Overview
From UChicago
A liberal arts college amidst a world-renowned research university, the University of Chicago offers a dynamic education, where over 7,000 students from 50 states and 100 countries sharpen their critical thinking skills and engage in the life of the mind. With small, discussion-based classes and a strong commitment to free expression, UChicago encourages academic exploration and open discussion.
UChicago’s Core curriculum introduces the tools of inquiry used in every discipline and is the perfect foundation for any major—and for all future endeavors. Complementing the Core, nearly 60 majors and minors, as well as dozens of specialized study areas, encourage students to explore their academic interests. 80% of UChicago students choose to do research in programs ranging from economics and cinema studies to astrophysics and sociology. More than 160 institutes and centers provide a home for true innovation. On-campus experiences are supplemented by more than 80 study abroad programs.
UChicago’s financial aid philosophy allows students to get the most out of their education, without having to spend time worrying about debt and loan payments. Students are free to follow their passions, focus on their studies, and take the first steps toward their future careers with UChicago’s Career Advancement.
University
City
Need Blind
SupplementalEssay
100% Need
QuestBridge
Scholarships & Financial Aid
$90,360
$71,393
$18,967
Cost Breakdown
Estimated Cost:
$90,360The sticker price at UChicago is $90,360. This includes the cost of tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and other miscellaneous expenses.
The cost of attendance can vary from year to year and will typically rise over your four years in college. That said, colleges will recalculate your financial aid every year to take price increases and changes in your financial situation into account.
College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at UChicago would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.
University of Chicago Financial Aid
To apply for financial aid at UChicago you’ll need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as the CSS Profile.
The FAFSA and CSS Profile use financial information from the prior, prior year. That means you can submit the forms even if you or your parents haven’t filed last year’s taxes.
The FAFSA code for UChicago is 001774 and the CSS Profile Code is 1832.
The FAFSA is completely free, while the CSS Profile charges a fee for each college you send it to. If you have demonstrated financial need, you may qualify for a CSS Profile fee waiver.
If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA or the CSS Profile, check out these resources:
Using State Grants at UChicago
Illinois residents considering UChicago should be sure to look into the MAP program. In-state students who demonstrate financial need can qualify for MAP grant money from the state as long as the program is on the list of approved colleges. The program can pay up to $8,400 per year towards your education. Approved schools include both public and private options.
Apply to these scholarships due soon
See more Illinois scholarshipsUniversity of Chicago QuestBridge Scholarships
UChicago is a member of QuestBridge, which is a prestigious scholarship program that supports high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds. Students who are “matched” to University of Chicago through QuestBridge receive a four year, full ride scholarship to the school. If you are interested in learning more about QuestBridge, you can check out our QuestBridge Scholarship guide.
University of Chicago’s 100% Need-Met Guarantee
UChicago meets 100% of admitted students’ financial need. Using the FAFSA and/or CSS Profile, they calculate your need and offer a combination of scholarships and federal loans to cover any costs you and your family cannot pay.
Stamps Scholarship at UChicago
UChicago participates in the Stamps Scholarship Program, which means that they offer recurring scholarships to select admitted students. These awards range between $6,000 to $90,000 per year. Many schools automatically consider admitted students for Stamps Scholarships. However, some schools have a separate application process; be sure to check UChicago's website for information on how to apply.
No Loan Policy at UChicago
UChicago is a no-loan school, which means that their financial aid packages offer students grants and scholarships in place of the federal loans that are typically part of a package. This means that their financial aid is more generous than most, and they help bridge the gap between cost and student need. Some no-loan schools offer this policy for all accepted students while others only extend it to students below a specific income level, or to in-state students. Be sure to check UChicago's website for details on their No-Loan policy.
Pell Grants at University of Chicago
16% of students at University of Chicago receive Pell Grants.
The federal government awards Pell Grants to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need by filling out the FAFSA. Students with a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible. Pell Grants do not be repaid. If you receive a Pell Grant, the award amount should remain consistent at any college you gain admission to. You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
Students can use outside scholarships to supplement their financial aid package at UChicago. Outside scholarships are awards offered by private and non-profit organizations separate from their college. To browse vetted, reliable outside scholarships, check out our popular lists:
Admissions
5%
34
1535
Do I qualify for an application fee waiver at UChicago?
