If you are a study abroad aspirant struggling to choose between University of Chicago vs Northwestern University, then here’s where you’ll find all the answers. Two highly reputed universities located in the state of Illinois about 40 miles away from one another, Northwestern and UChicago are fierce rivals in their academics and reputation, despite being very similar in school size, academic rigor, club involvement, Greek life and even alumni.

So, if you are trying to choose between these two schools, this article will cover some of the major parameters in detail so that you can decide about both these world-class institutions located in the Chicago area in the United States of America.


Overview of University of Chicago and Northwestern University


Two top universities located in the state of Illinois, the University of Chicago and Northwestern have more in common than distinctions that set them apart. While they are peers when it comes to academic excellence, Northwestern has a better reputation for its undergraduate programs for providing a more traditional, multifaceted college experience, while UChicago is often deemed more academically oriented.

This idea is further strengthened by the fact that the Northwestern Wildcats compete in Division I sports while the Chicago Maroons play in Division III. That said, both universities find themselves in similar positions when looking at top American universities.

Brief History and Background

University of Chicago

Set up in 1890, the University of Chicago is a private research university located in the city of Chicago, Illinois. Composed of an undergraduate college, 4 graduate divisions, and 8 professional schools, UChicago, also referred to as U of C or UChi has consistently found its place as one of the top 15 universities in the United States since its inception.

Besides its law school and the Booth School of Business which are world renowned, UChi is also known for a wide range of domains including sciences, economics, history, culture, the arts, and humanistic inquiry. It is important to note that the University of Chicago is entirely separate from, and not to be confused with the University of Illinois Chicago which is a public university.

Often ranked higher than a few Ivy League institutions, this university gains worldwide recognition owing to its dedication to creativity, intense critical analysis, and free flow of thoughts and ideas. It ranks 12th among national universities (US News and World Report 2024) and 21st in the world (QS World University rankings 2025).

Northwestern University

A comprehensive research university set up in 1851, Northwestern University (also referred to as NU) is a private research university in Evanston, Illinois. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, NU is the oldest chartered university in Illinois.

Renowned for its ​​state-of-the-art infrastructure and rigorous academic atmosphere, Northwestern is a top university, especially when it comes to Engineering, Business and Management, and journalism. Composed of 11 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools, Northwestern is often compared to the Ivy League Universities.

Northwestern currently ranks 9th in the country according to the metrics published by US News and World Report and 50th in the world according to QS WUR. The university is also one of the founding members of the Big Ten Conference, the oldest NCAA Division I athletic conference in the US.

Key Statistics and Rankings

Here is a table comparing the key stats and ranks when it comes to Northwestern vs UChicago.

University of Chicago Northwestern
Campus Chicago, IL Evanston IL
Nickname Maroons Wildcats
Mascot Phil, the Phoenix Willie, the Wildcat
U.S. News National Rank 2024 12 9
QS World University Rank 2025 21 50
Undergraduate Student Body 7,653 Around 8,000 (full-time)
Graduate Student Body 10,870 Around 8,000 (full-time)
% of International Enrollment 24% 22%
Average Acceptance Rate ~ 5% ~ 7%
Student to Faculty Ratio 5:1 6:1
Number of Undergraduate Programs 53+ majors and 59+ minors 75+ majors and 75+ minors
Number of Graduate Programs 100+ multidisciplinary programs 155+
Research Expenditure Around $500 million Over $1 billion
Number of Athletic Teams 20 teams (Div III) 19 teams (Div I)
Number of Clubs and Student Organizations 450+ 500+
Colours Maroon Purple and White

Academic Comparison


A primary aspect of comparison in the debate asking ‘University of Chicago or Northwestern, which is better?’ is academics. Both are highly-ranked universities in the United States that offer undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees besides certificate courses and diplomas to their students. How do they stand apart from one another? Is UChicago better than Northwestern, or the other way around? Here’s a look.

