University of Chicago Ranking – Introduction
The University of Chicago is a private research university and the dream school of many students around the globe. In fact, the University of Chicago ranking globally is #13 according to Times Higher Education.
Affectionately known as UChicago, this midwestern university has an undergraduate population of 8,204 students. Including graduate students, the University of Chicago has a student population of nearly 20,000.
The University of Chicago offers 53 majors and 49 minors. Some of the most popular majors at the University of Chicago are data science, environmental and urban studies, molecular engineering, and neuroscience. Given its strong academic programs, the high University of Chicago ranking is no surprise.
Are you considering applying to the University of Chicago? Well then, maybe you’ve wondered about the University of Chicago ranking in Forbes. You may also be curious how the University of Chicago ranking compares to other top colleges.
Rankings can be a helpful tool to use while you are building a college list. You can find various college rankings online, each of which focuses on different elements of the student experience. You will find many different sources that publish rankings; however, some are more reliable than others.
In this guide we will cover the following topics:
- What is the University of Chicago ranking?
- Is the University of Chicago an Ivy League school?
- Is the University of Chicago prestigious?
- Understanding college rankings
- Reliable UChicago rankings
- University of Chicago ranking vs. Northwestern rankings
- Do the UChicago rankings change?
What is the University of Chicago Ranking?
U.S. New Ranking – University of Chicago
According to U.S. News and World Report, the University of Chicago ranking is #6 among National Universities.
The school also ranks #12 in best value schools. Other University of Chicago rankings include #30 in most innovative schools and #32 in undergraduate research/creative projects.
Sources such as Forbes, US News & World Report, and the Wall Street Journal release rankings annually. Each of these sources uses different metrics. The University of Chicago ranking will vary depending on the source. This means that the University of Chicago ranking in US News & World Report will likely differ from the University of Chicago ranking in the Wall Street Journal. We will discuss some of the most reliable college ranking sources later in the article.
Wall Street Journal Rankings
No matter the source, the University of Chicago rankings are consistently high. In 2022, the University of Chicago ranking in the Wall Street Journal was just above the school’s ranking in U.S. News. According to the WSJ, the University of Chicago ranking for Best Overall College was #14 and the University of Chicago ranking within the Chicago area was #2. The Wall Street Journal also ranked the University of Chicago as the #2 college for academic resources in the Midwest.
Forbes Rankings
The University of Chicago ranking in Forbes is #20 on the Top Colleges of 2022 list. The school also ranks #17 in Private Colleges and #19 in Research Universities, according to Forbes.
Forbes also features some more money-minded college rankings. The University of Chicago was ranked #85 in Best Value Colleges in 2019 and Best Employers for New Grads in 2022. While Forbes does not publish the University of Chicago ranking world, the school is clearly renowned across college ranking bodies.
As you can see, rankings vary based on who publishes them. Often, when people think of the top-ranked institutions, they focus on the overall national college rankings category. However, you can learn a lot from program-specific rankings. Some of these include the University of Chicago ranking for engineering or the University of Chicago ranking for computer science.
Is University of Chicago an Ivy League School?
National college rankings do not determine whether a school is an ivy league college. Rankings can shift from year to year, but the list of Ivy League institutions has been the same for centuries. There are eight Ivy League colleges; Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University, and Yale University.
While the ivy league designation often notes prestige, there are many highly ranked colleges that are not on the list above. The University of Chicago is not an Ivy League Institution but is certainly considered a top college. In fact, the University of Chicago is ranked higher than many Ivy League institutions. Check out the US World News & Report top 25 national college rankings to see how non-ivy league schools like the University of Chicago rankings stack up to their Ivy League counterparts.
Is University of Chicago prestigious?
Based on the University of Chicago ranking as a top 25 school and other impressive national college rankings, the University of Chicago is considered a prestigious college choice for many students. Prestige is often associated with selectivity, historical relevance, and perception from the public. So, yes, the University of Chicago has all these things. However, prestige gives little insight into how good of a fit a college will be for an individual student.
While prestige may be the element that attracted you to a school like University of Chicago, we encourage you to dig a little deeper. Additional research will uncover the University of Chicago’s thriving student life opportunities, commitment to free speech, and celebration of the arts. These elements, in combination with national college rankings, should be used to make your ultimate college decision.
