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University of Chicago vs Chamberlain University-Illinois

University of Chicago is a private university in Chicago, IL. Chamberlain University-Illinois is a private for-profit university in Addison, IL. University of Chicago admits about 4% of applicants and Chamberlain University-Illinois about 83%, making University of Chicago the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $14,860 a year at University of Chicago after aid, and about $31,837 at Chamberlain University-Illinois. About 95% of students graduate at University of Chicago, compared with 45% at Chamberlain University-Illinois. Ten years after enrolling, Chamberlain University-Illinois alumni earn a median of about $92,405, against $91,885 for University of Chicago.

University of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

Chamberlain University-Illinois

Addison, IL · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Private
Private (for-profit)
Location
Chicago, IL
Addison, IL
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
7,569
14,027
Acceptance rate
4%
83%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.22–3.72
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1580
770–850
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
14–17
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,860
$31,837
Full cost / yr
$90,360
$40,826
In-state tuition
$70,662
$21,536
Out-of-state tuition
$70,662
$21,536
Application fee
$75
$95
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$0*
$30,013
$30k - $48k
$914
$30,090
$48k - $75k
$226
$34,050
$75k - $110k
$12,602
$32,607
Over $110k
$48,524
$40,826
Outcomes
Graduation rate
95%
45%
Freshman retention
99%
73%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$80,870
$84,533
Median earnings (10 yr)
$91,885
$92,405
Median debt at graduation
$15,000
$20,919
Student body
Pell grant recipients
15%
33%
First-generation students
20%
47%
International students
18%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 2
Not reported
Early action
Nov 2
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 4
Rolling

* 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 University of Chicago or Chamberlain University-Illinois harder to get into?
University of Chicago is harder to get into. It admits about 4% of applicants, compared with 83% at Chamberlain University-Illinois. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Chicago or Chamberlain University-Illinois?
University of Chicago is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,860 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $31,837 at Chamberlain University-Illinois. 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 University of Chicago and Chamberlain University-Illinois?
Before aid, Chamberlain University-Illinois costs about $40,826 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, University of Chicago or Chamberlain University-Illinois?
University of Chicago. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-1,264 there, against about $30,013 at Chamberlain University-Illinois. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Chicago or Chamberlain University-Illinois?
Chamberlain University-Illinois is the larger of the two, with about 14,027 undergraduates against 7,569 at University of Chicago.
Does University of Chicago or Chamberlain University-Illinois have a better graduation rate?
University of Chicago has the higher graduation rate, at about 95% against 45% at Chamberlain University-Illinois.
Do graduates of University of Chicago or Chamberlain University-Illinois earn more?
Chamberlain University-Illinois alumni earn more on average: a median of about $92,405 ten years after enrolling, against about $91,885 for University of Chicago. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Chicago and Chamberlain University-Illinois require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Chicago is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Chamberlain University-Illinois considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do University of Chicago and Chamberlain University-Illinois look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1580 at University of Chicago and 770–850 at Chamberlain University-Illinois. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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