Undergraduate Programs

Program Options and Focus Areas: Both NU and UChicago are highly sought after for their undergraduate programs. While U of C has 53+ majors to choose from, NU offers marginally more options, giving its students a choice of over 75 majors. Both universities offer a range of programs that covers varied disciplines including natural sciences, applied sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, business and management.

University of Chicago has a stronger reputation for its social sciences, business, and humanities programs than STEM. In contrast, Northwestern University fares better than U of C when it comes to media studies, biomedical sciences, and engineering degrees. Even though the difference is nominal, UChicago ranks higher than NU in most disciplines except for engineering, chemistry and a few other STEM centric programs. It is also important to note that UChicago does not have any traditional engineering programs, but only has one undergraduate major in molecular engineering.

Standardized Test Scores and Other Admission Criteria: Unlike the Ivies and other top colleges such as MIT, Stanford, and Caltech that require their applicants to submit standardized test scores, both Northwestern and UChicago continue to be test optional. ACT or SAT scores are not mandatory but will be considered if submitted. The median SAT range of admitted students at NU is typically around 1490 – 1550, while at U of C is around 1510- 1560. The average ACT scores in both schools is 34 – 35.

Considering their low acceptance rates and their highly competitive admission processes, the average high school GPA to be considered competitive is at least a 3.5 on a scale of 4. However, neither university has an official minimum requirement and evaluates each application individually.

Core Curriculum : At the undergraduate level, one of the key differences is their core curriculum. Northwestern has distribution requirements which are less stringent, allowing students to explore other areas of interest with more flexibility. In contrast, UChicago has a fixed, in-depth core curriculum that all undergraduates must complete. It includes gaining foundational knowledge in the disciplines of the arts, humanities, civilization studies, social sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, and language competency. Since almost all students take the same Core, discussions extend to groups across disciplines, enabling the formation of diverse networks for future collaborations and multidisciplinary research.

Class Sizes: Even when it comes to the undergraduate student population, both universities are fairly similar with each having about 8,000 undergrads. The difference in student to faculty ratio is also nominal, at 5:1 in UChicago and 6:1 at NU. About 76% of classes in both universities have fewer than 20 students.

Top Majors:

UChicago Northwestern
  • Econometrics/ Quantitative Economics
  • Mathematics
  • Biological Sciences
  • Computer Science
  • Public Policy
  • Sociology
  • Econometrics
  • Digital Communication
  • Psychology
  • Biological Sciences
  • Neuroscience
  • Performing Arts

Graduate Programs

Graduate Program Options: The general opinion online, and among the student community, is that Northwestern is a better option for undergraduate programs while UChicago is the better school for graduate studies, especially since most of its masters courses are oriented towards research and industry. While this is the general idea, both schools are essentially peers when it comes to academic standing and reputation. The University of Chicago ranks higher than Northwestern in most graduate disciplines also, besides engineering, chemistry, mathematics, education and journalism. U of C does not have a full fledged school of engineering like Northwestern and only offers degrees in Molecular Engineering.

Northwestern University has slightly more options when it comes to graduate studies, offering over 150 courses when compared to University of Chicago’s 100+. U of C’s graduate and professional programs, especially in the fields of business (Booth School of Business), law, mathematics, social sciences, and physics. They are renowned for their world class faculty members, quantitative emphasis, exceptional research facilities and a highly prestigious alumni network.

College Admissions: Admissions are highly competitive in both universities and therefore have high standards when it comes to eligibility requirements. The minimum admission criteria in both universities include a valid baccalaureate degree from a recognised university (GPA varies with departments), a strong application form with a well written Statement of Purpose (SOP), relevant work experience (for some courses), letters of recommendation (LORs) and English proficiency test scores (for international students).

When it comes to standardized tests, both the Booth and Kellogg Schools of Business and Management require students to submit GMAT/ GRE scores. While some of the other departments are officially test optional, these test scores will be considered, if submitted. It is recommended that applicants submit GRE/ GMAT scores, even if the school says it is optional.

