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DePauw University Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See DePauw University reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending DePauw University. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free DePauw University reviews, or contribute your own DePauw University review if you're a current student there.

  • 20 out of 20 people found this review useful.

    Claire from Mount Prospect, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    I just finished my first year at DePauw and I absolutely loved every minute of it. I know DePauw would not be the perfect fit for everyone, so I will try to explain the campus and the atmosphere as best as I can. Greek life is huge at DePauw, but do not have that turn you away. Going into college I never thought that I would join a sorority. I pictured sororities in the stereotypical television depicted way and it is nothing like that at all! Trust me, give it a shot. My advice would be to go through rush and if you do not think that it is the right fit for you then do not join. There is no obligation. Most of campus is involved in Greek like, but people do not only associate themselves with their house. I have about 5 friends who are not Greek and they fit in just fine. This school is also for someone who wants a quaint and personal college experience. In my eyes the campus is big, but after talking to my friends who went to state colleges, DePauw’s campus is small. You could walk through the entire campus in about 10-15 minutes. Class sizes are small and there are no teachers assistants. Every student gets a very personal education. The professors know your name and they are always available to help. If you email a professor there is a good chance they will email you back in less than 30 minutes. The people at DePauw are really friendly as well. The campus itself is gorgeous. They pride themselves on a clean and beautiful campus- flowers are everywhere. There is great school pride. We have a few events that the whole campus goes crazy for which is our Monon Bell Game (football) and our Little 5 weekend (Bike race). The whole campus is wireless so that is a major plus. Also do not be scared about drinking. DePauw is rated as having a lot of drinking. Personally this scared me, but trust me no one pressures you into drinking. If you want to that’s great, but if you don’t want to you can still go out at night and have a great time!
    Great for these types of students

    Hardworking students. The courses are very challenging, so one has to be willing to put in the time to study. Energetic students. There is always so much going on and so much you can be partaking in. I personally feel like any type of student can fit in here because there is such diversity on campus. The best way to find out if DePauw is the right fit for you is to take a campus visit.

  • 11 out of 11 people found this review useful.

    Lauren from Indianapolis, IN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    I am a first-year student at DePauw and I just finished my first semester a few days ago. Everything about DePauw is very personal and the class sizes are amazingly small. Each student has the opportunity to get personal attention and instruction from the professors upon request. The professors have office hours during the day and are willing to help anyone who comes in and asks for help. The classes can be difficult, but the liberal arts education is very rewarding.

    The majority of DePauw's campus is greek (the students join sororities & fraternities) but there are also many students who decide not to and are independent. There is not a large divide between the two groups and you don't have to go greek just to fit in. I came here planning to stay independent but after a semester of being here, I'm considering joining a minority sorority. Once I got to campus and learned more about greek life, I thought I may enjoy it.

    DePauw also has very good housing options. After your first year, you aren't required to live in a dorm. The university owns houses and duplexes on campus that cost the same as the dorms. They are very nice places to live with a group of friends. They all have full kitchens and bathrooms and are very nice and up to date.

    DePauw also has a very beautiful campus although it is small. It is very well kept up and the buildings are all fairly new. You can walk from one end of campus to the other in 10 minutes or under.

    Don't let the cost scare you! DePauw is an expensive school, but it's worth every penny! The school provides a great liberal arts education and a great college experience. The financial aid office is really good about helping create a financial aid package and come up with scholarships to make it affordable for students.

    Great for these types of students

    students who are committed to getting a great education

  • 3 out of 3 people found this review useful.

    Rachel from Belvidere, NJ

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Did learn a lot

    I learned so much here and the courses were very interesting and challenging.
    Did enjoy being here

    Despite the bland surrounding town, there is much to do on campus - sports, clubs, activities, Greek life, local volunteering, etc.
    Bang for the buck

    Very expensive, but I will say that the professors are outstanding and very involved.
    Tips for prospective students

    Attendance matters- all classes are 30 kids or less, so make sure you show up and participate.

    Greek life is great, so try it even if you don't think you'd be interested. My Roommate asked to me to do Rush with her and I ended up joining a house!

    Go to all events available to you! There are football games and bike races, plays, concerts (both local and celebrity), discussion forums, movie nights, comedy shows, art gallery shows, Freshman dances, etc. Oh, and be sure to stop at the local Good Will for party wear and the local resturants are the only thing the town really has going for it, but they are definately worth visiting!!
    Great for these types of students

    Hardworking. There's a lot of work, but it's all relevant and helps you grow both in your major and towards becoming a more well-rounded student.

    Ambitious. DePauw will give you great oppritunities in study abroad or internships-- you just have to ask.

