Scholarships and Financial Aid

The DePauw Promise is our commitment to making a world-class liberal arts education accessible. The promise says we will meet 100% of the calculated financial need for every incoming first-year student. Your financial need is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and, for some students, the CSS Profile. This means that cost will never be a barrier to your DePauw education.

By combining merit-based scholarships with need-based institutional grants, we ensure that a DePauw education is comparable in cost to many public universities—while delivering the personalized mentorship, transformative experiences, and proven outcomes of a top-tier liberal arts college.

"One of the things I am most proud of about DePauw is the amount of aid and scholarships they give out. DePauw has made it possible for me to pursue my passions without the burden of overwhelming debt. The financial support I've received has allowed me to focus on my education, take advantage of incredible opportunities like Winter Term abroad, and build relationships with faculty mentors who genuinely care about my success."  - Tommy M., '26

We think so. And we're not alone in this thinking. DePauw is proud to be named a "Dream School" by education expert Jeffrey Selingo and featured in Colleges That Change Lives, a select group of schools recognized for their ability to transform the lives of students. U.S. News & World Report ranks DePauw Top 70 Best Value, #9 Most Innovative, and Top 60 for Social Mobility.

Yes. International students are eligible for merit-based scholarships ranging from $20,000 to full tuition. All applicants are automatically considered upon admission—no separate application required. International students seeking need-based aid must complete the CSS Profile.

No. All applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships when they apply for admission. To be considered for our premier scholarships (Rector, Jordan, Green, Sanger, Prindle), simply submit a thorough and authentic application that showcases your achievements, leadership, and character.

The priority deadline for submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is Feb. 1. We strongly encourage you to submit your FAFSA by this date to ensure you receive the maximum financial aid for which you are eligible.

Yes. DePauw offers several competitive full-tuition scholarships, including the Edward G. Rector Scholarship and specialized awards for our Centers of Distinction and the Institute of Music. When combined with need-based aid through The DePauw Promise, many students attend DePauw at no cost. All applicants are automatically considered for these premier scholarships.

Both grants and scholarships are forms of gift aid that do not need to be repaid. Scholarships are typically merit-based, awarded for academic achievement, leadership, or talent. Grants are typically need-based, awarded based on your family's financial circumstances as determined by the FAFSA and CSS Profile. Your financial aid package may include both scholarships and grants.

More than 95% of DePauw students receive some form of financial assistance, including merit scholarships, need-based grants, work-study, and federal loans. We are committed to ensuring that a DePauw education is accessible to students from all economic backgrounds.

Use our Net Price Calculator to estimate your personalized financial aid package. The calculator takes into account your family's financial circumstances and provides an estimate of your scholarships, grants, and net cost. This tool is free, confidential, and takes only a few minutes to complete.

To apply for need-based aid, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by Feb. 1. International students and some domestic students may also need to complete the CSS Profile. Merit scholarships are awarded automatically upon admission—no separate application required.

Yes. Through The DePauw Promise, we meet 100% of calculated financial need for all incoming first-year students. Additionally, more than 95% of DePauw students receive some form of financial assistance. Our graduates rank in the top 7% nationally for long-term earnings, ensuring a strong return on your investment. When you compare the net cost of DePauw (after scholarships and grants) to public universities, you'll find that a DePauw education is often comparable in price—while delivering the personalized mentorship and transformative experiences of a top-tier liberal arts college.