Academics
DePauw University has done an incredible job of building a “collaborative community” that prioritizes the needs and desires of its undergraduates. Whether it’s cultivating a “truly caring faculty,” being wholly “receptive to student feedback” or developing “excellent study abroad options,” students here are set up to thrive. Importantly, DePauw “emphasizes [a] wellrounded education” as undergrads are expected to “take classes in nearly all departments over their four years.” Inevitably, this allows them to develop “both [a] depth and breadth of knowledge” and also helps ensure that there are “programs and courses for every student.” Another great benefit of a DePauw education? The “classes are small so students are able to really engage in discussion.” But perhaps the true highlight of studying here are the professors who tend to be “knowledgeable, interesting, empathetic and invested.” As this undergrad explains, “My professors do a great job at making sure we don’t grow tired of our material. They always switch things up to make sure we are learning and growing as individuals.” They’re also “eager to tell students about internships or job opportunities, and love connecting students with alumni.” As another grateful undergrad simply concludes, “The professors at DePauw University are some of the most phenomenal people I have ever met.”
Student Body
At first glance, it seems as though DePauw’s student body primarily consists of individuals from “well off” families “from the Indianapolis or Chicago area.” However, though the “core group [may be] midwestern white students,” many undergrads insist that you’ll find “divers[ity] in a lot of ways—in terms of ethnicity, sexuality, sexual orientation/identity, thoughts, political viewpoints, country of origin/nationality, etc.” This individual concurs noting that “each of my classes has...students from all over the world.” Just as critical, DePauw undergrads say that their classmates are “open-minded individuals who are eager to learn about the world around them.” Another student further explains, “My peers are often unafraid to stand up for what they believe to be right, and actively work to better the DePauw community.” Ultimately, when it comes down to it, “The university has a very social student base that acts as a very tight-knit community.”
Campus Life
Undergrads at DePauw are “very committed to their academics” and it’s common for people to “spend much of the week studying.” Nevertheless, there’s plenty to enjoy when they want to take a break from their books. To begin with, DePauw maintains a fairly robust fraternity and sorority system. “Many students join Greek life at some point and are involved in [their] philanthropy, academic and social activities including partying. Even those not in the Greek system are likely to attend the Greek parties.” Additionally, athletics are “very popular” as well and you’ll often see “students [at] football games...during the fall semester, especially when they play our rival team during the Monon Bell game.” Of course, the university itself also “hosts many fun events to bring students together, such as food truck Fridays.” And there are numerous organizations and clubs to join ranging from the student newspaper and TV station to the future medical professionals club and sustainability leadership program. When wanting to get off outside for a bit, “many students go to the Nature Park (a DePauw owned nature preserve). It is very popular in the spring and fall and many students enjoy hiking, reading, or working on homework [there].”
And if you’re venturing off campus, undergrads note that “Greencastle[’s] downtown has grown tremendously these past few years, and there are many cute restaurants and bars to visit.” Students also like to “go to dinner with friends and go see a movie or go bowling, which are free in the town if you are a student.”
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