At schools with acceptance rates below 10%, nearly every applicant has near-perfect grades and test scores. Admissions decisions are driven by essays, extracurriculars, recommendations, and institutional priorities — factors no stats-based model can predict. Our likelihood labels reflect academic competitiveness only.
The University of Chicago is a private research university renowned for its rigorous intellectual culture and its foundational contributions to economics, physics, sociology, and law. Its Core Curriculum emphasizes critical inquiry and great texts, producing graduates known for analytical depth across every field.
Mascot: Maroon
Notable Alumni
Carl Sagan (astronomer and TV host)•Mike Nichols (Oscar-winning director)•Susan Sontag (acclaimed author and critic)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Safety
UChicago operates one of the largest private campus police forces in the world, with extensive patrols, security cameras, and a well-funded safety infrastructure covering Hyde Park. The campus itself is well-secured, though property crime remains a concern.
Hyde Park is a relatively safe enclave compared to surrounding South Side neighborhoods, but areas south and west of campus see significantly higher crime. Students are advised to stay near campus and the lakefront, especially after dark.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Location
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