At $18,967/yr net price, University of Chicago graduates earn $91,885/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $57,885/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,967 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $75,868 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $91,885/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$57,885/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 94.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $15,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $770/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,816/yr |
| $110,001+ | $54,800/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Law. | Doctoral | $171,510 | $188,691 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $159,442 | $92,529 |
| Statistics. | Master | $116,083 | $48,437 |
| Computer Science. | Master | $92,277 | $80,205 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $91,211 | |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $85,637 | $13,395 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $84,653 | $59,772 |
| Political Science and Government. | Doctoral | $74,576 | |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $72,022 | $12,000 |
| Public Policy Analysis. | Master | $70,083 | $78,854 |
The Risk Factor
94.9% of students at University of Chicago graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
University of Chicago delivers strong financial returns despite its elite price tag, with median earnings reaching nearly $92,000 within ten years of graduation. Your debt burden stays manageable at just $15,000 median, making this one of the better value propositions among top-tier universities.
Law and business majors see strong returns, with lawyers earning $171,510 annually despite heavy debt loads of $188,691. Business graduates fare better with $159,442 in earnings against $92,529 in debt. Statistics majors hit a sweet spot with $116,083 salaries and only $48,437 in debt, while computer science graduates earn around $91,000-$92,000 but carry $80,205 in debt.
The school's Chicago location creates strong alumni networks in finance, consulting, and law, boosting earning potential across majors. However, you face limited financial aid availability with only 14.47% of students receiving aid, meaning most families pay close to full price.
You should consider UChicago if your family can handle the upfront costs without excessive borrowing, especially for business, law, or quantitative fields where the career services and alumni connections justify the investment. The 99.42% retention rate and 94.90% graduation rate indicate strong student satisfaction and completion odds.
Skip this school if you need significant financial aid or plan to major in lower-earning fields where the debt-to-income ratio becomes problematic. The lack of merit aid means middle-class families often get squeezed between high costs and limited need-based assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Chicago worth the high tuition cost?
University of Chicago graduates earn $91,885 ten years after graduation with relatively low debt at $15,000 median, making the investment worthwhile for most students. The school's strong financial aid brings the average net price down to $18,967 annually.
What are the best paying majors at University of Chicago?
Law and business programs at University of Chicago offer the strongest financial returns, with law graduates earning $171,510 and business graduates earning $159,442. Statistics and computer science also provide solid returns above $90,000.
How much debt do University of Chicago students graduate with?
University of Chicago students graduate with a median debt of just $15,000, significantly lower than the national average. The school's generous financial aid program helps keep borrowing minimal for most students.
Does University of Chicago have good financial aid?
University of Chicago offers strong financial aid that reduces the average net price to $18,967 per year despite high sticker prices. The combination of need-based aid and merit scholarships makes the school accessible to middle and lower-income families.