UChicago vs. Stanford

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Chicago in Chicago, IL with Stanford University in Stanford, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Stanford University is larger than UChicago based on total student enrollment (18,625 students vs. 18,566 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Stanford University is in Stanford, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Stanford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Chicago 5:1; Stanford University 6:1.

UChicago vs. Stanford Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UChicago or Stanford? 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 Stanford University than UChicago ($25,078 vs. $28,060).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Chicago are 5.7% lower than at Stanford University ($20,109 vs. $21,315).
• University of Chicago is 7.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Stanford (about $4,752 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $65,910.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.2% higher at UChicago than at Stanford University (about $4,752 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $65,910.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Stanford University than at University of Chicago (61% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Stanford University students is 0.7% larger than aid received by University of Chicago students ($62,755 vs. $62,300).

UChicago vs. Stanford Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UChicago or Stanford? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Stanford and UChicago.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at University of Chicago (1550) is the same as at Stanford (1550).
• Incoming UChicago students have the same typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate; 34) as students at Stanford (34).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: University of Chicago 1510/1580; Stanford University 1510/1580.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: University of Chicago 34/35; Stanford University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UChicago - Test optional; Stanford - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Stanford Jan 2, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Stanford students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.96) than students at UChicago (3.95).
• UChicago has a higher acceptance rate (4.5%) than Stanford (3.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 88.3% at UChicago vs. 81.9% at Stanford.

UChicago vs. Stanford Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UChicago and Stanford? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Stanford University's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than University of Chicago's (92%).
• Graduates from Stanford University earn a median of about $24,400 more per year than UChicago graduates about ten years after starting college ($122,900 vs. $98,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Stanford University graduates have a $2,025 lower median loan debt than UChicago graduates ($12,475 vs. $14,500).
• Among borrowers, Stanford graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UChicago graduates ($128 vs. $149).
• More Stanford graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UChicago students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 86%)

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.