UChicago vs. Brown

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Chicago in Chicago, IL with Brown University in Providence, RI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Chicago is larger than Brown based on total student enrollment (18,566 students vs. 11,956 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Brown University is in Providence, RI (Midsize City setting).
• University of Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Brown University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Chicago 5:1; Brown University 6:1.

UChicago vs. Brown Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UChicago or Brown? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Brown University than UChicago ($26,256 vs. $28,060).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Brown University are 13.3% lower than at University of Chicago ($17,444 vs. $20,109).
• Brown University is 1.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than UChicago (about $750 more per year; $71,412.00 vs. $70,662.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.1% higher at Brown than at University of Chicago (about $750 more per year; $71,412.00 vs. $70,662.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Brown University than at University of Chicago (52% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Chicago students is 1.5% larger than aid received by Brown University students ($62,300 vs. $61,392).

UChicago vs. Brown Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UChicago or Brown? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Brown and UChicago.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Chicago (1550) is the same as at Brown (1550).
• Incoming UChicago students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 34) as students at Brown (34).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Chicago 1510/1580; Brown University 1510/1580.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Chicago 34/35; Brown University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UChicago - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Brown - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: Brown Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UChicago students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at Brown (3.94).
• Brown has a higher acceptance rate (5.4%) than UChicago (4.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 88.3% at UChicago vs. 65.2% at Brown.

UChicago vs. Brown Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UChicago and Brown? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Brown University's six-year graduation rate (95%) is higher than University of Chicago's (92%).
• Graduates from University of Chicago earn a median of about $10,900 more per year than Brown graduates about ten years after starting college ($98,500 vs. $87,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Chicago graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Brown graduates ($14,500 vs. $15,000).
• Among borrowers, UChicago graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brown graduates ($149 vs. $155).
• More Brown graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UChicago students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 86%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.