Tuition & Financial Aid
DePaul Cinema Studios Full-Tuition Academic Scholarship
Fall 2027: for MFA degrees in Film and Television Directing, Animation, Creative Producing and Screenwriting
The DePaul Cinema Studios Scholarship—awarded to one exceptional student in each MFA degree program: Film and Television Directing, Animation, Creative Producing, and Screenwriting—covers full tuition for the entire program, and offers immersive, hands-on training at one of the nation's leading film schools. All students who submit a complete application to an eligible degree program by the priority deadline of December 15 will automatically be considered for this scholarship.
DePaul Cinema Studios Scholarship Details
This scholarship 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 demonstrated creative talent through produced work and exhibit a strong commitment to their craft. This scholarship aims to attract and support a candidate whose voice and vision are distinctive, whose work reflects undeniable spirit and dedication, and who are on a trajectory for meaningful success post-graduation.
To be considered for this scholarship, students must submit their application and all supporting materials to one the eligible degree programs: MFA Film and Television Directing, MFA Animation, MFA Creative Producing or MFA Screenwriting, by the priority application deadline of December 15.
All Scholarships for Incoming CDM Graduate Students
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)
The CDM Graduate Presidential Scholarship is for new international students seeking an MA, or MS, degree in one of the following programs of study: 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, Media, Design.
Starting in Fall 2026, the scholarship will be available to admitted students in the following MFA degrees: Animation, Creative Producing, Documentary, Film and Television Directing, Screenwriting and Game Design. 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, Media, Design) who are U.S. citizens or permanent U.S. residents.
Eligible programs of study include the 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.
Starting in Fall 2026, the scholarship will be available to admitted students in the following MFA degrees: Animation, Creative Producing, Documentary, Film and Television Directing, Screenwriting and Game Design. 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 MFA degrees in Film and Television Directing, Animation, Creative Producing and Screenwriting
Fall 2027: The DePaul Cinema Studios Scholarship, awarded to one exceptional student in each degree program: MFA Film and Television Directing, MFA Animation, MFA Creative Producing, and MFA Screenwriting, covers full tuition for the entire program, and offers 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 demonstrated creative talent through produced work and exhibit a strong commitment to their craft. This scholarship aims to attract and support a candidate whose voice and vision are distinctive, whose work reflects undeniable spirit and dedication, and who are on a trajectory for meaningful success post-graduation.
To be considered for this scholarship, students must submit their application and all supporting materials to one the eligible degree programs: MFA Film and Television Directing, MFA Animation, MFA Creative Producing or MFA Screenwriting, by the priority application deadline of December 15.
All students who submit a complete application to an eligible degree program by the priority deadline of December 15 will automatically be considered for this scholarship.
DCMD (Digital Communication, Media, Design) Scholarship
The CDM DCMA Scholarship is for new students seeking an MA degree in Digital Communication, Media, Design 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.
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.
Scholarships and Grants for Continuing CDM Students
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.
Assistantships and Stipends
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.
Financing Your Education
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 the Financial Aid page.
Tuition Costs
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).
Employer Tuition Deferral Plan
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.
Military Students
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.
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 60604MFA in Creative Producing Program Fee
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).