Application to each of The Theatre School's eleven BFA majors is a two part process involving submitting the required application materials and participating in an interactive audition or interview. In fact, while your academic records (grade point averages and test scores) are important, admission decisions are heavily weighted on the audition or interview process. Our auditions and interviews are not by invitation; every applicant must complete an audition or interview to be considered for admission.

How to Apply. Applications are only accepted for entry into the fall quarter of each academic year and are generally accepted from September through February for entry the following fall. Click on a major to the right for more specific requirements including an application checklist.

Auditions and Interviews. An audition is required for all Acting Program applicants. An interview is required for applicants to all other programs. Auditions and interviews dates for applicants applying for entry in Fall 2009 will be available in September 2008.

Admissions Decisions. Admissions decisions are made and communicated after all applicants have auditioned or interviewed. The Theatre School does not operate an early action, early acceptance or rolling admissions process. Decisions are communicated in writing and are mailed mid-March with a May 1 response deadline. Decisions cannot be communicated over the phone or by email. Only applicants who have completed all admissions requirements will be considered for admission.

Scholarships. Every applicant to The Theatre School, provide he or she has completed all admissions application requirements, is automatically considered for talent and academic scholarships without an additional audition, interview or application. Talent scholarships are based on what we see and hear from applicants during the audition or interview process. Academic scholarships are based on the applicant's previous academic record and require a high school grade point average of at least 3.5 and either an ACT score of 27 or SAT score of 1220 (combined Critical Reading and Math subscores). Incoming scholarships generally range from $5,000 to $14,000 annually and are automatically renewable for up to four years, provided the student remains in good standing. Incoming scholarships are awarded in the admissions decision letter.

Merit scholarships become available to students in the second, third and fourth year of the program and are one-year scholarships based on the students work in the previous year of the program. Merit scholarships can generally range from $3,000 to $10,000 annually and are awarded by the faculty as part of their annual evaluation of students' work.

Financial Aid. There are three types of need-based financial aid available to admitted students - grants, loans and work study. To be considered for a need-based financial aid package, applicants must submit a valid Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is the only application required for need-based financial aid and is not require for scholarship consideration.

The FAFSA becomes available on January 1 of the year in which you will enter college and can either be submitted through a hard copy - generally available from high school guidance counselor offices or college financial aid offices - or online at www.fafsa.ed.gov To have your FAFSA results reported to The Theatre School, enter DePaul University's FAFSA code, 001671, in the college section.

We suggest you complete the FAFSA by February 15. Because financial aid packages are packaged on a first-come, first-served basis, submitting your FAFSA by this date will insure you receive full consideration for need-based financial aid. Financial aid packages are mailed separately from the admissions decision letter and are only mailed to students after they have been admitted to The Theatre School.  

Tuition. The Theatre School's tuition is billed as a guaranteed package rate, meaning you pay one flat fee each year for all of your coursework and production work and you are billed the same rate each year you are in a program for up to four years. In other words, your tuition rate is locked in at the tuition rate you pay in your first year of the program. Tuition for undergraduate students entering in the fall of 2008 is $28,625. Tuition is billed in thirds and due at the beginning of each quarter.

Student Housing. On campus housing for students is available on both the Lincoln Park and Loop campus. Housing for incoming students is guaranteed provided you have completed all admissions application requirements and are admitted to The Theatre School. Room and board costs at DePaul University average $9,800 annually (in addition to tuition costs), depending on which residence hall and meal plan you choose.

Visit the Department of Student Housing for more information about meal plans and residence halls, including virtual tours.