UChicago vs. MSOE

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Chicago in Chicago, IL with Milwaukee School of Engineering in Milwaukee, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Chicago is larger than MSOE based on total student enrollment (18,566 students vs. 2,953 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Milwaukee School of Engineering is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• University of Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Milwaukee School of Engineering is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Chicago 5:1; Milwaukee School of Engineering 12:1.

UChicago vs. MSOE Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UChicago or MSOE? 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 Milwaukee School of Engineering than UChicago ($25,669 vs. $28,060).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Milwaukee School of Engineering are 30.5% lower than at University of Chicago ($13,984 vs. $20,109).
• University of Chicago is 40% more expensive for in-state tuition than MSOE (about $20,182 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $50,480.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40% higher at UChicago than at Milwaukee School of Engineering (about $20,182 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $50,480.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Milwaukee School of Engineering than at University of Chicago (100% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Chicago students is 68.4% larger than aid received by Milwaukee School of Engineering students ($62,300 vs. $36,997).

UChicago vs. MSOE Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UChicago or MSOE? 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 MSOE and UChicago.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Chicago (1550) is 270 points higher than at MSOE (1280).
• Incoming UChicago students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 27 at MSOE).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Chicago 1510/1580; Milwaukee School of Engineering 1160/1405.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Chicago 34/35; Milwaukee School of Engineering 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UChicago - Test optional; MSOE - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: MSOE Sep 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman UChicago students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at MSOE (3.65).
• MSOE has a higher acceptance rate (58.9%) than UChicago (4.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 88.3% at UChicago vs. 17.2% at MSOE.

UChicago vs. MSOE Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UChicago and MSOE? 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 Milwaukee School of Engineering's (57%).
• Graduates from University of Chicago earn a median of about $29,600 more per year than MSOE graduates about ten years after starting college ($98,500 vs. $68,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Chicago graduates have a $12,500 lower median loan debt than MSOE graduates ($14,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, UChicago graduates have an estimated $130 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MSOE graduates ($149 vs. $279).
• More UChicago graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MSOE students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 83%)

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.