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Chicago State University vs University of Chicago

Chicago State University is a public university in Chicago, IL. University of Chicago is a private university in Chicago, IL. University of Chicago admits about 4% of applicants and Chicago State University about 43%, making University of Chicago the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $12,335 a year at Chicago State University after aid, and about $14,860 at University of Chicago. About 95% of students graduate at University of Chicago, compared with 16% at Chicago State University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Chicago alumni earn a median of about $91,885, against $42,778 for Chicago State University.

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Chicago State University

Chicago, IL · Public

University of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Chicago, IL
Chicago, IL
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,384
7,569
Acceptance rate
43%
4%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.2–3.9
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
750–963
1510–1580
ACT (middle 50%)
15–19
34–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,335
$14,860
Full cost / yr
$29,764
$90,360
In-state tuition
$12,754
$70,662
Out-of-state tuition
$12,754
$70,662
Application fee
Not reported
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,073
$0*
$30k - $48k
$9,550
$914
$48k - $75k
$11,334
$226
$75k - $110k
$13,899
$12,602
Over $110k
$28,427
$48,524
Outcomes
Graduation rate
16%
95%
Freshman retention
57%
99%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$33,805
$80,870
Median earnings (10 yr)
$42,778
$91,885
Median debt at graduation
$30,625
$15,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
58%
15%
First-generation students
42%
20%
International students
3%
18%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 2
Early action
Not reported
Nov 2
Regular decision
Rolling
Jan 4

* Reported aid for this income range averaged above the billed cost.

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago State University or University of Chicago harder to get into?
University of Chicago is harder to get into. It admits about 4% of applicants, compared with 43% at Chicago State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Chicago State University or University of Chicago?
Chicago State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,335 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $14,860 at University of Chicago. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Chicago State University and University of Chicago?
Before aid, Chicago State University costs about $29,764 a year and University of Chicago about $90,360. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Chicago State University or University of Chicago?
University of Chicago. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-1,264 there, against about $9,073 at Chicago State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Chicago State University or University of Chicago?
University of Chicago is the larger of the two, with about 7,569 undergraduates against 1,384 at Chicago State University.
Does Chicago State University or University of Chicago have a better graduation rate?
University of Chicago has the higher graduation rate, at about 95% against 16% at Chicago State University.
Do graduates of Chicago State University or University of Chicago earn more?
University of Chicago alumni earn more on average: a median of about $91,885 ten years after enrolling, against about $42,778 for Chicago State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Chicago State University and University of Chicago require SAT or ACT scores?
Chicago State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Chicago is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Chicago State University and University of Chicago look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 750–963 at Chicago State University and 1510–1580 at University of Chicago. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school