University of Chicago
About University of Chicago
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
The University of Chicago is a private research university on the South Side of Chicago. It is known for its rigorous academics, especially in economics, law, physics, and the social sciences. The university has produced more Nobel laureates in economics than any other institution.
Founded
1890
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Students
18,537
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
4.5%
Highly selective
Graduation Rate
95.9%
Above national average
Tuition
$70,662
Per year
Avg Net Price
$14,860
After financial aid
SAT Average
1554
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$91,885
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Most Selective
Only 4.5 out of 100 applicants are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$75
Early
Nov 3
Regular
Jan 5
With a 4.5% acceptance rate and an average SAT of 1554, University of Chicago is among the most selective schools in the country. Every part of your application needs to stand out.
SAT Scores
1554/ 1600
ACT Scores
34/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Excellent
95.9% complete their degree within six years
Retention
99.3%
4-Year Grad
91%
6-Year Grad
96%
Teaching Quality
5:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
84.9%
$/Student
$96.1K
Class Size
Small
91% of students graduate on time, and with a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio, it's clear students get the personal attention they need to succeed.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$70,662
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$20,109
Books & Supplies
$1,800
Total Cost of Attendance
$90,360
After Financial Aid
$14,860
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$-1,264
Receive Grants
15.3%
Take Loans
4.7%
Don't let the $70,662 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $14,860 after financial aid, a 79% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $-1,264.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at University of Chicago fund their education.
While in School
15.3%
Get Grants
Free money
4.7%
Take Loans
Must repay
$47,139
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$15,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$159/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 4.7% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $15,000. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends University of Chicago.
Gender
45.8%
Female
54%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
7,569
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
10,968
Graduates
20.2%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
1.1%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (46% women, 54% men). 20.2% are first-generation college students. 17.6% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
7,569
Students
private
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Quarter calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
No
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
No
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +World-class intellectual culture and debate
- +Hyde Park neighborhood has character and charm
- +Stunning Gothic campus architecture
- +Strong undergraduate research opportunities
Cons
- -Academic intensity can feel isolating
- -Hyde Park feels disconnected from greater Chicago
- -Harsh Chicago winters with strong winds
- -Social scene is quieter than other top schools
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
University of Chicago fields 11 varsity teams with 778 student athletes, about 10% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III with football
Conference
Midwest
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
11
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
778
10% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
57% / 43%
446
Men
332
Women
8
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of University of Chicagoearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$91,885
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Economics
$92K
622 grads
1yr Earnings
Mathematics
$100K
181 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer Science
$118K
156 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$35K
127 grads
1yr Earnings
Political Science and Government
$56K
111 grads
1yr Earnings
Research and Experimental Psychology
$32K
99 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates start at $81K six years out, climb to $90K by year eight, and reach $92K by year ten. That upward trajectory shows the degree keeps paying off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about University of Chicago
What is the acceptance rate at University of Chicago?▾
How much does University of Chicago cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at University of Chicago?▾
How much do University of Chicago graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.