From UChicago
The University of Chicago does not charge an application fee for students applying for need-based financial aid.
Coalition Colleges
UChicago is a Coalition Member College, which means they have completed a vigorous vetting process from the Coalition for College to ensure that they “provide substantial support to lower-income, under-resourced and/or first-generation students; offer responsible student financial aid; and demonstrate a commitment to student graduation.” That also means you can apply to UChicago via the Coalition Application. The Coalition Application makes it easy to obtain application fee waivers if you qualify. It’s also a great way to discover other colleges that have demonstrated a strong commitment to affordability and strong student outcomes.
Does UChicago have a supplemental essay?
Yes, University of Chicago includes a supplemental essay in their application. Luckily, Scholarships360 has a free guide to help you answer UChicago's essay prompt and stand out in the application process.
UChicago Supplemental Essay Guide
Does University of Chicago charge an application fee?
Good news! University of Chicago does not charge application fees, so you can apply for free. If you think there is any chance you’d like to attend University of Chicago, consider sending in an application since it will not cost you anything.
Is UChicago test-optional?
University of Chicago is test-optional, which means that applicants are permitted, but not required, to submit their standardized test scores. If you choose not to submit your scores, admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurriculars, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you aren’t sure whether to submit your standardized test scores, Scholarships360’s guide on whether to submit your test scores to test-optional schools can help.
Can students submit their SAT or ACT Superscore to UChicago?
Yes, applicants can submit their SAT or ACT Superscore when they apply to University of Chicago. You should be able to find your superscore for either test on your student portal. Keep in mind that some colleges only allow Superscores for one of the two tests, so be sure to check their website for exact details on the Superscore policy.
What is the application deadline at UChicago?
Early Action
Early Decision I
Early Decision II
Regular Decision
Is University of Chicago need-blind?
Yes, University of Chicago has need-blind admissions, which means they do not take financial need into account when they decide who to accept. If your FAFSA and/or CSS Profile indicate that you would need substantial financial aid, you will still be on equal footing with applicants who do not require any aid at all.
Academics
Student/Faculty Ratio
5:1
Graduation Rate
95%
Popular Majors
Percent of Students
Social Sciences
41%
41% of graduates
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
10%
10% of graduates
Mathematics
9%
9% of graduates
Computer & Information Sciences
8%
8% of graduates
Physical Sciences
7%
7% of graduates
Psychology
4%
4% of graduates
English Language & Literature
3%
3% of graduates
History
3%
3% of graduates
Public Administration & Social Services
3%
3% of graduates
Languages & Literatures
2%
2% of graduates
Engineering
2%
2% of graduates
Visual & Performing Arts
2%
2% of graduates
Natural Resources & Conservation
2%
2% of graduates
Philosophy & Religious Studies
2%
2% of graduates
Area, Ethnic, Cultural, & Gender Studies
1%
1% of graduates
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies.
1%
1% of graduates
Student Body
Undergraduate Students
7,540
Pell Grant 14%
Undergrad Students Over 25 1%
Percent Male / Female 53% / 47%
Ethnic Diversity at UChicago
31% White
20% Asian / Pacific Islander
17% Hispanic
16% International / Non-Citizen
7% Multiracial
7% Black
2% Unknown
Student Outcomes
Graduate Income
$91,885
Median Debt $15,000
Debt 10 years after graduation $159
Graduation Rate 95%
What is the graduation rate at University of Chicago?
95% of students who start at University of Chicago finish their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 37% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.
How much do graduates of University of Chicago go on to earn?
The median income of students 10 years after starting at University of Chicago is $91,885. This is $41,494 more than the national median.
This data is from the College Scorecard, which only surveys students from University of Chicago who received federal financial aid.
Graduate earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Major and career path are two important factors in how much a student goes on to earn. For more information, check out Scholarships360’s article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at UChicago take out in loans?
Graduates of UChicago take out a median of $15,000 in federal student loans. As you make decisions about your college loans, be sure to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Scholarships360’s guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.
Data Sources
We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.
Join for exclusive scholarships, personalized matching, and application tracking. 0% Spam, 100% Free.