University of Chicago
The University of Chicago is a private research university in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, renowned for its rigorous Core curriculum, its 'life of the mind' intellectual culture, and an economics tradition that has produced dozens of Nobel laureates. Admission is extraordinarily competitive — roughly 4.5% of more than 43,000 applicants were admitted to the most recent class, and enrolled first-years post middle-50% SAT scores of 1510–1560 and ACT scores of 34–35. The social sciences are by far the most popular field at about a third of all degrees, reflecting the university's strength in economics and political science. UChicago is test-optional and meets 100% of demonstrated financial need.
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UChicago admissions statistics
Acceptance Rate
Total applicants, admitted students, and enrolled students for the most recent admission cycle.
Early Decision
UChicago offers binding Early Decision. Applying early can meaningfully change your odds — but ED commits you to enroll if admitted.
Standardized Tests
UChicago is currently test-optional — you may apply without submitting scores.
SAT Accepted?
ACT Accepted?
Test Optional?
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Class Rank
Where UChicago's enrolled first-years placed in their high school graduating class.
Based on the 25.49% of enrolled students who reported a class rank. UChicago does not publish an average GPA.
Admissions Factors
How UChicago weighs each part of your application.
Rigor of High School Record
Academic GPA
Standardized Test Scores
Application Essay
Recommendations
Extracurricular Activities
Character / Personal Qualities
Talent / Ability
First Generation
Level of Applicant's Interest
Class Rank
Volunteer Work
Work Experience
Geographical Residence
State Residency
Alumni Relation
Racial / Ethnic Status
Religious Affiliation
Cost of Attendance
Estimated full-time annual cost from UChicago's Common Data Set.
Private universities charge the same tuition regardless of state residency.
Financial Aid
Need-based aid statistics for full-time first-year students.
Major Distribution
Bachelor's degrees awarded in the past year by academic major.
Student Diversity
Racial and ethnic breakdown of enrolled undergraduate students.
Student-Faculty Ratio
The number of students for every one faculty member, indicating the average level of access students have to instructional staff.
Campus Life
On-campus housing and Greek life participation rates.
Enrollment by Gender
Since some students did not report gender, totals may not fully reflect the student body.
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Frequently asked questions about UChicago admissions
What GPA and class rank do you need to get into UChicago?＋
There is no minimum GPA, but UChicago admits are near the top of their class: enrolled first-years who reported a GPA averaged about 4.97 on a weighted scale, and among the roughly 25% who submitted a class rank, 96% were in the top tenth of their graduating class. The rigor of your secondary school record is weighed as a very important admission factor, while GPA itself is listed as considered.
What is UChicago's acceptance rate?＋
The University of Chicago admitted about 4.5% of applicants in the most recent cycle, offering admission to roughly 1,955 of more than 43,000 applicants and enrolling about 1,726 first-year students. That makes it one of the most selective universities in the country.
Does UChicago require the SAT or ACT?＋
No. UChicago is test-optional, so scores are considered if you submit them but are not required, and test scores are listed as only considered in admissions. Among enrolled students who did submit, the middle 50% scored between 1510 and 1560 on the SAT and 34 to 35 on the ACT.
Is a 1500 SAT good enough for UChicago?＋
A 1500 sits just below UChicago's test-score range for enrolled students. The middle 50% scored 1510 to 1560 on the SAT (34 to 35 ACT), and nearly 99% of enrolled students who tested scored 1400 or above. Because UChicago is test-optional and rates the SAT/ACT as only considered, a strong application can still compete without a top score, but a submitted 1500 is below the typical admitted profile.
Does UChicago have Early Decision or Early Action?＋
Both. UChicago offers binding Early Decision rounds alongside a non-binding, non-restrictive Early Action option. Early Decision commits you to enroll if admitted, while Early Action lets you keep your options open. The plan you choose does not change what is reviewed: rigor of record, essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, talent, and character are all weighed as very important factors.
How much does UChicago cost, and does it meet full financial need?＋
Tuition and required fees run about $73,266 per year, with on-campus housing and food adding roughly $20,835 before books, transportation, and personal expenses. UChicago meets 100% of demonstrated financial need; about 33% of students receive aid, and the average need-based package is roughly $82,308.
How important is the essay in UChicago admissions?＋
Very. UChicago rates the application essay as a very important factor, on the same tier as rigor of your record, recommendations, extracurriculars, talent, and character. With an admit rate near 4.5%, the essays are one of the few places a strong applicant can stand out, and interviews and demonstrated interest are not considered at all.
What are the most popular majors at UChicago?＋
The social sciences are by far the most popular area at about 34% of bachelor's degrees, reflecting UChicago's strength in economics and political science. The humanities follow at about 16%, then the sciences at 15%, mathematics and statistics at 9%, and computer science at 8%.
Source: University of Chicago Common Data Set 2024-2025. Figures transcribed 2026-06-07. Esslo aggregates publicly reported data and is not affiliated with UChicago. Banner photo by Ndshankar, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).