Understanding college rankings
It is imperative that students understand college rankings before using them to drive their decision-making process. Your college choice process should not be driven by rankings alone. Instead, you should use a combination of national college rankings, personal research, and individual fit to understand what college might be best for you.
Fit is mentioned quite a bit in the college search process. Finding a good “fit” just means prioritizing your unique talents, preferences, and needs while selecting a college. Therefore, there is no one ranking that can objectively determine the best school for you. There are thousands of colleges in the United States and your best “fit” school may not always show up on the top of a national college rankings list.
We are not suggesting that you forsake rankings completely. However, it is important to consider college characteristics outside of rankings when building a college list. Rankings can still be a valuable tool in your college search toolbox if used correctly. Rankings are most effective when they come from reliable sources.
The most reliable ranking sources show great transparency in what they base their national college rankings on. Examples of factors considered include admitted student GPA and SAT scores, graduation rates, financial resources available to students, and faculty resources. These measures attempt to provide an objective scorecard for prospective students and families alike.
In the College Advisor College Rankings Experts Guide, we go into great detail about the nuances of national college rankings and how they are determined. You can also learn more about Forbes college rankings, US News college rankings, and Wall Street journal college rankings. Check out the guide to learn more about the University of Chicago rankings and how other college rankings can be used in the college admissions process.
Reliable UChicago Rankings
The most reputable national college rankings include the U.S. News college rankings, Forbes college rankings, and Wall Street Journal college rankings. The U.S. News college rankings are the most widely cited, largely because of their longevity. The U.S. News college rankings have been released annually for over 40 years, and the organization publishes its ranking methodologies online.
The Wall Street Journal college rankings and Forbes college rankings are equally respected due to their consistent and accurate reporting. Each of these sources explicitly states where their data comes from and what metrics they use to rank schools. The strong reputation of each organization gives legitimacy to the college rankings they publish.
Each of these sources uses data submitted directly by institutions to create their college rankings. For example, the University of Chicago ranking for engineering would be based on data submitted directly from the UChicago engineering department. This data source ensures that the University of Chicago ranking is up-to-date and truly representative of the academic department.
Most of this data is held in a public database called IPEDS (the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System). IPEDS is supported by the Department of Education and provides extensive data on colleges and universities.
Other college ranking sources
US News college rankings, Forbes college rankings, and Wall Street Journal college rankings tend to dominate the list of trusted college rankings. However, you can find many sites ranking colleges. Some of these rankings can be useful if you care about specific features of different schools.
Niche is a great example of a website that publishes University of Chicago ratings from real students. It also includes University of Chicago rankings in several creative categories. Niche’s University of Chicago ratings are helpful for an informal review from students who have spent time on the campus.
Money.com also provides alternative University of Chicago rankings. Like Forbes, these rankings heavily consider career outcomes and the average salaries of graduates.
University of Chicago Ranking vs. Northwestern University
Northwestern and University of Chicago are two of the top schools in Chicago, so many students wonder how these two schools compare. Regional college rankings often compare the two schools due to their proximity and top-tier academics.
In 2022, Northwestern was ranked the #1 college in the Midwest for academic resources, with the University Chicago ranking coming in at #2 according to the Wall Street Journal.
If you look at national college ranking lists, you will find that the University of Chicago ranking will likely be higher than Northwestern’s. In the US News Top 25 college rankings, University of Chicago was ranked #6, while Northwestern was ranked #10.
Interested in learning more about University of Chicago and Northwestern University? Check out our recent webinar featuring panelists from both colleges.
Do the UChicago Rankings change?
The University of Chicago rankings can change from year to year; in fact, all rankings change. For a top 25 college like the University of Chicago, it is highly unlikely that shifts in rankings will be drastic. However, over time, a college can easily move up or down on the rankings list. Each year, colleges change. Acceptance rates might shift, new faculty might come in, or a college’s finances may dwindle. So, rankings are also bound to shift.
Staying up to date with rankings on an annual basis can help you understand how these shifts might affect schools on your college list. If you are looking for more specific rankings such as the University of Chicago ranking for computer science, you may find that these specific rankings will shift more often.
University of Chicago Ranking – Final Thoughts
The University of Chicago ranking and reputation speak to its robust academic offerings and stellar post-grad outcomes. So, the University of Chicago rankings can help you better understand if the University of Chicago is the right school for you.
