---
title: University of Chicago — PickACampus
description: Explore University of Chicago admissions data, including its 4% acceptance rate, $70,662 tuition, and #6 overall ranking on PickACampus.
url: https://pickacampus.com/college/14
last_updated: 2026-06-03
---

# University of Chicago

The University of Chicago is a private institution located in an urban setting in Chicago, Illinois, with a total enrollment of 7,569 and a graduation rate of 96%. The university maintains a 5:1 student-faculty ratio and reports a median starting salary for graduates of $80,870. Highly selective with a 4% acceptance rate, the institution has an average SAT score of 1554 and an average ACT score of 34.

## Overview
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Type: Private
- Setting: urban
- Total enrollment: 7,569

## Admissions
- Acceptance rate: 5%
- Average SAT: 1,554
- Average ACT: 34
- Average GPA: 3.50

## Cost
- In-state tuition: $70,662
- Out-of-state tuition: $70,662
- Room and board: $20,109
- Average financial aid: $52,000
- Average student debt at graduation: $15,000

## Outcomes
- 6-year graduation rate: 96%
- 4-year graduation rate: 87%
- Freshman retention: 99%
- Employment rate: 93%
- Average starting salary: $80,870

## Academics
- Student-faculty ratio: 5:1
- Average class size: 15
- Classes under 20 students: 74%

## Notable
["The University of Chicago has produced over 90 Nobel laureates, more than any other American university.","The first self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction was achieved at UChicago in 1942 under Enrico Fermi's direction.","UChicago's unofficial motto, 'Where fun comes to die,' is a self-deprecating joke about its rigorous academics.","The university's neo-Gothic architecture inspired parts of the 'Harry Potter' films."]

## Traditions
[{"name":"Scavenger Hunt (Scav)","description":"A legendary, intense, and elaborate 4-day scavenger hunt."},{"name":"Kuvia","description":"A quirky, student-produced variety show during Orientation Week."},{"name":"Latke-Hamantash Debate","description":"Professors humorously debate the merits of two Jewish holiday foods."},{"name":"Summer Breeze","description":"An annual outdoor music festival featuring popular artists."}]

## Notable alumni
[{"name":"Barack Obama","description":"Former U.S. President, taught constitutional law."},{"name":"Carl Sagan","description":"Renowned astronomer, astrophysicist, and science communicator."},{"name":"Milton Friedman","description":"Nobel laureate economist, influential in monetary policy."},{"name":"Kurt Vonnegut","description":"Acclaimed author of 'Slaughterhouse-Five'."},{"name":"James Watson","description":"Nobel laureate, co-discoverer of DNA's structure."}]

## Common questions

Q: What is University of Chicago's acceptance rate?
A: University of Chicago's acceptance rate is 5%.

Q: How much does University of Chicago cost?
A: Tuition at University of Chicago is $70,662 per year, before room and board and fees.

Q: Where is University of Chicago located?
A: University of Chicago is located in Chicago, IL.

Q: What SAT score do you need for University of Chicago?
A: The average SAT score at University of Chicago is 1,554.

Q: What is the graduation rate at University of Chicago?
A: University of Chicago has a 6-year graduation rate of 96%.

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