The University of Chicago, a private research university in Chicago, was founded in 1890. Today, the university includes the College, four graduate divisions, six graduate professional schools, the Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies, and the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering. Its faculty, researchers, and students work across fields such as economics, law, the humanities, mathematics, physics, public policy, and many more. Additionally, the university aims to encourage rigorous inquiry and a wide range of viewpoints so students can develop ideas that can change the world.
The first thought that crosses a student’s mind when considering higher education at the institution is, “How much would it cost to attend the University of Chicago?” You have come to the right place to find the answers.
Study Costs at the University of Chicago
Although the University of Chicago’s tuition is high, it is a private, nonprofit institution with extensive academic resources and facilities. This article examines the tuition fees and other expenses an international student must consider before pursuing higher education, so read it carefully.
Application Costs
Generally, an undergraduate applicant must pay a non-refundable application fee of $75. However, UChicago automatically waives this fee for applicants who indicate that they plan to apply for need-based financial aid, and the university also offers fee waivers through programs such as UChicago Promise. Graduate application fees vary by school and program. For example, some master’s programs have eliminated the application fee, while some divisions list a non-refundable $90 application fee. Students may qualify for specific fee waivers under certain conditions. If you want your fee waived, do not pay the application fee until your waiver request has been reviewed. You will not receive a refund if you pay the fee before UChicago considers your waiver request.
Tuition Costs
Academic study at the University of Chicago follows the quarter system, and many programs charge tuition by quarter. Tuition varies significantly by school, degree level, and course load. The figures below use published 2025-2026 rates where available, but students should always confirm the current cost on the university’s Bursar and program pages before applying.
Bachelor’s Tuition Costs
For the 2025-2026 academic year, undergraduate tuition in the College is $71,325. Mandatory undergraduate fees include a $1,623 Student Services Fee and a $318 U-PASS fee, bringing tuition and mandatory fees to $73,266 before housing, food, books, insurance, and personal expenses. First-time students entering in 2025 are also assessed a $696 Class Fee in each of their first two years.
- $71,325 for undergraduate tuition in the College
- $1,623 for the Student Services Fee
- $318 for the U-PASS fee
- $73,266 for undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees before housing, food, books, insurance, and personal expenses
Students generally plan on four years of study for a bachelor’s degree. To graduate from the College, students must complete the Core curriculum, at least one major, residency and GPA requirements, and 42 100-unit quarter courses. The University of Chicago offers undergraduate degrees across many fields, and the College currently lists 68 majors and 57 minors.
Master’s Tuition Costs
Master’s tuition depends on the school, program, and number of courses taken in a quarter. Examples of published 2025-2026 quarterly rates include the following:
- $14,932 for Humanities MA/MFA students enrolled in two courses
- $22,191 for Harris School MS, MPP, and MA students enrolled in three courses
- $23,296 for Social Sciences MA students enrolled in three courses
- $27,772 for Law School JD and LLM tuition
The University of Chicago offers more than 100 graduate degree programs, and the cost of studying for a master’s degree varies by program. Some programs are one year, while others are two years or part-time. For example, the Harris School of Public Policy lists one-year, two-year, and part-time master’s options. Employment outcomes should be checked by program rather than assumed for the whole university. For example, Harris reported that 378 of 418 job-seeking graduates in the Class of 2024, or 90%, accepted employment.
Ph.D. Tuition Costs
Prospective students worldwide apply for seats in the university’s Ph.D. programs. The quarterly tuition fee for doctoral degrees depends on the chosen division or school. For example, Humanities doctoral students in years 1 through 12 are listed at $22,400 per quarter for 2025-2026, while Law JSD tuition is listed separately at $2,903 per quarter. Prospective Ph.D. students should review both the Bursar page and their department’s funding offer because each program sets its own admission, tuition, and funding policies.
These programs are a strong choice for analytical, intellectually curious students who want to earn a doctorate in a particular field. To apply for a Ph.D., students must complete the requirements of their specific program. According to university policy, each program sets its own admission standards.
Other Academic Costs at the University of Chicago
Students must consider costs beyond tuition when studying at the University of Chicago. These expenses may include housing, food, books, health insurance, transportation, and personal expenses. The total cost can vary depending on whether a student lives on or off campus, the student’s program, and the student’s lifestyle.
Food and Accommodation
For 2025-2026, UChicago’s undergraduate cost of attendance estimates housing and food at $20,835 per year, including $12,567 for housing and $8,268 for food. Off-campus costs vary by location, lease, and lifestyle. Graduate and professional students should check their own school’s cost of attendance because some programs use a different living-expense estimate, and international students may need to budget for a 12-month period.
Transportation
For undergraduate students in 2025-2026, UChicago estimates $450 to $825 per year for transportation and travel, in addition to the $318 U-PASS fee. Transportation costs can be higher for students who live farther from campus or travel internationally. Students can use transportation options around Hyde Park and Chicago, including UChicago shuttle services and public transportation operated by the Chicago Transit Authority.
Books and Miscellaneous Expenses
Like other highly ranked universities, the University of Chicago strongly emphasizes quality education. For 2025-2026, the undergraduate cost of attendance estimates $1,800 for books and course materials and $1,950 for personal expenses. Health insurance is another major cost for students who are not eligible to waive the university plan. The 2025-2026 U-SHIP student premium is $5,145 for the full year, or $1,715 per quarter. Ph.D. students are required to enroll in U-SHIP, but the university states that individual Ph.D. student premiums are paid at no cost to the student.
Living Expenses
For undergraduate students, the University of Chicago’s estimated 2025-2026 total cost of attendance is $98,301 to $98,676 before health insurance. This is higher than the 2024-2025 estimate of $93,633 to $94,008 and the 2023-2024 estimate of $89,040 to $89,415. Actual expenses vary depending on a student’s housing choice, program, insurance status, travel needs, and personal spending habits.
Scholarships
The University of Chicago has a vibrant student body, beautiful surroundings, and strong academic offerings, contributing to its reputation. Because it is an expensive institution, financial aid programs and scholarships can help eligible students enroll with fewer financial concerns. Some students may qualify for substantial need-based aid. Beginning in Autumn Quarter 2027, UChicago has announced that students from families earning less than $250,000 per year, with typical assets, will be eligible for free tuition. Students from families earning $125,000 or less, with typical assets, will have tuition, fees, housing, and meals covered. International students should review the university’s current financial aid policies carefully because eligibility rules can differ by applicant category.
We hope this article on the cost of studying at the University of Chicago for international students was helpful. Feel free to visit our Study in the USA Page and Available Programs for International Students for more information about different universities and program opportunities in the United States.