Rankings are as close to an objective college rating as you will find. However, your own research will tell you more about UChicago than any college ranking. Set up a campus visit, attend a virtual information session, or reach out to a faculty member. This can give you more information than the University of Chicago rankings.
Considering the University of Chicago rankings, the admissions process is designed to identify some of the brightest students in the world. So, if you want to get into UChicago, you should do all you can to craft a compelling application.
Don’t let the University of Chicago ranking and reputation intimidate you. As you complete the admissions process, CollegeAdvisor is here to help. Click here to schedule a free strategy session, or check out our resources to help you tackle the UChicago essay prompts and other frequently asked questions.
This article was written by admissions officer, Chelsea Holley. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.
FAQs
Is University of Chicago a prestigious University? ›
Based on the University of Chicago ranking as a top 25 school and other impressive national college rankings, the University of Chicago is considered a prestigious college choice for many students.
Why is UChicago so prestigious? ›Our distinctive form and style of education and our rigorous pursuit of knowledge have established us as one of the world's most influential institutions of higher learning. Our faculty of scholars and scientists from across the University teach students of all backgrounds and intellectual interests.
Is UChicago as good as an Ivy? ›In terms of reputation and prestige, the University of Chicago is often considered to be on par with or even surpassing many Ivy League schools, such as Brown University, Cornell University, and the University of Pennsylvania.
How can I increase my chances of getting into UChicago? ›- Include a compelling personal essay. ...
- Send in high-quality letters of recommendation. ...
- Apply early. ...
- Submit SAT/ACT scores.
Tier 1 is comprised of major private research universities, including MIT, UChicago, Stanford, John Hopkins, Northwestern, California Institute of Technology, Duke, Vanderbilt, and Rice (amongst many others).
Is University of Chicago harder to get into than Harvard? ›If you're looking at acceptance rate alone, then Harvard University is more difficult to get into. However, each college is looking to fill its incoming class with a variety of students with different strengths, backgrounds, etc.
Is UChicago more prestigious than Northwestern? ›UChicago is ranked higher than Northwestern for every broad subject area except engineering & technology where UChicago places in joint 60th to Northwestern's 78th. The table below shows how UChicago and Northwestern directly compare for all of the 51 subjects covered in the ranking.
Is UChicago more prestigious than Cornell? ›As for the reputation of the schools, they're roughly equal, but education is local. If you want to be in or near New York, Cornell and Columbia are probably marginally better, whereas if you want to be in Chicago, the then University of Chicago is probably marginally better. Was this worth your time?
Is Duke or UChicago more prestigious? ›Duke has higher rankings than Chicago in some fields. Chicago has higher rankings in others. but the truth is that on the undergraduate level, the top 50 schools offer a similar quality of educations. Some schools are more selective, and on the graduate level, rankings are more important.
Should I go to UChicago or Yale? ›Yale ranks higher according to global rankings provided by THE and US News whereas UChicago rankings are higher according to QS. Why choose Yale University? Yale is a prestigious and is part of the Ivy League.
Is it harder to get into UChicago or Cornell? ›
UChicago is more selective and generally a bit more prestigious than Cornell for undergrad, but the difference in prestige is small enough that Cornell's practical advantages make Cornell the better choice.
What major is UChicago best known for? ›The most popular majors at University of Chicago include: Social Sciences; Mathematics and Statistics; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Physical Sciences; Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services; Psychology; Public Administration and Social Service Professions; Foreign Languages, Literatures, and ...
What kind of students get into UChicago? ›However, like the average GPAs of every top 10 school, it is safe to assume that the UChicago average GPA is around a 4.0 unweighted. Based on other admissions statistics like the UChicago SAT scores, it is clear that UChicago accepts only students at the top of their high school class.
Is University of Chicago highly selective? ›Admissions Summary
University of Chicago is extremely selective with an acceptance rate of 6%. Students that get into University of Chicago have an SAT score between 1510–1560 or an ACT score of 34–35. Regular applications are due January 2.
There is no minimum GPA or test score requirement for University of Chicago admissions. Its admission process is holistic and test-optional.
Is University of Chicago a top 10 schools? ›University of Chicago Rankings
University of Chicago is ranked #6 out of 443 National Universities. Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence. Read more about how we rank schools.
