DePaul credential evaluation:What is a DePaul credential evaluation and why do international students need one in 2026?
Q: What is a DePaul credential evaluation and why do international students need one in 2026?
A: A DePaul credential evaluation is an official assessment of your international academic credentials—such as transcripts, diplomas, and degree certificates—conducted to determine their U.S. equivalency. DePaul University requires this evaluation for applicants who completed secondary or post-secondary education outside the United States, ensuring that your previous coursework aligns with U.S. academic standards. In 2026, this process has become more streamlined, with DePaul partnering with agencies like Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) and World Education Services (WES) to accept digital submissions directly. You need this evaluation because DePaul's admissions committee uses it to verify your academic background, determine transfer credits, and assess eligibility for graduate programs. Without it, your application may be considered incomplete. Additionally, certain licensure programs and scholarships require a course-by-course evaluation to confirm specific subject credits. Starting in 2026, DePaul also accepts evaluations from SpanTran and IEE for select programs, giving applicants more flexibility. It's essential to request the evaluation early, as processing can take four to six weeks, and delays could impact admission deadlines for fall, winter, or spring terms.
Q: How do I submit a DePaul credential evaluation in 2026, and what are the updated requirements?
A: To submit a DePaul credential evaluation in 2026, first create an account with an approved evaluation agency such as ECE, WES, SpanTran, or IEE. Request a course-by-course evaluation, which is the preferred format for DePaul admissions. The agency will need official transcripts from all institutions you've attended, sent directly from the schools or through a verified digital platform like Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse. Once the evaluation is complete, instruct the agency to send the report electronically to DePaul's Office of Admission at admission@depaul.edu or via the agency's secure portal. Updated 2026 requirements include: all documents must be in English or accompanied by certified translations; evaluations must be issued within the last two years; and for graduate programs, a GPA equivalency calculation is mandatory. DePaul now accepts digital evaluations exclusively, so paper copies are no longer required. You should also ensure your evaluation includes a U.S. degree equivalency and a course-by-course breakdown with grades and credits. After submission, monitor your DePaul application portal to confirm receipt. If there are discrepancies, contact the admission office promptly. Allow at least two weeks for DePaul to process the evaluation after it arrives.
Q: Which credential evaluation agencies does DePaul accept, and how do I choose the right one in 2026?
A: For 2026, DePaul University accepts credential evaluations from several NACES-member agencies, including Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), World Education Services (WES), SpanTran, International Education Evaluations (IEE), and Educational Perspectives. The right choice depends on your program and personal circumstances. WES and ECE are the most widely accepted and offer comprehensive course-by-course evaluations, but they can be pricier and slower. SpanTran is known for faster turnaround and competitive pricing, and DePaul has a direct partnership with SpanTran that may simplify the submission process. IEE offers budget-friendly options but verify that your specific program accepts it. For graduate business programs, DePaul sometimes recommends WES due to its detailed GPA analysis. To choose, check your program's admission page for any agency-specific requirements, consider your timeline—WES can take up to seven business days after receiving documents, while SpanTran often completes evaluations in three to five days—and compare costs, which range from $100 to $250. All agencies must send the evaluation directly to DePaul; unofficial copies won't be accepted. If you're unsure, contact DePaul's admission office for guidance before ordering an evaluation to avoid unnecessary expenses.
Dialogue about
Common scenarios of "DePaul credential evaluation"
【Student】 Hi, I'm an international student applying to DePaul University. I need to get my credentials evaluated. Can you help me understand the process?
【Advisor】 Absolutely! DePaul requires a course-by-course credential evaluation for international transcripts. You'll need to use a NACES-approved evaluation service. Have you looked into any yet?
【Student】 I've heard of WES and ECE. Are those accepted by DePaul?
【Advisor】 Yes, both WES and ECE are NACES members and accepted by DePaul. You can choose either. But make sure to request a course-by-course evaluation, not just a document-by-document.
【Student】 Got it. How long does the evaluation usually take?
【Advisor】 Typically, it takes about 2-4 weeks after they receive all your documents. But during peak times, it might take longer. I recommend starting early.
【Student】 What documents do I need to send to the evaluation service?
【Advisor】 You'll need official transcripts from all institutions you've attended, and if they're not in English, certified translations. Also, some services require proof of degree completion.
【Student】 Do I need to send my transcripts directly to DePaul as well?
【Advisor】 No, usually the evaluation service sends the evaluated report to DePaul. But check with the specific service and DePaul's admissions office to confirm.
【Student】 Okay. Is there a specific deadline for submitting the evaluation?
【Advisor】 Yes, it's best to submit it before the application deadline. For fall admission, the priority deadline is February 1st, but international students should aim to submit everything by January 15th to allow time for processing.
【Student】 That's helpful. How much does the evaluation cost?
【Advisor】 Costs vary by service. WES charges around $200 for course-by-course, and ECE is similar. There might be additional fees for translations or expedited service.
【Student】 Can I get a waiver for the evaluation fee?
【Advisor】 DePaul doesn't offer fee waivers for credential evaluations, but some services offer discounts for certain countries or situations. You can check with the evaluation service directly.
【Student】 What if my transcripts are in a language other than English?
【Advisor】 You'll need to have them translated by a certified translator. The evaluation service can often recommend translators, or you can find one yourself. Make sure the translation is word-for-word and includes all original stamps and signatures.
【Student】 Thanks for all the info. I think I'm ready to start the process.
【Advisor】 Great! If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out to DePaul's International Admission office. Good luck with your application!