Top Graduate Programs:

UChicago Northwestern
  • MBA
  • Business Analytics
  • Accounting
  • Law
  • Ecology
  • Computer Science
  • Economics
  • Paleontology
  • Industrial Organization
  • Mathematics
  • English Literature
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Business Analytics
  • Marketing
  • Education
  • Engineering Specializations
  • Law
  • Chemistry
  • Economics
  • Physical Therapy
  • Sociology

Overall, both Northwestern and UChicago are exceptional in their own way. As a student researching the two schools, it is important to go into the details of the program of your choice, delve into the curriculum, the professors, and the research opportunities made available before deciding which school is best suited for your career needs.

Overall and Subject Rankings

UChicago Northwestern
Overall National Rank (US News 2024): 12 Overall National Rank (US News 2024): 9
Times Higher Education WUR: 13 Times Higher Education WUR: 28
QS WUR 2025: 21 QS WUR 2025: 51
Subject and Other Ranking (Source: QS Global Subject Ranking)
  • #4 in Economics and Econometrics
  • #5 in Accounting and Finance
  • #6 in Anthropology
  • #9 in Social Sciences and Management
  • #9 in Sociology
  • #11 in Law and Legal Studies
  • #22 in Psychology
  • #53 in Life Sciences and Medicine
  • #56 in Computer Science
  • #129 in Engineering and Technology
  • #10 in Marketing
  • #15 in Economics and Econometrics
  • #16 in Chemistry
  • #17 in Business and Management
  • #17 in Communication, Media Studies
  • #27 in Psychology
  • #29 in Social Sciences and Management
  • #51 in Medicine
  • #62 in Engineering and Technology
  • #139 in Computer Science

Constituent Schools

The schools and colleges that constitute Northwestern are –

  • Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences
  • School of Communication
  • School of Education and Social Policy
  • McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science
  • Medill School of Journalism, Media and Integrated Marketing Communications
  • Bienen School of Music
  • Pritzker School of Law
  • Kellogg School of Management
  • Feinberg School of Medicine
  • School of Professional Studies

The University of Chicago is comprised of the following divisions –

  • Biological Sciences Division
  • Chicago Booth School of Business
  • Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice
  • Divinity School
  • Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies
  • Harris School of Public Policy
  • Humanities Division
  • Law School
  • Physical Sciences Division
  • Pritzker School of Medicine
  • Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering
  • Social Sciences Division

Research Opportunities

With both University of Chicago and Northwestern being premier R1 research universities, there are immense opportunities and state-of-the-art infrastructure made available for all students, from the undergraduate level in both the schools.

As a student of UChicago, you will have access to over 160 research centres and committees, and 6 libraries with over 12 million volumes. The university is known for its work in the field of molecular engineering, human rights, marine biology, race, politics and culture. Moreover, the University of Chicago Medical Centre is at the forefront when it comes to medical and genetics-based research.

The University of Chicago is one of only two universities in the nation to manage two U.S. Department of Energy National Labs—Argonne National Laboratory (A multidisciplinary science and engineering research centre) and Fermilab (Particle physics and accelerator laboratory). The university’s culture of research extends all the way to the bachelor’s level, wherein over 80% of bachelor’s students choose to engage in some form of research at the university.

With a budget of over $1 billion, Northwestern has 90 school-based research centres, and 35 university research centres and institutes that are designed for interdisciplinary and collaborative research. The NUIN (Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience) program, the Paula M Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy, the Centre for Synthetic Biology and the AI-based centres that work across disciplines ranging from journalism to astrophysics are some of the frontrunners, attracting pioneers and funding from all over the globe.

The university also has a vibrant entrepreneurial culture, managed by the University’s Innovation and New Ventures Office (INVO). This office helps manage the researcher’s intellectual property rights and help them turn their ideas into companies. Research opportunities and facilities are open even to undergraduates, right from the first year.

Key Dates for Application

In this section, we will be looking at the key dates for application and admission into undergraduate programs (Fall semester) to get a sense of the timeline. Graduate schools have a different timeline. It is also recommended that you verify with the specific department / school that you are applying to, just to ensure they do not follow a different cycle.

