UChicago vs. MIT

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Chicago in Chicago, IL with Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Chicago is larger than MIT based on total student enrollment (18,566 students vs. 11,886 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Massachusetts Institute of Technology is in Cambridge, MA (Midsize City setting).
• University of Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Chicago 5:1; Massachusetts Institute of Technology 3:1.

UChicago vs. MIT Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UChicago or MIT? 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 Massachusetts Institute of Technology than UChicago ($20,996 vs. $28,060).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Chicago are 0.8% lower than at Massachusetts Institute of Technology ($20,109 vs. $20,280).
• University of Chicago is 13.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than MIT (about $8,266 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $62,396.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.2% higher at UChicago than at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (about $8,266 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $62,396.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Massachusetts Institute of Technology than at University of Chicago (59% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Chicago students is 0.9% larger than aid received by Massachusetts Institute of Technology students ($62,300 vs. $61,734).

UChicago vs. MIT Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UChicago or MIT? 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 MIT and UChicago.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Chicago (1550) is the same as at MIT (1550).
• Incoming MIT students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (35 vs. 34 at UChicago).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Chicago 1510/1580; Massachusetts Institute of Technology 1520/1580.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Chicago 34/35; Massachusetts Institute of Technology 34/36.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UChicago - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); MIT - Required to be considered for admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: MIT Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman MIT students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.96) than students at UChicago (3.95).
• MIT has a higher acceptance rate (4.5%) than UChicago (4.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 88.3% at UChicago vs. 85.8% at MIT.

UChicago vs. MIT Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UChicago and MIT? 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).

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology's six-year graduation rate (93%) is higher than University of Chicago's (92%).
• Graduates from Massachusetts Institute of Technology earn a median of about $43,600 more per year than UChicago graduates about ten years after starting college ($142,100 vs. $98,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Chicago graduates have a $2,816 lower median loan debt than MIT graduates ($14,500 vs. $17,316).
• Among borrowers, UChicago graduates have an estimated $30 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MIT graduates ($149 vs. $179).
• More MIT graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UChicago students, three years after graduation. (92% 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.