DePaul University Kellstadt Graduate School of Business

Program Overview

DePaul Kellstadt operates from the Chicago Loop, which means LaSalle Street finance, Michigan Avenue hospitality, and the city's corporate headquarters are all walking distance. The 14 available concentrations include distinctive offerings that most MBA programs don't have: real estate finance and investment, hospitality leadership, and sports management alongside traditional tracks in finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship. That breadth in a 28-person class creates unusual academic flexibility.

The 18-month accelerated format saves time and money compared to two-year programs. The Vincentian Catholic mission (DePaul is the nation's largest Catholic university) adds an ethics dimension. Test-optional admission lowers the barrier for experienced professionals whose GMAT scores don't reflect their capabilities. At $36K per year, the tuition is moderate for a private school in downtown Chicago, and the location advantage partially offsets the price premium over public alternatives.

Culture & Community

DePaul Kellstadt's culture is urban, diverse, and practice-oriented. The Loop campus puts students in the middle of Chicago's business activity. The 28-person class creates tight connections, and the Vincentian tradition of service adds a values dimension that surfaces in class discussions and community projects. Chicago's social scene is the backdrop: restaurants, sports, music, and a nightlife that rivals any MBA city. Students who want a downtown MBA without the Booth or Kellogg price tag find DePaul's positioning compelling.

Academics & Curriculum

The 14 concentrations are the academic headliner. Real estate finance and investment courses build on Chicago's active property market. Hospitality leadership connects to the city's hotel and restaurant industry. Entrepreneurship, marketing strategy, and finance round out the traditional options. The 18-month format covers MBA fundamentals and specialization in a compressed timeline. Faculty bring Chicago business experience to the classroom.

Career Outcomes

Chicago-based employers across multiple industries recruit from Kellstadt. Real estate (15%), hospitality (12%), finance (20%), marketing (18%), and consulting (12%) are the top sectors. Average salary is approximately $86,000. The downtown campus location creates networking opportunities that suburban programs miss. Chicago's deep employer base means graduates compete for roles across the city's entire corporate landscape. The alumni network in Chicago is established and active.

Who Should Apply

Professionals targeting Chicago careers in real estate, hospitality, or traditional business functions. Career changers who want broad concentration options in an accelerated format. Test-optional candidates with strong work experience. Anyone who wants a downtown Chicago MBA at a fraction of the Booth or Kellogg price.

What to Watch Out For

The DePaul Kellstadt brand competes with Booth, Kellogg, and UIC in the Chicago market. Outside Chicago, the name is less recognized. The 28-person class means a very small alumni network from any single graduating year. The $36K tuition, while moderate for a private school, is three times what UIC charges for similar Chicago access. If you're targeting national firms that recruit from a fixed list of target schools, DePaul may not be on it.

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See also: Overall Rankings · Highest Salaries · Is an MBA Worth It? · GMAT vs GRE Guide