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University of Chicago vs Northwestern University

Side-by-side comparison with data from federal sources. Every metric traceable to IPEDS or College Scorecard.

SCHOOL A · PRIVATE

University of Chicago

Chicago, IL

DECISION SCORE

METRICS

SCHOOL B · PRIVATE

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL

DECISION SCORE

Metric-by-metric

winner highlighted

Metric	University of Chicago	Northwestern University	Edge
Acceptance Rate	4.8%	7.1%	Northwestern University (easier)
Average SAT	1540	1525	University of Chicago
Enrollment	21,578	26,993	Northwestern University larger
Median Earnings (10yr)	$91,885	$89,363	University of Chicago
Median Debt	$15,000	$15,000	Same
Pell Grant Rate	14.0%	19.0%	Higher = more low-income students

Decision scores

University of Chicago

Northwestern University

Top majors

University of Chicago

Social Sciences 36.0%

Mathematics/Statistics 9.7%

Biological Sciences 7.9%

Physical Sciences 7.0%

Computer Science 6.7%

Northwestern University

Social Sciences 20.3%

Communication 11.3%

Engineering 11.0%

Psychology 8.6%

Biological Sciences 8.5%

Which Should You Choose?

Both University of Chicago and Northwestern University are outstanding institutions. The right choice depends on your priorities:

If location matters: University of Chicago is in Chicago, IL while Northwestern University is in Evanston, IL
If cost is a factor: Compare net prices for your family income bracket above
If career outcomes are the priority: Look at the salary data by major for each school
If getting in is the concern: Check which school's acceptance rate and profile better match yours

University of Chicago vs Northwestern University FAQs

Which is harder to get into, University of Chicago or Northwestern University?

University of Chicago is harder to get into, with a 4.8% acceptance rate vs Northwestern University's 7.1%. Lower acceptance rate means more competitive admission, but admission profile (GPA, SAT, course rigor) matters more than the rate alone.

Which is more expensive, University of Chicago or Northwestern University?

Northwestern University has a higher sticker cost of attendance ($91,250/yr) vs University of Chicago ($90,360/yr) — a difference of $890/yr at sticker price. But after financial aid, the average family pays $12,200/yr at University of Chicago vs $16,564/yr at Northwestern University.

Which has higher graduate earnings, University of Chicago or Northwestern University?

University of Chicago graduates earn more — a median of $91,885 10 years post-grad, vs $89,363 at Northwestern University. Note this is school-wide median; major choice impacts earnings far more than school choice.

Which should I choose, University of Chicago or Northwestern University?

It depends on your priorities. University of Chicago is in Chicago, IL; Northwestern University is in Evanston, IL. Weigh acceptance odds against your profile, net cost for your family income, salary outcomes for your intended major, and campus fit (location, size, urban vs rural).

Which has better programs, University of Chicago or Northwestern University?

Both University of Chicago and Northwestern University have multiple top-ranked programs. The right answer depends on your major. Compare the salary-by-major tables on each school's salary page — University of Chicago's salary page and Northwestern University's salary page — to see which school's grads in your target major earn more.

Explore each school

UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

Acceptance Rate Tuition & Cost Salary & ROI

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

Acceptance Rate Tuition & Cost Salary & ROI

Data source: College Scorecard, IPEDS.