Important Dates University of Chicago Northwestern University
Early Action (EA) Deadline November 1 N.A.
Early Decision (ED) Deadline ED I – November 1
ED II – January 6
November 1
Regular Decision (RD) Deadline January 6 January 3
Financial Aid Application Deadline EA and ED I – November 15
ED II – January 15
RD – February 15
ED and RD – February 15
Decision Posted in EA and ED I – Mid December
ED II – Mid February
RD – Late March
ED – Mid December
RD – Early April
Deadline to accept offer of Regular admission EA – May 1
ED I – Mid January
ED II – Early March
RD – May 1
ED – February 1
RD – May 1
Average Acceptance Rate ~ 5% ~7%

Admission Options to be considered in the UChicago Northwestern debate:

  • UChicago gives 4 different admission pathways for its applicants while Northwestern gives only 2.
  • UChicago has an EA, 2EDs and a Regular Decision pathway. The EA is non-restrictive, which means you can apply to any other school at the same time. The difference between EA and ED is that EA is both non-restrictive and non-binding while ED is restrictive and binding. If selected through ED, you are obligated to attend UChicago.
  • Northwestern does not have an EA pathway but offers a binding ED option for students who want Northwestern as their first choice.
  • Both universities accept the Common Application and the Application Coalition with Scoir.
  • The application fee for both universities is $75.

Academic Calendar

Both schools follow a quarter system, where the academic year is divided into 4 quarters, with each term extending about 3 months. One of the biggest advantages of a quarter system is that it gives students more flexibility to choose courses and interact with more faculty members. However, the courses can get intensive, since the material is covered in a shorter duration.

Campus Life and Environment


Despite their relatively shared location, U of C and NU offer varied experiences to their students. Let us take a look at some of the other factors that can make a prospective student choose Northwestern or UChicago.

Location

If you are asking “How far is Northwestern from Chicago?”, it is about 15 miles, or a half an hour’s drive. So in terms of location, there is no cross-continental difference, besides the fact that UChicago is closer to downtown Chicago while Northwestern is located in Evanston, a suburb of the Greater Chicago area. So, for students who prefer a college experience away from the bustle of a big city, Northwestern offers everything, with Chicago being just a short drive away.

In terms of scenic location, NU is on the shores of Lake Michigan, providing numerous opportunities for adventurous activities. In contrast, U of C is located in the Hyde Park neighbourhood, a diverse and bustling area of Chicago city.

Campus Size and Facilities

UChicago: Spanning 217 acres in the Hyde Park neighbourhood, UChicago campus is known for its grassy quadrangles, the Botany Pond, ivy-covered Gothic buildings, modern buildings,  and hundred year old trees. Besides state-of-the-art research centres and academic facilities, the campus provides gyms, study areas, dining halls, and various recreational facilities for its students.

Besides the main campus in Hyde Park, the university also has centres in Beijing, Delhi, Hong Kong, Paris, London and Egypt.

Northwestern: NW has a sprawling campus in Everton spread over 240 acres, located on the banks of Lake Michigan. Lakes, gardens, lawns and an arboretum are integrated into the campus. Like their academics, their campus is also multidimensional, bringing together modern facilities with age old traditions.

Some of the student favourite spots include the Deering Meadow that overlooks a Gothic style building, the Shakespeare Garden, the Dearborn Observatory, and the Annenberg Hall that provides a panoramic view of the lake. The Everton campus also has a beach that students flock to on the days the sun is out.

In addition to Everton, the university also has a campus in downtown Chicago that houses its medical, dental, law, and business schools. The university also has an international campus in Doha’s Education City in Qatar offering undergraduate programs in Communication and Journalism.

Student Activities and Organizations

UChicago:
Despite being part of the NCAA Division I in the past, UChicago athletes today participate at the Division III athletic conference. Besides the rich history of the Chicago Maroons and their twenty varsity sports, the university also has over 1,000 intramural teams, nearly 40 club sports, and the state-of-the-art Ratner Athletics Centre.

