Overview
University of Chicago is a private institution that was founded in 1890. It has an undergraduate enrollment of 7,489 students as of fall 2023. The campus is 217 acres and is located in an urban environment. It has a quarter-based academic calendar. In the 2025 Best Colleges edition, it is ranked #11 among National Universities. Tuition and fees are $69,324.
At-a-Glance
Setting: Urban
Tuition & Fees: $69,324
Undergraduate Enrollment: 7,489
Acceptance Rate: 5%
University of Chicago Rankings
The following is how the university ranks across different rankings:
#11 in National Universities (tie)
#13 in Best Value Schools
#1 in Economics (tie)
#23 in Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects (tie)
#1 in Best Colleges for Veterans (tie)
#31 in Best Undergraduate Teaching (tie)
#22 in Most Innovative Schools (tie)
#190 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)
The University of Chicago ranks #11 among 436 National Universities, using universally accepted measures of excellence.
U.S. News Overall Score: 92/100
Outcomes (52%)
Average 6-year graduation rate: 96%
6-year graduation rate (Pell Grant recipients): 92%
6-year graduation rate (non-Pell Grant recipients): 95%
University of Chicago Admissions & Applying Information
The university boasts a very competitive 5% acceptance rate. Most admitted students have SAT scores ranging from 1510–1570 or ACT scores ranging from 34–35, although 25% fell higher or lower than those ranges. The application fee is $75 with an application deadline of January 6.
GPA, high school class rank (where available), and letters of recommendation are very important to admissions officers.
University of Chicago Tuition, Cost & Financial Aid
Tuition & Fees: $69,324 (higher than the national average of $47,890).
Total Cost (including housing, food, etc.): $89,040.
Average Net Price (after aid): $24,294.
Net Price by Family Income (2021-2022)
Family Income Average Cost
$0–$30,000 $958
$30,001–$48,000 $1,595
$48,001–$75,000 $3,596
$75,001–$110,000 $13,531
$110,001+ $47,835
Food & Housing: $20,109
University of Chicago Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio: 5:1
Small Class Sizes: 76.5% have fewer than 20 students.
Top Majors: Social Sciences (36%), Mathematics & Statistics (10%), Biological & Biomedical Sciences (8%), Physical Sciences (7%), Computer Science (7%).
Freshman Retention Rate: 99% (student satisfaction indicator).
UChicago Summer Welcome Days (Sponsored)
Prospective students and families are invited to visit campus during Summer Welcome Days (June 20–August 8). Activities include:
Campus tours
Meetings with current students
Admissions & financial aid presentations
Exploring Chicago (Hyde Park, Grant Park, lakeshore bike rides, concerts).
Location: Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, 1150 E. 59th Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
University of Chicago Student Life
Total Enrollment (Fall 2023): 15,763 (Undergraduate: 7,489 | Graduate: 8,274).
Gender Breakdown: 53.5% male, 46.5% female.
On-Campus Residence: 57%.
Athletics: NCAA Division III.
Pell Recipients (2022–2023): 15%.
Veterans/Active Duty: 1.1%
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University of Chicago Campus
Student Services Include:
Tutoring, health services, health insurance.
Safety Features:
24/7 foot & vehicle patrols.
Late-night transport/escort service.
Emergency phones, lighted walks, secured dorm entry.
Alcohol allowed for students of legal drinking age.