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University of Chicago vs University of Virginia-Main Campus

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

20
University Wins
15
Tied / N/A
11
University Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Urban
Setting
Suburban
Great Lakes
Region
Southeast
7,569
Enrollment
17,597
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

4%
Acceptance Rate
17%
1554
SAT Average
1480
34
ACT Midpoint
34
1510-1580
SAT Range
1410-1540

Cost & Financial Aid

$70,662
In-State Tuition
$21,803
$70,662
Out-of-State Tuition
$59,512
$14,860
Average Net Price
$21,565
$-1,264
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$8,174
$914
Net Price ($30-48K)
$9,696
$226
Net Price ($48-75K)
$13,283
$48,524
Net Price ($110K+)
$35,402
15%
Pell Grant Rate
16%
5%
Federal Loan Rate
20%

Academics

95%
Graduation Rate
95%
99%
Retention Rate
98%
85%
Full-Time Faculty
96%
$19,806
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$17,428
20%
First-Gen Students
16%

Student Body

52%
Female
55%
30%
White
49%
17%
Hispanic
8%
7%
Black
8%
19%
Asian
20%
0.81
Diversity Index
0.71

Outcomes

$80,870
Earnings (6yr)
$72,359
$87,164
Earnings (8yr)
$80,156
$91,885
Earnings (10yr)
$86,863
$15,000
Median Debt
$17,500
0.16x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.2x
83%
Earning Above HS
80%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

194.09%
Mobility Rate
N/A
4508.7%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
N/A
430.5%
From Bottom 20%
N/A
$132,000
Parent Median Income
N/A

Social Capital

1.81
Economic Connectedness
1.82
-0.01
Friending Bias
-0.01
15.6%
Volunteering Rate
8.6%

Research (Times HE)

#12
World Rank
N/A
79.1
Teaching Score
N/A
87.9
Research Score
N/A
96.9
Citations Score
N/A

The Overviews

University of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit

4% accept 95% grad $91,885 earnings $14,860 net

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.

University of Virginia-Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA · Public

17% accept 95% grad $86,863 earnings $21,565 net

With an acceptance rate of just 17%, the University of Virginia-Main Campus attracts students who are ready for an academically rigorous environment. It’s a great fit for those interested in a wide range of disciplines, particularly in humanities, social sciences, engineering, business, and computer science. Students here are not just looking for a degree; they’re aiming for a transformative college experience that prepares them for real-world challenges.

After graduation, students typically see solid returns on their investment. With a median earning of $86,863 ten years post-graduation, many graduates find themselves in a stable financial position. The affordable net price of $21,565 means that with careful planning and support, students can graduate with manageable debt, averaging around $17,500. This financial outlook is encouraging, especially for those who may worry about student loans impacting their future.

Ultimately, the practical aspects of attending UVA-Main Campus play a crucial role in student success. With a supportive environment, it’s a place where driven students can thrive, particularly those who are proactive about taking advantage of the resources available. This community fosters not just academic excellence but also personal growth, making it a smart choice for those ready to engage deeply in their education.

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