University of Illinois Chicago vs DePaul for business: which is better for undergrads?

DePaul is usually the more compelling undergraduate choice for business. Its business school is one of the university’s biggest strengths, and its Loop location makes internships and part-time work especially woven into the student experience.

One big differentiator is how central business is to DePaul’s identity. At DePaul, the Driehaus College of Business is a very visible part of campus life. That tends to translate into stronger employer recognition for undergrads who want a business-focused environment from day one.

Another difference is access to the city in a way that directly benefits business students. DePaul’s downtown Loop campus puts many classes, networking events, and internship opportunities right in the middle of Chicago’s corporate and professional scene. For an undergraduate trying to build experience during the school year, that day-to-day proximity can matter a lot.

UIC has real advantages too, especially if cost is significantly lower or if you want a larger public university setting. It is a solid school with good access to Chicago and a more broad-based research university feel. But for business specifically, DePaul is more often the school people point to first because of its business reputation, internship integration, and industry connections within the city.

The main caution is price. DePaul can be noticeably more expensive, so if the financial gap is large, UIC may be the smarter decision in practice since both schools can lead to good outcomes in Chicago.