Score
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing605560650-
Mathematics615550680-
ACT27242968
Check Detailed Score
English262328-
Mathematics272330-

Attendance Cost

$58,940

attendance cost

The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees

Tuition fees
Undergraduate Programs
$58,940 / Year
On Campus
Books & Supplies
$1,000 / Year
On campus, Room & Board
$12,529 / Year
On Campus, Other Expenses
$1,200 / Year
Off Campus
Off campus (not with family), Room & Board
$9,000 / Year
Off campus (not with family), Other Expenses
$2,100 / Year
Off campus (with family), Room & Board
$2,100 / Year
Off campus (with family), Other Expenses
$2,100 / Year

DePauw University Accreditations

Institutional accreditations
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Program wise accreditation
Music Programs
National Association of Schools of Music

Faculty

Total FacultyFull TimePart TimeGraduate Assistants
37713025746-

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