University of Chicago
University of Chicago has an acceptance rate of 4.5%, an average net price of $16,776, and an overall rank of #8 (Grade A+). About 95.0% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $102,231 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
University of Chicago is a private nonprofit university in Chicago, IL. Students most often pursue Computer Science and Economics.
Day to day, students benefit from a 5:1 student-faculty ratio, and 99.3% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 144.8%, roughly 94.9 points higher than typical outcomes. It's well-suited to ambitious students who thrive in an elite, research-powered setting and career-focused learners aiming for high-impact outcomes.
Who is University of Chicago Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of Chicago graduates 95.0% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 96.0% and keeps 99.3% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of Chicago's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Est. annual aid gap: $78,195 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $73,962 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,800 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $20,835 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,400 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $94,971 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 17.3% of University of Chicago students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Low-income families pay less than $394 annually, while high-income families pay $49,769. Use University of Chicago's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $7,744/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $49,769/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $102,231
- 10-Year Median Earnings $103,872
- Average Years to Graduate 4.2 years
- Average Student Debt $12,000
- Debt-to-Earnings ~11.7%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 87.2%
- Employment Rate 92.4%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of Chicago graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
University of Chicago vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of Chicago's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of Chicago's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 740-780
- SAT Math 770-800
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 34-35
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 7,569
- Full-Time Students 99.9%
- Part-Time Students 0.1%
- Retention Rate 99.3%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 95.0%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 96.0%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 5:1
How to Get Into University of Chicago
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of Chicago requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 4.5%, University of Chicago is extremely selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 4.5% acceptance rate, University of Chicago is extremely selective. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their class. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1510 and 1580 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of Chicago undergraduates. Economics, Mathematics, and Biology, General draw the most students.
- Economics 21.0%
- Mathematics 7.9%
- Biology, General 7.3%
- Public Policy Analysis 6.4%
- Political Science and Government 5.3%
- Computer Science 4.6%
See more majors
- Research and Experimental Psychology 3.9%
- Statistics 3.8%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Science $227,147
- 2. Economics $157,181
- 3. Statistics $147,558
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Mathematics $146,679
- 5. Public Policy Analysis $99,986
- 6. International Relations and National Security Studies $98,430
- 7. Physics $91,650
- 8. Political Science and Government $88,531
- 9. Research and Experimental Psychology $84,957
- 10. Philosophy $72,246
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Law (First Professional Degree) $308,354
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $231,911
- 3. Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degree) $190,915
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Statistics (Master's Degree) $171,616
- 5. Computer Science (Master's Degree) $151,585
- 6. Medicine (First Professional Degree) $143,277
- 7. Public Policy Analysis (Master's Degree) $118,011
- 8. Computer Programming (Master's Degree) $105,265
- 9. International Relations and National Security Studies (Master's Degree) $104,862
- 10. Criminal Justice and Corrections (Master's Degree) $101,305
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Science grads earn $227,147—214% more than Philosophy ($72,246). Graduate: Law programs lead with $308,354 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
U.S. Department of Education data reports fully online programs for University of Chicago. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degree, 1,236 graduates)
- Social Sciences, General (Master's Degree, 706 graduates)
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 622 graduates)
- Applied Mathematics (Master's Degree, 228 graduates)
- Computer Science (Master's Degree, 217 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (50 programs)â–Ľ
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Biology, General
- Political Science and Government
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Public Policy Analysis
- Chemistry
- History
- Philosophy
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- English Language and Literature, General
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Statistics
- Physics
- Social Sciences, Other
- Chemical Engineering
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Anthropology
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Sociology
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Visual and Performing Arts, Other
- Music
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Area Studies
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Systems Science and Theory
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Medieval and Renaissance Studies
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Cognitive Science
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Geography and Cartography
- Computer Programming
- South Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Social Work
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
Online Master's Degrees (63 programs)â–Ľ
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Social Sciences, General
- Applied Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Social Work
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Computer Programming
- Economics
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Statistics
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Chemistry
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Physics
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Biology, General
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Area Studies
- History
- Business/Commerce, General
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Genetics
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Sociology
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Political Science and Government
- Chemical Engineering
- Physical Sciences, General
- Mathematics
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- English Language and Literature, General
- Design and Applied Arts
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- South Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Anthropology
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Music
- Information Science/Studies
- Philosophy
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Science, Technology and Society
- Public Policy Analysis
- Public Health
- Nutrition Sciences
- International Business
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
Online Doctoral Degrees (50 programs)â–Ľ
- Economics
- Physics
- History
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Mathematics
- Anthropology
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Sociology
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Political Science and Government
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Genetics
- Music
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- English Language and Literature, General
- South Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Philosophy
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Social Sciences, General
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Behavioral Sciences
- Applied Mathematics
- Social Work
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Business/Commerce, General
- Statistics
- Nutrition Sciences
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Science, Technology and Society
- Engineering Physics
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Biology, General
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Public Policy Analysis
- Public Health
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (16 programs)â–Ľ
- Computer Systems Analysis
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Public Health
- Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Public Policy Analysis
- Economics
- Marketing
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Social Sciences, General
- Sustainability Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Social Work
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)â–Ľ
- Law
- Medicine
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 7,569
- Full-Time Students 99.9%
- Part-Time Students 0.1%
- Male Students 54.2%
- Female Students 45.8%
- Caucasian 29.5%
- Asian 19.3%
- Hispanic 16.9%
- Black 6.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients 17.3%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of Chicago's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of Chicago's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Chicago support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Chicago, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: University of Chicago has a diverse student body, with 29.5% identifying as White. About 17.3% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Chicago support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Chicago, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of Chicago stands among the nation's most elite, delivering a 0.0% ROI outperforming 1934 of 1934 institutions in our analysis.
