,·Private Research University·Est. 1890
“Where fearless intellectual inquiry meets a world-class research university in the heart of Chicago.”
The University of Chicago is one of the world's most distinguished research universities, renowned for its commitment to rigorous intellectual inquiry and the free exchange of ideas. Founded in 1890 with a grant from John D. Rockefeller, UChicago has produced more than 100 Nobel laureates affiliated with the university — more than any other institution — and remains a global leader in economics, law, medicine, and the social sciences. Its Hyde Park campus, designed in a striking neo-Gothic style, sits five miles south of downtown Chicago along the Lake Michigan shoreline, blending architectural grandeur with an intensely academic atmosphere. At the heart of the undergraduate experience is the Core Curriculum — a rigorous, interdisciplinary set of courses in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics that every student completes regardless of major. This shared intellectual foundation cultivates critical thinking, analytical writing, and a genuine love of ideas that distinguishes UChicago graduates. Students choose from 68 majors and 57 minors spread across five collegiate divisions. The most popular majors include Economics, Computer Science, Biology, Mathematics, and Political Science. Small class sizes and close access to world-class faculty — including numerous Nobel Prize winners who teach undergraduates — make for an unparalleled academic environment. Campus life at UChicago is defined by intellectual passion and a quirky, self-aware culture captured in the school's unofficial motto: 'Where fun comes to die' — a tongue-in-cheek nod to the demanding academic culture that students wear as a badge of pride. In reality, the university supports a rich extracurricular ecosystem with more than 400 student organizations, 20 varsity sports teams competing in NCAA Division III, and beloved traditions like the annual 72-hour Scavenger Hunt and the Latke-Hamantash Debate. The residential House System — 38 houses of up to 105 students — creates tight-knit communities within a large research university, and the vibrant Hyde Park neighborhood and the broader city of Chicago offer world-class cultural, culinary, and professional resources right at students' doorsteps.
Visa, OPT, H-1B alumni outcomes, and acceptance rates by country — sourced from FOIA, USCIS H-1B Hub, and DHS SEVIS.
National Universities
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Economics (Undergraduate)
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Law School (JD)
US News 2025
Business School MBA (Booth)
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Test Optional — You can submit scores if they help your case, but they're not required.
Official SourceEarly Action
Non-binding; may apply to other schools' early programs simultaneously
Early Decision I
Binding; notification mid-December
Early Decision II
Binding; notification mid-February
Regular Decision
Non-binding; notification late March
The deep admissions playbook beyond the headline acceptance rate — round-by-round breakdowns, nationality data, requirements, and contact paths.
Tuition & Fees (All Students)
$73,266
/yr
Beyond the sticker price — every named scholarship, the financial aid policy, need-aware notes, and a personalized net-cost estimate.
How life on campus actually feels — clubs, sports, traditions, housing realities, and how the school integrates with its city.
The undergraduate liberal arts college granting BA and BS degrees across 68 majors, anchored by the famous Core Curriculum.
One of the world's top business schools, birthplace of the Chicago School of Economics. Offers MBA, PhD, and Executive Education programs.
Consistently ranked among the top three law schools in the US. Known for rigorous Socratic method and influential law-and-economics movement.
Covers astronomy, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, physics, and statistics. Home to Nobel laureates and leading research centers.
One of the most influential social science divisions in the world, encompassing economics, sociology, political science, psychology, and anthropology.
Leading graduate school of public policy. Offers MPP, MSCAPP, and doctoral programs for careers in government, NGOs, and international organizations.
4 years
The most popular undergraduate major at UChicago, shaped by the legendary Chicago School of Economics. Exceptional preparation for graduate study, finance, consulting, and policy careers.
4 years
Combines theoretical foundations with practical depth. Benefits from proximity to Toyota Technological Institute at Chicago and strong connections to the city's tech sector.
2 years
One of the world's most respected business degrees, renowned for analytical rigor and finance track record. Fully STEM-designated for OPT purposes, offering international students the 24-month STEM OPT extension.
Where alumni go after graduation — top industries, grad-school continuation, and the qualitative outcomes story.
Sticker price (annual, out-of-state): $93,633
Net-cost estimate is US-resident-only — international applicants are typically excluded from need-based aid at most schools and should treat the sticker price as the planning baseline.