The scholarships below are available to incoming CDM graduate students. For additional information or questions regarding any of these scholarships, contact the CDM Graduate Admission Office.   

For information on additional scholarships offered through the university, please visit DePaul’s Scholarships website.   

CDM Graduate Presidential Scholarship (International Students only)

This scholarship program begins Fall 2025. Eligible programs of study include MS degrees in: artificial intelligence, business information technology, computer science, cybersecurity, data science, film and television, human-computer interaction, information systems, game programming, health informatics and software engineering. MA degrees in: animation, and digital communication and media arts. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher to be considered. There is no need for a separate application, the scholarship is awarded at admission. Selected students will be awarded from $6,000 to $9,000 over six consecutive terms. Students must be enrolled full-time for disbursement. This award cannot be used in combination with any other DePaul scholarships, waivers or awards.   

CDM Graduate Dean's Scholarship (U.S. Citizens and Residents Only)

The CDM Graduate Dean's Scholarship is for new students seeking an MA or MS degree (excluding the MA in Digital Communication and Media Arts) who are U.S. citizens or permanent U.S. residents.   

This scholarship program begins Fall 2025. Eligible programs of study include MA degree in animation and MS degrees in: artificial intelligence, business information technology, computer science, cybersecurity, data science, film and television, human-computer interaction, information systems, game programming, health informatics and software engineering. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher to be considered. There is no need for a separate application, the scholarship is awarded at admission. Selected students will be awarded from $6,000 to $9,000 over six consecutive terms. This award cannot be used in combination with any other DePaul scholarships, waivers or awards.   

DePaul Cinema Studios Full-Tuition Academic Scholarship for the Film and Television Directing MFA

The DePaul Cinema Studios Scholarship–awarded to one exceptional full-time MFA Directing student–covers full tuition for the entire three-year (96-credit-hour) program, offering immersive, hands-on training at one of the nation's leading film schools. It is designed for promising and visionary filmmakers who possess a distinct perspective and a passion for advancing storytelling in film and television. Ideal candidates have already demonstrated creative talent through produced work and exhibit a strong commitment to their craft. This scholarship aims to attract and support an aspiring filmmaker, ensuring that DePaul continues to cultivate exceptional talent. We seek a candidate whose voice and vision are distinctive, whose work reflects an undeniable spirit and dedication, and who is on a trajectory for meaningful success post-graduation. Beyond their own achievements, this recipient will ideally serve as an inspiration for future DePaul filmmakers, helping to foster the next generation of creative leaders. 

To be considered for this scholarship, students must submit their application and all supporting materials to the MFA Film and Television Directing degree program by the priority application deadline of December 15. 

DCMA (Digital Communication and Media Arts) Scholarship

The CDM DCMA Scholarship is for new students seeking an MA degree in DCMA with a Media Arts concentration who are U.S. citizens or permanent U.S. residents.   

This scholarship is awarded as $525 per course, up to two courses per term ($1,050) for the duration of the program. This award cannot be used in combination with any other DePaul scholarships, waivers or awards. Students are automatically reviewed at the time of admission for this scholarship.   

MFA Scholarship

A limited number of $7,500 scholarships are available for incoming MFA students ($2,500 is awarded in each of the first three quarters of attendance). To qualify, you must be incoming new MFA student to any CDM MFA program, apply by the priority application deadline, and undergo a portfolio review. All priority deadline admitted MFA students will be reviewed, so a scholarship application is not required. This award cannot be used in combination with any other DePaul scholarships, waivers or awards.   

Double Demon Scholarship (DePaul Alumni only)

Any newly admitted student who has graduated from DePaul (has a degree conferred—bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate) is eligible to receive a Double Demon Scholarship, a 25% automatic discount for any GRADUATE coursework they take after that conferred degree. This applies to MS, MA, MFA, and certificate programs offered through the Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media. The Double Demon Scholarship cannot be used in conjunction with any other institutional aid or discount. DePaul employees who are alumni are eligible for other employee tuition benefits through the university and, therefore, are not eligible for the Double Demon Scholarship.   

The CDM Scholarship Program awards scholarships and grants annually to continuing CDM undergraduate and graduate students. Learn about available opportunities on the CDM Scholarships and Grants page.   

Students are also encouraged to visit Scholarship Connect for a full list of available scholarships at DePaul.   

A limited number of funding opportunities are available for qualified CDM graduate students. Graduate assistantships, the Graduate Research Assistant Program, and PhD funding provide tuition and monetary awards based on academic merit, experience in the field, and recommendations. Paid undergraduate research opportunities include the Undergraduate Research Assistant Program and the Motorola Solutions Foundation Scholars Program.     

Information on types of financial assistance—including scholarships and grants for incoming undergraduate students, military & veteran benefits, work-study, and employer tuition deferral—can be found on DePaul’s Office of Financial Aid website.   

For information on current tuition rates, please visit the Office of Student Accounts website.   

Undergraduate tuition is structured on a package rate. Full-time undergraduate students take between 12-18 credit hours per quarter and are charged the package price for tuition. Students taking fewer than 12 or more than 18 credit hours per quarter are charged on a per-credit hour basis.   

Graduate tuition is charged on a per-credit hour basis.   

Please note: students in the MFA Creative Producing program are required to pay an annual fee of $645 that covers parking and events (screenings, panels, tours).    

Students in the MFA in Creative Producing program are required to pay an annual fee of $645 that covers parking and events (screenings, panels, and tours).

The Employer Tuition Deferral Plan is designed for students who receive tuition reimbursement from their employers. Since employer reimbursement is generally issued at the end of the term, this option provides an extended payment due date. Learn more on the Student Financial Accounts website.

DePaul University is a participant in the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program, which will cover almost all tuition expenses for veterans who qualify for the Post 9/11 GI Bill® at 100 percent of the benefit. Learn more about Veterans Financial Aid at DePaul University or to speak to someone about military financial aid, please contact Megan Giedraitis.

The Office of Veterans Affairs can assist you with a variety of forms that need to be submitted for the GI Bill®. The forms you will need to submit are as follows:

• FAFSA-Free Application for Federal Student Aid
• Veteran's Affairs Educational Benefits Form
• Copy of your Certificate of Eligibility
• Copy of your DD214

All Veterans Benefits documents except the FAFSA should be sent to:

Office of Veterans Affairs
DePaul Center, Suite 11014
1 E. Jackson Blvd
Chicago, IL 60604