About

About University of Chicago

highly selective admissionsstrong research culturesocial sciences focuslow student faculty ratio

University of Chicago is a private research university in Chicago, IL, known for its highly selective admissions, strong research culture, and social sciences focus. With an acceptance rate of 5%, U of C is one of the most selective colleges in the United States, typically enrolling around 1,729 students each year. U of C is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1510–1560, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. U of C meets 100% of demonstrated financial need and has replaced loans with grants; for families earning under $60,000, the net cost is often $0.

Admissions

University of Chicago acceptance rate and admitted student profile

one of the most selective colleges in the United States

5%
Overall Accept Rate
4.00
Typical Admitted GPA
1535
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1510 – 1560 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to University of Chicago

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
The UChicago extended essay prompt is unlike any other in college admissions. Choose one of their unconventional prompts and pursue a genuinely unexpected angle rather than a safe, predictable interpretation because admissions readers can immediately tell when a student is playing it safe.
Essay Strategy
Every essay you write for UChicago should reflect genuine intellectual curiosity and a willingness to sit with complexity. If your personal statement could work for ten other schools without changing a word, rewrite it to show the kind of obsessive, specific thinking that UChicago actually rewards.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What University of Chicago actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Loan-free financial aid: University of Chicago has replaced all loans with grants. For families earning under $60,000, the average net annual cost is $0. University of Chicago's sticker price of ~$83k/year bears almost no resemblance to what most families pay.
Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
30k-48kOften $0~$83k/yr~$0 / yr
48k-75k~$83k/yr$0.2k
75k-110k~$83k/yr$12.6k
110k+~$83k/yr$48.5k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

95%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$81k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
5:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
5,751
Undergrad Enrollment