  • 3 out of 5 people found this review useful. 1 person found this inaccurate.

    Allie from Illinois

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The professors here are amazing and I love the classes I took so far. I'm currently a sophomore and could not be more in love with the academic opportunities DePauw gives me.
    Am enjoying being here

    Somedays, I absolutely love it here, somedays I can't wait to go home. Honestly, some of the people here (not everyone mind you) are grating because they are either a) subsisting off of daddy's money and are wasting away their college career (why do you think we're the number 10 party school per Princeton Review?) or b) completely self absorbed.
    Bang for the buck

    DePauw is expensive, but they give out a lot of money. I came here with a substantial scholarship, which is probably the only reason why I ended up here. Still, the financial aid office can be a little snippy with students who try to figure out their bills.
    Tips for prospective students

    Just be yourself in your application. DePauw loves creativity (I wrote my essay on cooking and how it relates to the college search and they absolutely loved it). Show how involved you were in high school, and keep up good grades - unless you are a legacy in which case it seems like they let anyone in.
    Great for these types of students

    Don't come here if you hate preppy. Frat boys and sorostitutes are the norm here. If you can't carry a conversation about an adorable new coat from J. Crew or feel comfortable wearing Sperrys in the dead of winter, DePauw is not right for you. Even the independents (at least the part that isn't ostracized by campus for their unwillingness to drink) tend towards preppy.

  • Jessica from Chicago, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    DePauw University is very diverse with different cultures. Everyone that you meet you can't help but to ask about their rituals. DePauw becomes your pathway in understanding and loving different cultures all around the world!
    Tips for prospective students

    Your first couple of days you arrive at DePauw do not be afraid to say Hello! and meet new people. People that DePauw are very welcoming and are always willing to to talk to prospective students.
    Academic Rigor

    DePauw is ranked one of the schools with rigorous academics. However, having a planner that will help organize your schedule will help a lot. Learning how to time manage and learning how to say No to some things will help making academics a breeze!
    Dorm Life

    I personally would say that incoming Freshman should dorm with a roommate. This is a good way to meet a new friend but also have somebody close to talk to late at night. Who knows this person might becomes your closet friend on campus!
    Food and Dining

    Of course Mom's food is always the best. Yet, DePauw has different restaurants surrounding it that there is always a mix in your dinner. For example, if your craving delicious inexpensive coffee don't miss out in going to Blue Door Cafe!
    What to do for fun

    For fun you can always take a walk in the downtown area and visit antique shops.
    Bang for the buck

    DePauw offers a very good financial aid that makes it affordable to attend.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    An unusual tradition that DePauw students have is called The Boulder Run. Students run from their Greek homes to a boulder without shirts on the first day it snows!
    Great for these types of students

    This campus is great for students who want to dive into a diverse culture and ready to meet people who come all the way from China!
    Clubs and Activities

    The campus has activities that range from swimming to dancing. I am actually the found of the Indiana Chapter called the Art of Stepping! This stepping is for everyone on campus and is so much fun to do on your free time
    Greek Life

    DePauw has a large community on Greek Life that you are bound to become a friend who is part of a sorority of fraternity.
    Campus Safety

    The campus is very safe there is always police patrolling the area.

  • Allana from Indiana

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    DePauw University is an excellent academic institution and is one of the top Liberal Arts schools in the country. It allows its students to be creative in there academic, social and personal choices with a variety of courses, student organizations and opportunities for the students.
    Tips for prospective students

    Be prepared to work hard but know how to balance work and play. DePauw's students understand the balance and are successful in both academic and social settings.
    Academic Rigor

    Professors have very high expectations of their students and push their students beyond their comfort zones. Though rigorous, because of the small size of the institution, professor-student relationships allow for academic success.
    Dorm Life

    After freshman year, students are given a variety of choices for residential life. Students can choose to live in traditional dormitories, houses, apartments, or suites.
    Food and Dining

    DePauw is located in the small town of Greencastle, Indiana and has a close relationship with the community. In addition to the dining choices on campus, students are also able to use meal points at some restaurants in town. There are always great places to eat and several options.
    Bang for the buck

    DePauw is one of the more expensive institutions but they provide students with a lot of opportunities and is definitely worth every penny. The university also does very well with providing students with generous financial aid packages most of which are merit based.

