UChicago vs. Wheaton College

Comparable Facts

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

University of Chicago is larger than Wheaton College based on total student enrollment (18,566 students vs. 2,874 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

UChicago vs. Wheaton College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UChicago or Wheaton 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 University of Chicago than Wheaton College ($28,060 vs. $31,356).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wheaton College are 35.3% lower than at University of Chicago ($13,010 vs. $20,109).
• University of Chicago is 55.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Wheaton College (about $25,116 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $45,546.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 55.1% higher at UChicago than at Wheaton College (about $25,116 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $45,546.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wheaton College than at University of Chicago (98% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Chicago students is 122.6% larger than aid received by Wheaton College students ($62,300 vs. $27,987).

UChicago vs. Wheaton College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UChicago or Wheaton 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 Wheaton College and UChicago.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Chicago (1550) is 180 points higher than at Wheaton College (1370).
• Incoming UChicago students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 30 at Wheaton College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Chicago 1510/1580; Wheaton College 1260/1470.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Chicago 34/35; Wheaton College 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UChicago - Test optional; Wheaton College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wheaton College Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UChicago students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at Wheaton College (3.75).
• Wheaton College has a higher acceptance rate (87.4%) than UChicago (4.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 88.3% at UChicago vs. 29.9% at Wheaton College.

UChicago vs. Wheaton College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UChicago and Wheaton 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 Wheaton College's (87%).
• Graduates from University of Chicago earn a median of about $44,200 more per year than Wheaton College graduates about ten years after starting college ($98,500 vs. $54,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Chicago graduates have a $8,000 lower median loan debt than Wheaton College graduates ($14,500 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, UChicago graduates have an estimated $83 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wheaton College graduates ($149 vs. $232).
• More Wheaton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UChicago students, three years after graduation. (90% 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.