
5801 S Ellis Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, USA


The University of Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U. S. Department of Education. This accreditation confirms that the university meets well-defined standards of quality and institutional effectiveness across its academic programs and administrative operations.
The Higher Learning Commission evaluates institutions based on criteria such as mission fulfillment, integrity, teaching and learning quality, continuous improvement, and resource management. This regional accreditation is essential for students considering transfer credits, eligibility for federal financial aid, and the overall recognition of their degree by employers and graduate schools.
Additionally, select professional programs at the University of Chicago may hold specialized endorsements from relevant accrediting bodies, which enhances the credibility and rigor of those specific fields of study. Prospective students should verify any particular program accreditation if their chosen major requires such assurance.
The University of Chicago has a highly selective admission process with an acceptance rate of approximately 5%, placing it among the most competitive institutions. Applicants are required to have completed high school credentials, including a General Educational Development (GED) or equivalent. Submission of secondary school transcripts is mandatory, as well as evidence of college preparation. Letters of recommendation are also required to support the application.
Although standardized test scores are not explicitly mandated, the university recommends submitting additional test results beyond the basic requirements. Advanced Placement (AP) credits are accepted, which may help fulfill certain academic prerequisites or enhance the applicant's academic profile.
Regarding standardized test performance, the student body at the University of Chicago demonstrates exceptional academic abilities. The average SAT score for enrolled students is 1545, with a breakdown of 785 in Math and 760 in Writing, all within the top 5 percentile nationally. The average ACT score stands at 34, also reflecting very high performance at the national level.
The distribution of test scores among enrolled students supports this high level of academic achievement, with nearly all students scoring at or above 29 on the ACT. This underscores the university's expectation for applicants to possess strong academic capabilities to be competitive for admission.
The University of Chicago requires an application fee to process each prospective student's submission. This fee is set to cover administrative costs associated with reviewing applications. However, the university also offers options for fee waivers to ensure that financial circumstances do not prevent qualified students from applying.
Applicants who demonstrate financial need may request a fee waiver, which relieves them from paying the application fee. The university encourages students to explore this option if the cost poses a burden. Specific guidelines and eligibility criteria for the fee waivers are provided to assist applicants in determining their qualification. Commonly, students are asked to submit documentation or verify income status through designated channels.
Fee waivers aim to promote accessibility and diversity within the applicant pool by removing economic barriers during the admissions process. Prospective students planning to request a waiver are advised to submit the necessary materials well in advance of application deadlines to avoid delays.
The University of Chicago does not have an ROTC branch unit directly on its campus. Instead, students interested in participating in ROTC programs can do so through a cooperating host institution that offers the training and commissioning opportunities. This arrangement allows University of Chicago students to pursue military training while completing their studies, leveraging the resources of a nearby institution that hosts the ROTC program.
University of Chicago accepts transfer students for the fall term, providing an opportunity for those wishing to continue their education there starting in that season. The institution allows transfer credits, which can facilitate the transition and recognition of prior academic work completed elsewhere.
University of Chicago offers a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enrich students' academic and cultural experiences. Programs range from faculty-led short-term trips to semester-long exchanges with partner institutions worldwide. These options enable students to pursue their major requirements and electives while immersed in diverse global environments.
The university emphasizes academic rigor in its abroad programs, ensuring course offerings abroad align closely with those available on campus. This alignment facilitates credit transfer and degree progress for students. In addition to traditional study abroad, University of Chicago supports research-based international experiences, internships, and language immersion programs, broadening the prospects for gaining practical skills alongside academic study.
Students interested in study abroad receive advising and support throughout the process, from selecting the appropriate program to managing logistics and academic planning. The university also promotes engagement with cultural activities and local communities, encouraging students to deepen their understanding of global issues and perspectives.
Median composite SAT score
1545Median composite ACT score
34Percent of students submitting ACT scores
27%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
49%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
Data not availableComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
Data not availableSecondary school GPA
Data not availableSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
Data not availableAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
Data not availableOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
Data not availableDisabilities services
Data not availableOff-campus study
Data not availableROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
NoPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
NoEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
Data not availableAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall