Explore alternatives based on outcomes, location, cost, and admission difficulty
Given University of Chicago's 4.8% acceptance rate, most applicants—including those with exceptional academic credentials—face significant admission uncertainty and should develop comprehensive backup plans.
These schools offer higher acceptance rates while delivering comparable career outcomes.
For comparable outcomes with better admission prospects, consider Illinois Institute of Technology (55.4% acceptance, $82,592 median earnings) just 3 miles away, offering strong technical programs with far more accessible admission. Milwaukee School of Engineering admits 60.4% of applicants while producing graduates earning $89,070, providing similar outcomes with dramatically improved admission odds.
Strong options in the same region with comparable academic profiles.
Students preferring to stay in the region should consider Northwestern University (7.1% acceptance, $89,363 earnings) located 19 miles away, offering similar academic prestige and outcomes within the Chicago metropolitan area. Illinois Institute of Technology provides another in-state option just 3 miles from University of Chicago with strong technical focus and more accessible admission.
Elite universities with similar prestige and academic caliber
Similar quality tier (#80 ranked)