College Comparison
University of Chicago vs Washington University in St Louis
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Chicago, IL
Saint Louis, MO
Total Enrollment
18,566
16,357
Undergrad Enrollment
7,598
8,220
Student-Faculty Ratio
5:1
7:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
4.5%
12.1%
Average GPA
4.00
3.96
SAT Range
1510–1580
1500–1570
ACT Range
34–35
33–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$75
$75
Total Applicants
43,612
32,754
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$81,288
$81,274
Avg Net Price
$18,967
$22,117
Tuition (In-State)
$61,179
$59,420
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$61,179
$59,420
Room & Board
$20,109
$21,854
% Receiving Aid
47.0%
49.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$62,300
$66,080
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
96.0%
92.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
91.0%
87.0%
Retention Rate
99.0%
95.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$91,885
$86,182
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Explore by Location
Chicago is in Chicago, IL
Washington in St Louis is in Saint Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at University of Chicago is $18,967 per year, compared to $22,117 at Washington University in St Louis. University of Chicago is $3,150 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at University of Chicago typically score between 1510-1580 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Washington University in St Louis, the typical SAT range is 1500-1570. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
University of Chicago has a graduation rate of 96%, while Washington University in St Louis has a graduation rate of 92%. University of Chicago has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
University of Chicago has a student-to-faculty ratio of 5:1, while Washington University in St Louis has a ratio of 7:1. University of Chicago offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At University of Chicago, 47% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $62,300. At Washington University in St Louis, 49% of students receive aid with an average grant of $66,080.
The median earnings for University of Chicago graduates 10 years after enrollment is $91,885, compared to $86,182 for Washington University in St Louis graduates. Graduates from University of Chicago tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
University of Chicago is located in Chicago, IL in a city: large setting. Washington University in St Louis is located in Saint Louis, MO in a suburb: large setting.

