UChicago vs. Wake Forest

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Chicago in Chicago, IL with Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Chicago is larger than Wake Forest based on total student enrollment (18,566 students vs. 9,322 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Wake Forest University is in Winston-Salem, NC (Midsize City setting).
• University of Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wake Forest University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Chicago 5:1; Wake Forest University 10:1.

UChicago vs. Wake Forest Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UChicago or Wake Forest? 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 Wake Forest University than UChicago ($24,401 vs. $28,060).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wake Forest University are 8% lower than at University of Chicago ($18,494 vs. $20,109).
• University of Chicago is 4.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Wake Forest (about $3,020 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $67,642.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.5% higher at UChicago than at Wake Forest University (about $3,020 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $67,642.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Chicago than at Wake Forest University (47% vs. 35%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wake Forest University students is 1.3% larger than aid received by University of Chicago students ($63,117 vs. $62,300).

UChicago vs. Wake Forest Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Chicago (1550) is 80 points higher than at Wake Forest (1470).
• Incoming UChicago students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 33 at Wake Forest).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Chicago 1510/1580; Wake Forest University 1410/1520.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Chicago 34/35; Wake Forest University 32/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UChicago - Test optional; Wake Forest - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wake Forest Jan 1, 2027.
• Wake Forest has a higher acceptance rate (21.7%) than UChicago (4.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 88.3% at UChicago vs. 36.1% at Wake Forest.

UChicago vs. Wake Forest Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UChicago and Wake Forest? 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 Wake Forest University's (88%).
• Graduates from University of Chicago earn a median of about $21,300 more per year than Wake Forest graduates about ten years after starting college ($98,500 vs. $77,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Chicago graduates have a $8,500 lower median loan debt than Wake Forest graduates ($14,500 vs. $23,000).
• Among borrowers, UChicago graduates have an estimated $88 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wake Forest graduates ($149 vs. $237).
• More Wake Forest graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UChicago students, three years after graduation. (88% 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.