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University of Chicago vs Northwestern University

University of Chicago is a private university in Chicago, IL. Northwestern University is a private university in Evanston, IL. University of Chicago admits about 4% of applicants and Northwestern University about 8%, 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 $29,167 at Northwestern University. About 96% of students graduate at Northwestern University, compared with 95% at University of Chicago. Ten years after enrolling, University of Chicago alumni earn a median of about $91,885, against $89,363 for Northwestern University.

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University of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Chicago, IL
Evanston, IL
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
7,569
9,201
Acceptance rate
4%
8%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1580
1510–1570
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,860
$29,167
Full cost / yr
$90,360
$91,250
In-state tuition
$70,662
$68,322
Out-of-state tuition
$70,662
$68,322
Application fee
$75
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$0*
$1,764
$30k - $48k
$914
$6,099
$48k - $75k
$226
$7,898
$75k - $110k
$12,602
$18,282
Over $110k
$48,524
$48,777
Outcomes
Graduation rate
95%
96%
Freshman retention
99%
98%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$80,870
$76,844
Median earnings (10 yr)
$91,885
$89,363
Median debt at graduation
$15,000
$15,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
15%
19%
First-generation students
20%
15%
International students
18%
12%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 2
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 2
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 4
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 University of Chicago or Northwestern University harder to get into?
University of Chicago is harder to get into. It admits about 4% of applicants, compared with 8% at Northwestern 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, University of Chicago or Northwestern University?
University of Chicago is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,860 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $29,167 at Northwestern University. 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 Northwestern University?
Before aid, University of Chicago costs about $90,360 a year and Northwestern University about $91,250. 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 Northwestern University?
University of Chicago. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-1,264 there, against about $1,764 at Northwestern University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Chicago or Northwestern University?
Northwestern University is the larger of the two, with about 9,201 undergraduates against 7,569 at University of Chicago.
Does University of Chicago or Northwestern University have a better graduation rate?
Northwestern University has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 95% at University of Chicago.
Do graduates of University of Chicago or Northwestern University earn more?
University of Chicago alumni earn more on average: a median of about $91,885 ten years after enrolling, against about $89,363 for Northwestern University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Chicago and Northwestern University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Chicago is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Northwestern University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Chicago and Northwestern University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1580 at University of Chicago and 1510–1570 at Northwestern University. 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