Northwestern University vs University of Chicago
University of Chicago reports the higher median earnings ten years after entry ($91,885 vs $89,363). University of Chicago recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 1.1 yrs vs 2.3 yrs).
| Measure | Northwestern UniversityIL | University of ChicagoIL |
|---|---|---|
| Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry | $89,363 | $91,885 |
| Years to recoup four-year net cost | 2.3 yrs | 1.1 yrs |
| Average net price per year | $29,167 | $14,860 |
| Sticker cost of attendance per year | $91,250 | $90,360 |
| Share earning above a high-school grad | 83.5% | 80.5% |
| Six-year graduation rate | 95.1% | 95.9% |
| First-year retention (full-time) | 98.1% | 99.3% |
| Admission rate | 7.7% | 4.5% |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $15,000 | $15,000 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 9,201 | 7,569 |
| Financial health (NACUBO CFI) | 6.3 | 3.3 |
Highlighted cells mark the stronger figure on measures with a clear better direction (admission rate and enrollment are shown for context only, with no winner). “Years to recoup” divides four-year net cost by the annual earnings premium over a state high-school graduate. A transparent data comparison, not an Ibex endorsement or a guarantee of any individual outcome; your program and aid package will differ.
Is Northwestern University or University of Chicago a better value?
On the transparent payback measure, University of Chicago recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 1.1 yrs vs 2.3 yrs).. Value depends on your program, your net price after aid, and your goals; use the table as a starting point and check each school's profile for peer context.
Which costs more, Northwestern University or University of Chicago?
Northwestern University's average net price is $29,167 per year and University of Chicago's is $14,860 (College Scorecard). Net price is what students actually pay after grant aid, and varies by family income.
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Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard & IPEDS (2024-25); earnings baselines from the U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year. Compiled by Ibex Insights. For informational planning only, not financial advice. See the methodology.