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Colleges / IL / Chicago
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University of Chicago

Private nonprofit Chicago, IL · Urban · Great Lakes · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
95%
Graduation Rate
$91,885
Earnings (10yr)
$14,860
Net Price
4%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

The University of Chicago has an acceptance rate of just 4%, making it one of the most selective institutions in the country. This means students face stiff competition to gain admission, but those who do become part of a community committed to academic excellence. With a graduation rate of 95%, students are likely to earn their degrees and move on to successful careers.

Graduates from the University of Chicago report impressive earnings. After ten years, their median income reaches $91,885. This level of financial success reflects the school’s strong academic programs, particularly in social sciences, biology, and computer science. While the Pell Grant rate is 15%, indicating that a portion of students come from low-income backgrounds, the institution does not provide specific data on economic mobility.

The cost of attendance is $14,860, and the median debt for graduates stands at $15,000. This relatively low debt compared to earnings suggests that students can manage their finances effectively after graduation. The University of Chicago is ideal for high-achieving students who thrive in a rigorous academic environment and are motivated to leverage their education for financial success.

Rankings

How University Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation95%Earnings 10yr$92KNet Price$15KRetention99%Median Debt$15KPell Grant Rate15%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$-1K$0-30K$1K$30-48K$0K$48-75K$49K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%430.5%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%4508.7%MOBILITY194.09%

Cost & Financial Aid

$70,662
In-State Tuition
$70,662
Out-of-State
$14,860
Avg Net Price
$15,000
Median Debt
15%
Pell Grant Rate
5%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$-1,264
Family Income $0–$30K
$914
Family Income $30K–$48K
$226
Family Income $48K–$75K
$48,524
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$80,870
6 Years After Entry
$87,164
8 Years
$91,885
10 Years
0.16x
Debt-to-Earnings
83%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$80,870 6yr $87,164 8yr $91,885 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

194.09%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
4508.7%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
430.5%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$132,000
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.81
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.01
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
15.6%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Research & Teaching

Data: Times Higher Education World University Rankings

#12
World Rank
79.1
Teaching
87.9
Research
96.9
Citations
62.8
International

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

1.089%
Inventor Rate
49
Total Patents
64
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 4%
Retention Rate 99%
SAT Average 1554
ACT Midpoint 34
SAT Range 1510–1580
ACT Range 34–35
Full-Time Faculty 85%
Faculty Salary (mo) $19,806
Diversity Index 0.81
First-Gen Students 20%

Top Programs

Social Sciences 38%
Biology & Biomedical 10%
Computer Science & IT 9%
Mathematics & Statistics 8%
Physical Sciences 7%
Psychology 4%
English & Literature 3%
Engineering 3%