University of Chicago ranks in the 97th percentile for graduate earnings while maintaining debt levels significantly below peer institutions. As a Selective Achievers institution, the university combines rigorous academic standards with exceptional post-graduation outcomes, supporting long-term career success across diverse fields.
With exceptional tier status, reflecting the university's ability to generate strong long-term earnings relative to educational investment
With above-average tier performance, reflecting controlled costs and moderate debt levels relative to outcomes achieved
With strong tier performance, indicating above-average enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students despite selective admission standards
With strong tier status, demonstrating effectiveness in supporting economic advancement for diverse student populations
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisUniversity of Chicago delivers exceptional earnings outcomes alongside manageable debt levels, creating favorable conditions for long-term financial success. Graduates earn a median of $91,885 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 97th percentile nationally among all four-year institutions.
Earnings span from $60,576 at the 25th percentile to $158,433 at the 75th percentile, reflecting the university's diverse academic portfolio and varied career trajectories across disciplines. The 2.6:1 ratio between top and bottom quartile earnings indicates meaningful variation in outcomes based on program choice and career path.
Students seeking prestigious academic credentials with exceptional post-graduation outcomes, particularly in economics, mathematics, computer science, and policy fields. Best suited for high-achieving applicants comfortable with extremely competitive admission (4.8% acceptance) who prioritize long-term earning potential and are prepared for rigorous academic demands at a top-tier research university.
University of Chicago admits approximately 4.8% of applicants, meaning fewer than 1 in 20 applicants receives an offer of admission. This places the university among the most selective institutions in the United States, competing with Ivy League schools and other elite private research universities for the most academically accomplished students.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
University of Chicago's published cost of attendance reaches $86,856 per year, including $66,939 in tuition, $19,221 for room and board, and $1,800 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $18,967 after financial aid, representing savings of $67,889 from the sticker price.
This dramatic reduction demonstrates the university's substantial financial aid commitment, particularly for middle and lower-income families. The net price of $18,967 compares favorably to the peer median of $27,143, positioning University of Chicago $8,176 below typical costs at similar institutions.
The institution's financial aid strategy creates a progressive pricing structure where actual costs vary dramatically based on family income, with the lowest-income students receiving aid that exceeds their educational costs. University of Chicago achieves affordability index performance at the 66.5th percentile, ranking in the above-average tier for cost management relative to outcomes delivered.
This combination of high sticker prices with substantial need-based aid reflects the university's commitment to economic diversity while maintaining financial sustainability. Families should focus on net price rather than published costs when evaluating affordability, as the gap between sticker and actual prices reaches nearly $68,000 annually.
Computer Science.
93 graduates
Applied Economics.
423 graduates
Algebra and Number Theory.
159 graduates
Education Policy Analysis.
129 graduates
Acoustics.
63 graduates
Consider these schools with similar outcomes but higher acceptance rates:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Milwaukee School Of Engineering Higher acceptance rate (55.6 percentage points higher) and located 88 miles away; similar graduate earnings | WI | 60% | $89,070 | Compare |
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This is the University Of Chicago hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/university-of-chicago/analysis.
Top 5% nationally for graduate earnings
University of Chicago ranks #84 nationally in Azimuth's comprehensive analysis, achieving excellent performance at the 94.9th percentile. Located in Chicago, Illinois, this medium-sized private research university maintains extremely selective admission standards with a 4.8% acceptance rate, placing it among the nation's most competitive institutions.
The university enrolls 14.5% Pell-eligible students and 20.2% first-generation students, reflecting selective access patterns typical of elite private institutions. University of Chicago operates as a Selective Achievers institution, serving fewer low-income students while delivering exceptional post-graduation outcomes.
Graduates earn a median of $91,885 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 97th percentile nationally and exceeding the peer median of $63,066 by $28,819. The university generates $858 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it in the above-average tier at the 59.6th percentile.
This combination of highly selective admissions, controlled access, and strong economic outcomes positions University of Chicago among the nation's premier research institutions.
The peer median admission rate of 70.6% highlights the dramatic difference between University of Chicago's selectivity and typical four-year institutions. Even among top-tier private research universities, the university's acceptance rate falls at the highly competitive end of the spectrum.
This level of selectivity means that exceptional academic credentials—including near-perfect test scores, outstanding grades, and distinguished extracurricular achievements—are typically necessary but not sufficient for admission. Many students who would excel at University of Chicago do not receive admission due to the overwhelming volume of highly qualified applicants competing for limited spots.
Students should approach University of Chicago as a reach school regardless of their academic qualifications, recognizing that admission outcomes at this selectivity level involve significant uncertainty even for top candidates. Building a comprehensive college list with institutions across the selectivity spectrum represents essential application strategy for students considering University of Chicago.
University of Chicago graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression and exceptional long-term outcomes across multiple time horizons. Median earnings rise from $80,870 six years after enrollment to $87,164 at eight years and $91,885 at ten years, representing 13.6% growth from the six-year benchmark.
These figures reflect outcomes for a ten-year cohort of 780 graduates, providing high confidence in reported earnings data. The university generates $858 in earnings beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing it in the above-average tier at the 59.6th percentile for this value-added measure.
Low-income graduates earn $110,000 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the top 5% nationally and demonstrating strong outcomes for students from lower-income backgrounds. Earnings distribution shows meaningful variation, with the gap between 25th percentile ($60,576) and 75th percentile ($158,433) reflecting differences in academic program selection and post-graduation career paths.
Approximately 25.5% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating strong preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education. Compared to peer institutions, University of Chicago graduates earn $28,819 more annually than the peer median of $63,066.
University of Chicago offers 18 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data, demonstrating strength across multiple academic disciplines. Applied Economics ranks #2 nationally and #1 in Illinois, graduating 423 students with median earnings of $127,832 and achieving an exceptional value score of 99.5, making it the university's largest and highest-value program.
Computer Science ranks #9 nationally and #1 in Illinois, producing 93 graduates with median earnings of $175,145 and a value score of 95.6. Algebra and Number Theory ranks #6 nationally and #1 in Illinois, graduating 159 students with median earnings of $107,611.
Education Policy Analysis ranks #2 nationally and #1 in Illinois with 129 graduates earning $85,597. American Government and Politics ranks #7 nationally and #1 in Illinois, graduating 106 students with median earnings of $78,986.
The university claims #1 state rankings in ten different programs, demonstrating exceptional breadth and consistent quality across diverse academic fields. These programs represent University of Chicago's flagship offerings, combining national recognition with strong employment outcomes.
Illinois Institute Of Technology Higher acceptance rate (50.6 percentage points higher) and located 3 miles away; similar graduate earnings | IL | 55% | $82,592 | Compare |
Marquette University Higher acceptance rate (82.7 percentage points higher) and located 88 miles away; similar graduate earnings | WI | 87% | $78,257 | Compare |
George Washington University Higher acceptance rate (38.8 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | DC | 44% | $90,873 | Compare |
Trinity College Higher acceptance rate (28.7 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | CT | 34% | $90,779 | Compare |
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rice University Similar quality tier (#90 ranked) | TX | 8% | $89,718 | #90 | Compare |
University Of Pennsylvania Similar quality tier (#80 ranked) | PA | 6% | $111,371 | #80 | Compare |
Duke University Similar quality tier (#93 ranked) | NC | 7% | $97,800 | #93 | Compare |
University Of Notre Dame Similar quality tier in Midwest (#94 ranked) | IN | 12% | $99,980 | #94 | Compare |
University Of Southern California Similar quality tier (#74 ranked) | CA | 10% | $92,498 | #74 | Compare |
