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University of Chicago

Chicago, IL·Private nonprofit·7,540 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for high-achieving applicants seeking a top-tier program and students focused on high earning potential. no major red flags in the data. graduates earn a median of $103,000 within 10 years; exceptional 95% graduation rate.

5%
Accept
7,540
Students
$18,967
Net Price
95%
Grad Rate
$103,000
Earnings
10 yr
$13,368
Debt

About This School

University of Chicago is a private nonprofit institution located in Chicago, Illinois with approximately 7,540 undergraduate students enrolled. Admissions are highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 5%. The average net price after financial aid is $18,967 per year. The graduation rate is 95%, and the typical graduate earns $103,000 within 10 years of enrollment.

The University of Chicago is a private research university in the Hyde Park community area of Chicago, Illinois, United States.

This is a strong option for students who thrive in rigorous, ideas-driven academics — the 99% freshman retention rate suggests students who get in genuinely want to stay, and median earnings of $103,000 a decade out back up the investment. At an average net price of just under $19,000/year with a median debt of only $13,368 at graduation, UChicago is surprisingly affordable for a school this selective (5% acceptance rate). The main concern isn't financial — it's fit: the demanding core curriculum and intense intellectual culture aren't for everyone, so be honest with yourself about whether that environment energizes or exhausts you.

Founded
1890
Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Social Sciences41%
Biological Sciences10%
Mathematics9%
Computer Science8%
Physical Sciences7%
Psychology4%
English3%
Engineering2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Carl SaganBernie SandersMilton FriedmanSaul BellowKurt VonnegutJames WatsonEdwin HubbleRobert A. MillikanRoger EbertPaul SamuelsonErnest LawrenceSusan Sontag

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1554
Reading 75th %ile770
Math 75th %ile800

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite34

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$66,939
Out-of-State Tuition
$66,939
Avg Net Price
$18,967
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants14%
Median debt at graduation$13,368

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
95%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
99%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$103,000
after enrollment
Median Debt
$13,368
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$13,368
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$72,100
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$103,000
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 7.7x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White31%
Black7%
Hispanic/Latino17%
Asian20%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (7,540 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

University of Chicago

5801 S Ellis Ave

Chicago, IL 60637

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Illinois

Browse all Illinois schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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