The institution achieves 85.2% four-year completion and a 95.0% graduation rate within 150% of normal time and maintains 99.3% first-year retention. However, the $16,776 annual net price positions this institution at the higher end of college costs. Post-graduation median earnings of $102,231 reflect strong career outcomes typical of selective institutions.
Value Analysis: Is University of Chicago Worth It?
Ranking #8 of 1934, University of Chicago delivers a A+ overall grade with 99.6/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total).
For High-Achieving Students: Applicants pursuing careers where institutional prestige and professional networks drive opportunities—such as finance, consulting, law, and academia—benefit most from University of Chicago's brand value and alumni connections. The school's reputation provides career acceleration that may justify the premium cost for specific fields.
Financial Aid Recipients: Students receiving substantial need-based aid (bringing actual costs below $8,388 annually) access elite education at a competitive price point. Pell-eligible students often pay less here than at many public universities.
Alternative Considerations: Students in fields where skills and credentials matter more than brand name—particularly STEM, healthcare, and technical fields—should compare outcomes against public research universities offering similar education at 40-60% lower cost. Our data shows 0 institutions deliver superior ROI metrics.
Bottom Line: University of Chicago excels in reputation and student experience, reflected in its 99.3% retention rate. However, value-conscious students should weigh the $16,776 annual investment against 0 alternatives offering stronger financial returns. The "best" choice depends on your field, financial situation, and career goals—not rankings alone.
Key Takeaways
- 95.0% graduation rate sits 32.5 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 99.3% first-year retention is 22.5 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- Median earnings of $102,231 run about 66% higher than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $16,776 is roughly $3,132 lower than the national median of $19,908.
- 92.4% employment rate within three years is 24.2 points above the national 68.2%.
Helpfulness for Students
- 5:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 99.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 92.4% employment rate within three years sits 24.2 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 17.3% trails the national share by 21.3 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Chicago, IL, University of Chicago operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a A+ from EDsmart. It appears at #8 in EDsmart's rankings Completion earns A+, Support A+, Career Outcomes A, and Affordability B-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 99.3% of first-year students return; 95.0% graduate within 150% of normal time, with an 8-year award rate of 96.0%. Review the cost and aid tables for a full picture of value.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $16,776 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $94,971.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $78,195 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $12,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 17.3% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $102,231 five years after graduation. This is roughly 66% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 92.4% of graduates are employed three years out.
Use the ROI table above to estimate how long it may take to recoup your degree costs.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
4.5% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of Chicago admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). University of Chicago: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/university-of-chicago/
MLA (9th): “University of Chicago: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/university-of-chicago/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “University of Chicago: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/university-of-chicago/.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is University of Chicago's acceptance rate?
University of Chicago's acceptance rate is 4.5%, based on U.S. Department of Education admissions data.
How much does University of Chicago cost?
At University of Chicago, listed tuition and fees are $73,962 per year, and the average net price after aid is $16,776. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is University of Chicago's ranking?
University of Chicago ranks #8 overall in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of A+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is University of Chicago's graduation rate?
At University of Chicago, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 95.0% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 96.0%, and first-year retention is 99.3%.
What are University of Chicago's job outcomes?
Graduates of University of Chicago report median earnings of $102,231 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is University of Chicago's student population?
University of Chicago enrolls about 7,569 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 5801 S Ellis Ave, Chicago, IL 60637
- Website www.uchicago.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$8.55B