UChicago vs. Luther- Norse

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Chicago in Chicago, IL with Luther College in Decorah, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Chicago is larger than Luther- Norse based on total student enrollment (18,566 students vs. 1,384 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Luther College is in Decorah, IA (Remote Town setting).
• University of Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Luther College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Chicago 5:1; Luther College 9:1.

UChicago vs. Luther- Norse Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UChicago or Luther- Norse? 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 Luther College than UChicago ($24,511 vs. $28,060).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Luther College are 42.7% lower than at University of Chicago ($11,530 vs. $20,109).
• University of Chicago is 35.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Luther- Norse (about $18,542 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $52,120.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35.6% higher at UChicago than at Luther College (about $18,542 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $52,120.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Luther College than at University of Chicago (100% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Chicago students is 52.3% larger than aid received by Luther College students ($62,300 vs. $40,917).

UChicago vs. Luther- Norse Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UChicago or Luther- Norse? 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 Luther- Norse and UChicago.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Chicago (1550) is 310 points higher than at Luther- Norse (1240).
• Incoming UChicago students have a 9 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 25 at Luther- Norse).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Chicago 1510/1580; Luther College 1078/1406.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Chicago 34/35; Luther College 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UChicago - Test optional; Luther- Norse - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman UChicago students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at Luther- Norse (3.65).
• Luther- Norse has a higher acceptance rate (71.5%) than UChicago (4.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 88.3% at UChicago vs. 19.9% at Luther- Norse.

UChicago vs. Luther- Norse Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UChicago and Luther- Norse? 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).

• University of Chicago's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Luther College's (69%).
• Graduates from University of Chicago earn a median of about $48,500 more per year than Luther- Norse graduates about ten years after starting college ($98,500 vs. $50,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Chicago graduates have a $12,500 lower median loan debt than Luther- Norse graduates ($14,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, UChicago graduates have an estimated $130 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Luther- Norse graduates ($149 vs. $279).
• More UChicago graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Luther- Norse students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 82%)

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.