UChicago vs. Centre College

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Chicago in Chicago, IL with Centre College in Danville, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Chicago is larger than Centre College based on total student enrollment (18,566 students vs. 1,404 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Centre College is in Danville, KY (Distant Town setting).
• University of Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Centre College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Chicago 5:1; Centre College 10:1.

UChicago vs. Centre College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UChicago or Centre College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Centre College than UChicago ($23,860 vs. $28,060).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Centre College are 27.2% lower than at University of Chicago ($14,640 vs. $20,109).
• University of Chicago is 33.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Centre College (about $17,842 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $52,820.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33.8% higher at UChicago than at Centre College (about $17,842 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $52,820.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Centre College than at University of Chicago (100% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Chicago students is 41.5% larger than aid received by Centre College students ($62,300 vs. $44,015).

UChicago vs. Centre College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UChicago or Centre College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Centre College and UChicago.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Chicago (1550) is 240 points higher than at Centre College (1310).
• Incoming UChicago students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 28 at Centre College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Chicago 1510/1580; Centre College 1160/1450.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Chicago 34/35; Centre College 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UChicago - Test optional; Centre College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Centre College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UChicago students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at Centre College (3.62).
• Centre College has a higher acceptance rate (54.4%) than UChicago (4.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 88.3% at UChicago vs. 19.4% at Centre College.

UChicago vs. Centre College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UChicago and Centre College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Chicago's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Centre College's (82%).
• Graduates from University of Chicago earn a median of about $46,000 more per year than Centre College graduates about ten years after starting college ($98,500 vs. $52,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Chicago graduates have a $12,500 lower median loan debt than Centre College graduates ($14,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, UChicago graduates have an estimated $130 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Centre College graduates ($149 vs. $279).
• More UChicago graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Centre College students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 79%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.