Head-to-head comparison
University of Chicago vs. Northwestern University
Real published data on acceptance rates, cost, and outcomes. Side by side.
Calculate your odds at bothIs UChicago or Northwestern harder to get into?
UChicago is harder to get into than Northwestern. UChicago's 5.4% acceptance rate is lower than Northwestern's 7.2%.
Which is cheaper, UChicago or Northwestern?
UChicago costs less on average. After grants and scholarships, UChicago's average net price is $14,860 vs $29,167 at Northwestern.
Which has higher post-graduation earnings?
UChicago graduates earn more on average. Median earnings 10 years after entry are $91,885 at UChicago and $89,363 at Northwestern.
Full Comparison
| Metric | UChicago | Northwestern |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% | 7.2% |
| SAT mid-50% | 1510–1580 | 1500–1560 |
| ACT mid-50% | 34–35 | 34–35 |
| Cost of attendance | $89,040 | $90,304 |
| Avg net price (after aid) | $14,860 | $29,167 |
| Undergrad enrollment | 7,559 | 8,848 |
| 6-yr graduation rate | 95.9% | 95.1% |
| Median earnings (10yr) | $91,885 | $89,363 |
| Setting | Chicago, Illinois | Evanston, Illinois |
Sources: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (IPEDS) and school-published admit cycle data. Last verified May 2026.
The Real Differences
UChicago is modestly harder to get into. The 1.8-point gap matters at the margin but doesn't change the overall difficulty tier. Both schools draw similar applicant pools and admit similar profiles.
UChicago is significantly cheaper after aid. The average net price gap is $14,307 per year, $57,228 over four years. For most families that difference is the deciding factor when both schools admit you.
UChicago has a more international student body (17.6% non-resident students vs 11.6%). For applicants who value global exposure or have international academic interests, that mix shows up in classroom culture and alumni network.
Student Body Composition
The two schools have different student body compositions. UChicago is 45.8% women, 17.6% international, and 19.3% Asian-American. Northwestern is 54.3% women, 11.6% international, and 21.2% Asian-American.
| Demographic | UChicago | Northwestern |
|---|---|---|
| Women | 45.8% | 54.3% |
| International | 17.6% | 11.6% |
| White | 29.5% | 30.6% |
| Asian | 19.3% | 21.2% |
| Hispanic | 16.9% | 15.8% |
| Black | 6.9% | 8.4% |
Personalized estimate
What are your odds at UChicago vs. Northwestern?
Get a probability for both schools calibrated to your full profile, not the headline rate.
Run the calculatorThe Verdict
Pick UChicago if
- Net price matters: UChicago costs $14,307 less per year on average
- Higher median post-grad earnings ($91,885 vs $89,363)
- Higher 6-year graduation rate
- the Core
Pick Northwestern if
- Your odds are realistic at Northwestern (slightly easier admit)
- the quarter system
Headline numbers favor one school or the other on each axis, but neither is unambiguously “better.” The right answer depends on your major fit, geographic preference, financial need, and personal odds at each. Most applicants who get into one of these schools also get into the other.
Full School Pages
For complete admissions data, supplemental essay strategy, and class profile breakdowns:
Full profile
University of Chicago
5.4% accept · Chicago, Illinois
Full profile
Northwestern University
7.2% accept · Evanston, Illinois
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard for acceptance rates, test ranges, financial aid, demographics, completion, and earnings.
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) for the underlying federal data.
- Each school's most recent published Common Data Set for cycle-specific admissions stats.
Last verified May 2026. Stats reflect each school's most recent publicly published admit cycle.