University of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Niche: A+

University of Chicago has a 4.8% acceptance rate. University of Chicago is a private nonprofit 4-year institution in Chicago, IL, with a median SAT of 1550 and a median ACT of 35. The average net price is $14,860 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

4.8%

38,631 applicants

SAT Median

1550

Combined score

ACT Median

35

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$14,860

After financial aid

SAT & ACT Scores at University of Chicago

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at University of Chicago (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)151015501580
ACT (composite, 1–36)343535

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

95.4%

Retention Rate

99.3%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$91,885

Student Body

7,569

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at University of Chicago:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$-1,264
$30,001 – $48,000$914
$48,001 – $75,000$226
$75,001 – $110,000$12,602
$110,000+$48,524

Top Majors at University of Chicago

MajorDegrees Awarded
Social Sciences724
Biological & Biomedical Sciences189
Computer & Information Sciences178
Mathematics & Statistics161
Physical Sciences135
Psychology74
Public Administration & Social Services71
English Language & Literature60
Engineering52
History52

Financial Aid at University of Chicago

About University of Chicago

Official website: https://www.uchicago.edu/

Admissions: https://collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu/

Frequently Asked Questions About University of Chicago

What is the acceptance rate at University of Chicago?

University of Chicago has an acceptance rate of 5%. it received about 38,631 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1550; the average net price is $14,860 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to University of Chicago for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into University of Chicago?

Getting into University of Chicago is highly competitive — it admits 5% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1550. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at University of Chicago for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for University of Chicago?

Admitted students at University of Chicago typically have a median SAT around 1550 and a median ACT around 35. With a 5% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. University of Chicago is located in Chicago, IL. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend University of Chicago?

The average net price at University of Chicago is $14,860 per year after grants and scholarships. about 53% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $58,877 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at University of Chicago?

University of Chicago has a graduation rate of 95%. its first-year retention rate is 99%; median earnings 10 years after enrollment are $91,885. These federal outcome metrics let you compare University of Chicago against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is University of Chicago test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, University of Chicago is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1550. With a 5% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors University of Chicago's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

Similar Colleges

Duke University

Durham, NC · 6% acceptance

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, CA · 3% acceptance

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · 7% acceptance

Brown University

Providence, RI · 5% acceptance

Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY · 4% acceptance

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD · 6% acceptance

More Colleges in IL

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · 7% acceptance

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · 44% acceptance

Illinois Institute of Technology

Chicago, IL · 55% acceptance

Illinois Wesleyan University

Bloomington, IL · 45% acceptance

Lake Forest College

Lake Forest, IL · 59% acceptance

Methodist College

Peoria, IL · 31% acceptance

Explore More

All 3,500+ universities · Most affordable colleges · Best value colleges · Test-optional colleges · Engineering programs · Computer science programs · Highest graduation rates · Compare planning tools

Check Your Admission Chances at University of Chicago — Free