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Harvard 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

Acceptance rate4.2%4.5%
Early decision rateNo ED—
SAT middle 50%~1450–15601500–1560
ACT middle 50%33–3534–35
Applicant reports on our site1,265633

Cost and aid

Tuition—$75,960
Food and housing—$21,414
Sticker price per year—$100,089
Average need-based grant$72,749$78,651
Average % of need met100%100%

Outcomes

First-year retention98%99%
6-year graduation rate97.1%95%
Undergraduates6,7387,453

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.

Harvard University or University of Chicago?

Is Harvard University harder to get into than University of Chicago?

They are about equally selective: Harvard University admitted 4.2% of first-year applicants (2025-26) and University of Chicago admitted 4.5% (2025-26).

What SAT scores do Harvard University and University of Chicago students have?

The middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored about 1450–1560 at Harvard University and 1500–1560 at University of Chicago.

Does Harvard University or University of Chicago have a higher graduation rate?

97.1% of Harvard University students graduate within six years, compared with 95% at University of Chicago.

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