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Head-to-head · 14 cross-admits

When applicants got into both, 71% chose DePaul. Side-by-side on admissions, costs, and outcomes — sourced from 14 self-reported decisions and ABA 509 filings.

Choice, not ranking

These are decisions, not opinions. Scholarship offers, location, intended practice, and personal fit are all priced into the split.

14
cross-admits
2
cycles
+20pt
YoY shift

Cross-admit decision

Of 14 applicants admitted to both schools
Last 5 cycles
DePaul University logo Chose DePaul
71%
Chose UIC University of Illinois—Chicago logo
29%

Median scholarship (chose DePaul)

$80,000 / yr

Median scholarship (chose UIC)

$81,000 / yr
View all-time (22 cross-admits)
82% chose DePaul 18% chose UIC

Trend · DePaul's share

2021–2024

Lowest cycle

60%

Highest cycle

80%
2 cycles
100 50 0 21 24 2021: 60% 2024: 80%
DePaul #123 · UIC #123 LSD n≈5/yr

Admissions

Rankings, LSAT/GPA, acceptance & yield
2026 ABA 509
Metric
DePaul University logo
DePaul
Chicago, Illinois
University of Illinois—Chicago logo
UIC
Chicago, Illinois
USN Rank
#131
#167
LSD Rank
75+ (0.001)
75+ (0.001)
LSAT 25th
-
-
LSAT Median
-
-
LSAT 75th
-
-
GPA Median
-
-
Acceptance Rate
-
-
Class Size
-
-
Yield Rate
-
-

Financial

Sticker price, scholarships, and debt burden
2026 ABA 509
Metric
DePaul University logo
DePaul
Chicago, Illinois
University of Illinois—Chicago logo
UIC
Chicago, Illinois
Tuition (In-State)
-
-
Tuition (Out-of-State)
-
-
Median Grant
-
-
% Receiving Grants
-
-
Avg. Debt at Graduation
-
-

Employment & outcomes

Post-graduation placement and bar passage
2025 ABA Employment
Metric
DePaul University logo
DePaul
Chicago, Illinois
University of Illinois—Chicago logo
UIC
Chicago, Illinois
BigLaw (501+)
8.4%
3.6%
Judicial Clerkships
1.3%
1.8%
Median Salary (Private)
-
-
Employment Rate
88.4%
80.3%
Bar Pass Rate
83.8%
68.8%

Overview

About DePaul vs UIC

Across 14 applicants admitted to both schools and self-reporting on LSD, 71% enrolled at DePaul University and 29% at University of Illinois—Chicago. The split has shifted +20 points across the tracked cycles.

These numbers reflect every factor that goes into a real decision: scholarship offers, geographic preference, intended practice area, and fit. Choosing one school doesn't mean it's "better" — it means the pool of cross-admits, weighing their options, ended up there more often. Pair this with the scholarship distribution and employment outcomes above for full context.

Looking at a different matchup? Browse all comparisons or run a custom pair from the index.

Deciding between DePaul and UIC? Work with a consultant who knows both — backed by this exact data.
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Detailed comparison narrative

This page compares DePaul University and University of Illinois—Chicago across admissions data, cost of attendance, and employment outcomes using official ABA 509 disclosures.

In the U.S. News rankings, DePaul University is ranked #131 compared to #167 — a gap of 36 positions that often correlates with differences in employment outcomes and peer assessment scores.

Both schools are located in Illinois — DePaul University in Chicago and University of Illinois—Chicago in Chicago — meaning graduates often compete in the same regional legal market.