UChicago vs. U of R

Comparable Facts

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

University of Chicago is larger than U of R based on total student enrollment (18,566 students vs. 11,946 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); University of Rochester is in Rochester, NY (Midsize City setting).
• University of Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Rochester is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Chicago 5:1; University of Rochester 9:1.

UChicago vs. U of R Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UChicago or U of R? 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 University of Chicago than U of R ($28,060 vs. $40,462).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Rochester are 1.6% lower than at University of Chicago ($19,792 vs. $20,109).
• University of Chicago is 5.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than U of R (about $3,582 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $67,080.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.3% higher at UChicago than at University of Rochester (about $3,582 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $67,080.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Rochester than at University of Chicago (72% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Chicago students is 36.9% larger than aid received by University of Rochester students ($62,300 vs. $45,500).

UChicago vs. U of R Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UChicago or U of R? 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 U of R and UChicago.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Chicago (1550) is 70 points higher than at U of R (1480).
• Incoming UChicago students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 32 at U of R).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Chicago 1510/1580; University of Rochester 1410/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Chicago 34/35; University of Rochester 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UChicago - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); U of R - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: U of R Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UChicago students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at U of R (3.75).
• U of R has a higher acceptance rate (40.1%) than UChicago (4.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 88.3% at UChicago vs. 15.4% at U of R.

UChicago vs. U of R Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UChicago and U of R? 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 University of Rochester's (83%).
• Graduates from University of Chicago earn a median of about $27,500 more per year than U of R graduates about ten years after starting college ($98,500 vs. $71,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Chicago graduates have a $10,000 lower median loan debt than U of R graduates ($14,500 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, UChicago graduates have an estimated $104 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than U of R graduates ($149 vs. $253).
• More UChicago graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former U of R students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 79%)

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.