Established in 1856, the University of Chicago is a private research university based in the urban center of Chicago, the third most populous city in the United States. Outside of the Ivy League, Chicago is one of America's top universities, and holds top-ten positions in various national and international rankings.
Why is UChicago not an ivy? ›Ivy League schools may have prestige and history, but they aren't the only great universities in the U.S. Schools like Stanford, MIT, and the University of Chicago often outrank Ivies in terms of academics. However, since they aren't in the same athletic conference, they technically aren't Ivy League schools.
Is Columbia or UChicago better? ›Originally Answered: Is Uchicago more prestigious than Columbia? No, neither is more prestigious than the other. They are both nationally ranked universities, which excel in many diverse disciplines, including undergraduate education, law, medicine, physical sciences and graduate business.
Is UChicago or Northwestern harder to get into? ›Is Northwestern University or University of Chicago Harder to get into? Which school is easier to get into? If you're looking at acceptance rate alone, then University of Chicago is more difficult to get into.
What is the easiest Ivy League school to get into? ›
Cornell is considered the "easiest" Ivy League to get into because it has the highest Ivy League acceptance rate. While it's easier, statistically speaking, to get into Cornell, it's still challenging. It's also important to remember that students apply directly to one of Cornell's eight undergraduate colleges.
Who is the University of Chicago's rival? ›Chicago–Michigan football rivalry.
Where does University of Chicago rank in the world? ›The University of Chicago has been ranked at 10th position globally by QS World Ranking 2022. In 2021, it was ranked 9th. QS World University Rankings considered more than 5,500 universities around the globe to rank and updates us about the top 1,000.
Is Northwestern or UChicago safer? ›Northwestern University is in Evanston. Much nicer and safer than where IIT and parts of Univerity of Chicago is. Northwestern also has satellite campuses throughout, but you shouldn't have any problems so long as you don't make yourself vulnerable to potential harm.
What are the most prestigious university rankings? ›| Rank | Name Country/Region |
|---|---|
| 1 | University of Oxford United Kingdom |
| 2 | Harvard University United States |
| =3 | University of Cambridge United Kingdom |
| =3 | Stanford University United States |
Not only do the overall MIT Rankings outperform Cornell University, but many subject-rankings for MIT are better than Cornell. MBA program offered by MIT Sloan is ranked (#6) better that MBA at Cornell (#23) as per Financial Times Rankings.
What is Uchicago ranked on Forbes? ›#221 University of Chicago.
Is Harvard better than University of Chicago? ›University of Chicago is one of the top private universities in Chicago, United States. It is ranked #10 in QS World University Rankings 2023. Harvard University is one of the top private universities in Cambridge, United States. It is ranked #5 in QS World University Rankings 2023 and ranked #1 in US UNI.
What rank is Johns Hopkins University? ›It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. Johns Hopkins University's ranking in the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #7. Its tuition and fees are $60,480. Johns Hopkins University is divided into nine schools, five of which serve undergraduates.
Is Johns Hopkins prestigious? ›Johns Hopkins University ranks consistently among the top 15 universities in the United States and is considered one of the most prestigious universities in the world. The university boasts a diverse student body, with students from all 50 U.S. states and over 120 countries.
Is UChicago harder than Princeton? ›
Both schools are academically tough and known for grade deflation (Princeton is one of the Ivies with grade deflation rather than inflation).
Is it worth going to UChicago? ›University of Chicago is ranked #2,223 out of 2,223 for value nationwide. Based on our analysis of other colleges at similar price points, we believe University of Chicago is overpriced for the quality education it provides.
What GPA is accepted to UChicago? ›You should also have a 4.48 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score. For a school as selective as University of Chicago, you'll also need to impress them with the rest of your application.
What is the happiest Ivy League? ›Brown is ranked by the Princeton Review as the 10th happiest campus in the country and the happiest school in the Ivy League, and has a general reputation for being the “Happy Ivy.” But why does Brown have this reputation?
Is UChicago on the same level as Harvard? ›Originally Answered: Is UChicago on the same level as Harvard, Yale, Princeton, MIT, Stanford, Caltech or Columbia, Duke, Dartmouth, Penn and Brown? In general, yes, the University of Chicago on the same level as Harvard, Yale, Princeton, MIT, Stanford, Caltech or Columbia, Duke, Dartmouth, Penn and Brown.