  • Felicia from Brooklyn, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    DePauw University is the perfect place to learn. A University or College (especially a residential campus) should provide the opportunity to learn both inside and outside of the classroom in both social and academic realms. Not only is the hands on education in the classroom a liberal arts curriculum that broadens your horizons, it is also very diverse. The things I learn an education class can apply to my women studies class and theatre classes. The ability to apply what I learned and further grow and solidify my knowledge gain is true academic learning. Socially, DePauw is a microcosm of the real world. It is a great place to make mistakes, learn from it and become a leader both on campus and within the local community. The opportunities to do an off campus study only further learning. Professors and faculty here believe that studying off campus enhances learning and everyone should engage in it at least one point in their lifetime. Why not do it with your time at DePauw, where you have financial, multicultural support and networking?
    Am enjoying being here

    Like anything in life, DePauw is what you make of it. However, this is the place to make your own. The faculty and staff love new ideas and working with students on diverse projects whether it is a new club, a research study, staging a protest. You name it, you can do it! You just have to look for the opportunity and networking chances, which are definitely there.
    Bang for the buck

    The education, food, dorming, experiences and opportunities are worth it. I have met people in high places in media companies and other fields who may have not even studied their career field in college. That just shows you that a DePauw education is diverse and applicable. Many of our graduates have high level job entry or excel in their field rather quickly.
    Tips for prospective students

    Seek and ye shall find. Knock and the door shall be open. This is a great place to become who ever you want to be, take advantage of that and your resources. The professors can be a bit challenging but it helps you think critically, be on time and ready for anything that comes next, grad shool, work force, travel, etc.
    Great for these types of students

    People who are:
    Activists,
    Greek Affiliates,
    Leaders,
    People who stretch themselves thin doing everything,
    Like a small campus,
    Undecided Major,
    Want to be challenged

  • Kaitlyn from New Palestine, IN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I have only just completed my first semester at DePauw University and thus am still exploring different fields. The courses I have taken heavily rely upon class discussion and forming the mindset one will need while continuing in college. This enables me to learn on my own, and shows me how to do so.
    Am enjoying being here

    The campus is beautiful and quiet when I prefer it to be, and fun when I need it to be. There is always something going on, but there is always a place to go if you need quiet study time. Although the campus is small, I still have yet to meet a great majority of the population. Also, I enjoy figuring out the links we each have with one another through classes, extra-curricular activities, groups and clubs, friends, high schools, etc.
    Bang for the buck

    The college gives away free things throughout the year which is nice, and the money is definitely worth it for the education, nice campus, and future endeavors provided.
    Great for these types of students

    This campus is great for students looking to major in music. The School of Music is one of few, and it is incredible. However, the College of Liberal Arts also does a fine job as well. The School of Music is just a uniquely wonderful part of campus.

  • Courtney from Fort Wayne, IN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The teachers really push you hard to think about what is happening in required readings, and in the world.
    Am enjoying being here

    DePauw is a wonderful college, filled with great opportunities for everybody willing to take advantage of them! Because of DePauw I will be departing for Italy on my Winter Term Trip!
    Bang for the buck

    Amazing school!
    Tips for prospective students

    Greek life is a huge part of DePauw's atmosphere, but I am not greek and I have many friends that are, and many friends that aren't. My advice is that you really get out there your freshman year and meet as many people as you possibly can! Making friends is a big part of any college experience! and its always nice to have study parties with your friends (:
    Great for these types of students

    DePauw is great for all types of students! Give DePauw a try! I think that you will be glad that you did.

  • Kari from Willow Springs, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The academic classes are thought-provoking, and will challenge you to think in a new way. Because of the small class sizes, participation in discussions is essential and makes it impossible not to be involved. Professors are approachable and are often very willing to help, whether it be for their class or for outside projects.
    Am enjoying being here

    Outside the classroom, the sense of community at DePauw is unlike any other school I considered. I believe that I changed completely as a person from my first day of freshman year to now, my junior year, and definitely for the better. The friends I have made here will be for a lifetime, and the alumni network is very connected.
    Bang for the buck

    DePauw's tuition is as high as any other small private university, but it does have a large endowment, and the majority of students are supported by some kind of financial aid, whether it be merit or need based.
    Tips for prospective students

    Don't be scared away by the high tuition, merit scholarships are accessible that make going here even if you are not eligible for money through the FAFSA.
    Be yourself in the admissions process, and don't try to act like the person you think DePauw is interested in. Our community is very diverse, and your personality will likely be a good fit.

    Great for these types of students

    Academically minded, creative, driven, willing to be challenged, students who are looking for a very significant sense of community.

  • Allison from Minneapolis, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    After just finishing my first year at DePauw, I know I made the right choice. DePauw is a place where there's a little bit of everything--and everyone is really passionate about it, too. It's a group of great people who want to go on to do great things, and on top of it, know how to have fun (not to mention, when to have fun and when to get work done).
    Great for these types of students

    Environmentalists, athletes, dancers, music majors, future politicians, dreamers, people who are looking to change the future, passionate students, lifelong learners.