Chicago, IL · Private University
Is University of Chicago Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$91,885
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$66,939
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$66,939
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$267,756
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.37x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
4.7 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
94.9%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$15,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$18,967
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
University of Chicago graduates earn $46,885 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at University of Chicago ranked by graduate earnings
25 graduates
124 graduates
18 graduates
72 graduates
25 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at University of Chicago
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At University of Chicago, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer Science: $175,145) and the lowest (Neurobiology and Neurosciences: $37,246) is $137,899/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer ScienceBest ROI | $175,145 | 2.6x |
| Statistics | $147,558 | 2.2x |
| Economics | $127,832 | 1.9x |
| Mathematics | $107,611 | 1.6x |
| Public Policy Analysis | $85,597 | 1.3x |
| Political Science and Government | $78,986 | 1.2x |
| Research and Experimental Psychology | $65,966 | 1.0x |
| History | $65,148 | 1.0x |
| Biology, General | $52,065 | 0.8x |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology(1yr data) | $39,808 | 0.6x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $39,095 | 0.6x |
| Neurobiology and NeurosciencesLowest(1yr data) | $37,246 | 0.6x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
How It Compares
ROI at similar schools
| School | ROI Ratio | Earnings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Chicago | 1.37x | $91,885 | Average ROI |
| Northwestern University | 1.35x | $89,363 | Average ROI |
| Washington University in St Louis | 1.37x | $86,182 | Average ROI |
| University of Notre Dame | 1.59x | $99,980 | Good ROI |
| Brown University | 1.37x | $93,487 | Average ROI |
| Columbia University in the City of New York | 1.48x | $102,491 | Average ROI |
The Bottom Line
University of Chicago delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $91,885 10 years after starting — $46,885 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 4.7 years — faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.