What is the hardest school to get into? ›Harvard, Stanford and Princeton, unsurprisingly, are America's toughest colleges to get into in 2023, according to Niche's most recent rankings.
Is UChicago an elite school? ›People from all over the world compete for admission to the University of Chicago for a good reason: it is one of the top 10 universities in the world, competing with the Ivy League and other elite institutions in terms of academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and the production of highly successful individuals.
Is UChicago better than UIC? ›UChicago beats UIC in everyway except for maybe short term perks like location. UIC also has a formal engineering department. Even so, if you can get in UChicago and afford it, don't think twice, you should accept. These two schools aren't even comparable.
What is the motto of the University of Chicago? ›The University's coat of arms bears a phoenix emerging from flames and the Latin motto: Crescat scientia; vita excolatur, or “Let knowledge grow from more to more; and so be human life enriched.”
What is a B+ at UChicago? ›| Grade | College & Graduate |
|---|---|
| A | 4.0 |
| A- | 3.7 |
| B+ | 3.3 |
| B | 3.0 |
Is UChicago a fun school? ›
It can be easy to get caught up in your school work here, but UChicago is really a very fun place. There is so much fun to be had: playing games in the house lounge, going downtown with your friends, going to Medici, getting dinner in Hyde Park, IM Sports and midnight soccer, chilling on the quad, and so much more.
Does UChicago look at class rank? ›GPA, class rank, standardized test scores (UChicago is test-optional), first-generation status, legacy status, geographical residence, religious affiliation, ethnicity, volunteer work experience, paid work experience, and the level of an applicant's interest are all “considered.”
Is UCLA or UCB more selective? ›Both the universities require students with high GPAs, SAT scores & ACT scores. UCLA is extremely selective and only enrols students who have a GPA of 3.9 or more. UC Berkeley requires a GPA of 3.89 from all its students. The average SAT score should be between the SAT scale of 1405 and 1600.
Is University of Chicago a hard school to get into? ›The University of Chicago asks a lot from its applicants, and fewer than one in ten will be accepted. Students interested in UChicago should maintain a GPA of around 4.3 and score well on standardized tests, but requirements go above and beyond that.
Can I get into UChicago with a 3.7 GPA? ›Admission Requirements in Brief
To have the best chance of getting into to University of Chicago you should: Have a high school GPA of 3.95 or better. Earn A- grades in high school.
GPA only seems to have any impact if you are above 3.8 or below 3.0. The acceptance rate for Harvard is higher in the 3.0 to 3.39 range than 3.4 to 3.79. This is likely due to low sample size in the ... Here are the top schools with a freshman class with an average high school GPA of 3.8: School name.
What does UChicago look for in applicants? ›UChicago Admission Strategy. Admissions Criteria: The factors UChicago considers very important are: course rigor, essays, recommendations, character, extracurriculars, and talent.
How smart is a 3.8 GPA? ›A 3.8 GPA stands for a Grade Point Average of 3.8 on a 4.0 scale. It indicates that you've earned a predominantly A average in your courses. A 3.8 GPA is considered to be a very good GPA and is often an indicator of strong academic performance.
Is UChicago as good as Harvard? ›Both schools are in the very top academically: Harvard is #2, UChicago is #3 (USN&WR).
Is the University of Chicago hard to get into? ›The University of Chicago's acceptance rate is only 5%, which means that around 95% of applicants will not get accepted. However, despite this extremely low acceptance rate, with good grades, strong essays, and solid recommendations, you can give yourself a good chance of getting in.
Is University of Chicago more prestigious than Northwestern? ›
UChicago is ranked higher than Northwestern for every broad subject area except engineering & technology where UChicago places in joint 60th to Northwestern's 78th. The table below shows how UChicago and Northwestern directly compare for all of the 51 subjects covered in the ranking.
Is University of Chicago worth the money? ›Based on its ranking and cost, University of Chicago is an extremely high value school, and near the top-tier.
Is UChicago a top 10? ›Established in 1856, the University of Chicago is a private research university based in the urban center of Chicago, the third most populous city in the United States. Outside of the Ivy League, Chicago is one of America's top universities, and holds top-ten positions in various national and international rankings.
Is UChicago a top 5 school? ›University of Chicago Rankings
University of Chicago is ranked #6 out of 443 National Universities. Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence. Read more about how we rank schools.