Columbia University vs University of Chicago
Odds, test scores, cost, aid and graduation rates, side by side from each school's own Common Data Set. Add more schools
Getting in
Cost and aid
Outcomes
Best value in each row is highlighted. Sticker price uses out-of-state tuition for public universities and leaves out books, travel and aid. "—" means the school left the item blank in its Common Data Set.
Columbia University or University of Chicago?
Is Columbia University harder to get into than University of Chicago?
They are about equally selective: Columbia University admitted 4.9% of first-year applicants (2025-26) and University of Chicago admitted 4.5% (2025-26).
What SAT scores do Columbia University and University of Chicago students have?
The middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 1510–1560 at Columbia University and 1500–1560 at University of Chicago.
Which is cheaper, Columbia University or University of Chicago?
Before aid, Columbia University costs about $96,610 a year in tuition, fees, food and housing, against $100,089 at University of Chicago (out-of-state tuition for public universities). The average need-based grant is $78,198 at Columbia University and $78,651 at University of Chicago.
Does Columbia University or University of Chicago have a higher graduation rate?
96% of Columbia University students graduate within six years, compared with 95% at University of Chicago.
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