About University of Chicago
The financial picture reveals surprising accessibility despite the $66,939 sticker price. Students from families earning under $48,000 pay just $770 after aid, while those from $75,000-$110,000 households pay $12,816. Graduates earn a median $91,885 ten years out with typical debt of only $15,000. The 87.24% loan repayment rate suggests strong post-graduation financial health.
The 99.42% retention rate reflects students who thrive on intellectual challenge rather than traditional college experiences. With 95.23% graduating in four years, most students successfully navigate the demanding academics. The school draws nationally, with only 11.42% from Illinois. Don't expect big-time sports atmosphere - this NCAA Division III program focuses 547 athletes on competition without scholarships.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 5:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 85.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 95.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 94.9%
- Retention Rate
- 99.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $91,885
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Law. | Doctoral | $171,510 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $159,442 |
| Statistics. | Master | $116,083 |
| Computer Science. | Master | $92,277 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $91,211 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $85,637 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $84,653 |
| Political Science and Government. | Doctoral | $74,576 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $72,022 |
| Public Policy Analysis. | Master | $70,083 |
Campus Life
Weekends revolve around the famous Scavenger Hunt, one of the world's largest student-run competitions where teams spend four days solving impossible riddles and building elaborate contraptions. Students gather in the Reynolds Club or venture to nearby Lake Michigan for relief from the academic pressure. The quarter system means finals arrive every 10 weeks, creating a constant cycle of intellectual intensity. Social life centers on house traditions within the residential college system. Most students embrace the school's quirky "where fun comes to die" motto while genuinely loving the place that produces more Nobel Prize winners than any other university.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 4,568 beds
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1890
Campus Safety (2023)
142 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 18 | 0 | 0 | 51 |
| Stalking | 16 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 12 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| Robbery | 2 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
| Rape | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Fondling | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 20°–33°F
- July Avg
- 67°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 38.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 53.4%
- Women
- 46.6%
- White
- 30.9%
- Black
- 7.0%
- Hispanic
- 17.1%
- Asian
- 19.7%
- In-State Students
- 11.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 14.5%
Location
- Address
- Chicago, Illinois 60637
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $91,885
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $103,328
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $72,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 87.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $159/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $15,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Chicago?
University of Chicago accepts just 5.43% of applicants, making it one of the most selective universities in the country. Admitted students typically score between 1500-1580 on the SAT, reflecting the school's reputation for academic rigor and intellectual intensity.
How much does University of Chicago cost after financial aid?
The total cost of attendance is $87,960, but the average net price drops to $18,967 after financial aid. Students from families earning under $75,000 pay an average of just $770, demonstrating the university's commitment to making education accessible despite its top status.
What makes University of Chicago's academics unique?
Every student must complete the rigorous Core Curriculum, which emphasizes critical thinking and broad intellectual exploration. The school operates on a quarter system with an exceptional 5:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for intensive academic engagement that has earned it the nickname 'where fun comes to die.'
What do University of Chicago graduates earn after college?
Graduates earn a median salary of $91,885 ten years after enrollment, with an impressive 94.90% six-year graduation rate. The school's emphasis on analytical thinking and research has produced 100+ Nobel Prize winners, including famous alumni like Barack Obama and Milton Friedman.
Where do University of Chicago students live and study?
The Gothic Revival campus in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood houses 4,568 students in residential facilities. With 99.42% of freshmen returning for their second year, the university creates a close-knit intellectual community despite being located in America's third-largest city.
Does University of Chicago have competitive athletics?
The Maroons compete in NCAA Division III with 16 varsity sports and 547 total athletes. Since Division III schools don't offer athletic scholarships, students participate purely for the love of competition, fitting the university's philosophy of intellectual pursuit over commercial success.