In addition to athletics, UChicago enables over 450 clubs and organisations to participate in extracurricular activities, including improv groups, film societies, and student-run theatre groups. UChicago students also run 14 fraternities and 7 sororities, and varied volunteer groups.

Northwestern: The oldest Division I collegiate athletic conference is called the Big Ten and Northwestern is one of its founding members. The university has robust football and lacrosse programs from which athletes compete at the national level regularly. The university has 18 Division I teams. There are also top-notch facilities and athletic centres for students to use. The university mascot is Willie, the Wildcat.

Besides athletics, Northwestern is home to over 500 student organizations and clubs, numerous recreational facilities, cultural centres, and various events, making sure that the students experience a vibrant campus and gain a well-rounded university experience. Greek life is also an important part of campus life with over 40% of the student community involved in fraternities and sororities.

Overall, the general reputation is the Northwestern has a more traditional campus life with athletics, and more student activities while UChicago is known for being more academically oriented and “nerdy”.

Housing

UChicago: Seven residence halls offer students a variety of living options. Each hall takes on a unique culture while maintaining a sense of community. UChicago requires freshmen to live on campus for the first six years of their enrollment. About 61% of undergraduates live on campus.

Northwestern: Like with UChicago, NW also requires first and second year undergraduate students to live on campus. Incoming transfer students are also required to live on campus for their first year of study. It is the university’s initiative to support social and academic transitions. The housing options are as follows –

  • Residence Halls
  • Residence Colleges (the only difference between halls and colleges is that colleges have more faculty involvement than residence halls)
  • Special Interest Housing
  • All Gender Housing
  • Graduate Housing

Financial Aspects


Besides academics and campus life, the costs involved can also be an important deciding factor. With both University of Chicago and Northwestern being privately owned, the cost of tuition is typically more when compared to public universities. Besides, private universities do not offer subsidized tuition to in-state students.

That said, both schools also have highly inclusive financial aid programs. Here is a table that provides a general picture of the cost of studying in each of these universities.

Annual Rates U of C NW
Tuition (Bachelor’s) $67,446 Around $64,887
Tuition (Master’s, not including professional programs) $50,000 – $70,000 Around $65,000
MBA Tuition $84,198 Around $87,000
Housing (On-Campus) $20,109 for both food and housing $11,000 – $15,000
Food (Meal Plan) $6,000 – $9,000
Off-Campus Housing $17,502 $12,430 – $29,160
Types of Financial Aid 1. Scholarships
2. Grants
3.  Federal work Study
4. Loans
(Merit and need-based)
1. Scholarships
2. External aid
3. Federal aid
4. Work Study
5. Loans
(only need-based)
International student scholarships
  • Eligible for merit and need-based scholarships
  • Only need-based.
  • The full need of all admitted international students is met the same as it is for US students
Estimated average grant for an aid student $65,176 $62,898
Admission Decisions Need aware for international students Need aware for international students
Demonstrated Need Cover 100% 100% (Families with income less than $90,000 get about 93% aid)

Notes:
1. Tuition fee of both schools is calculated based on typical attendance during three quarters in an academic year. The fee is bound to increase should you also choose to take additional courses in the summer term.

2. The tuition fee amounts in this table are indicative figures and can vary depending on the choice of major and the number of credits per semester. They demonstrate only the cost of tuition. Additional expenses such as books, student organizations, and health insurance are not included.

3. A need-blind admission policy denotes that the university does not consider financial status while assessing a candidate. However, both schools have a need-aware policy for international candidates. It means that a request for financial aid or the amount requested can factor into your admission decision.

Career Prospects and Alumni Network


Considering the reputation of the two universities, and their extensive alumni networks,, there is no doubt that a graduate of these schools will have numerous opportunities of their choosing after graduation. The academic rigour and culture of research in these two universities create a pedigree that recruiters often compete to get for their organisations.

Employment Rates

Northwestern has a graduate employability rate of about 94% and due to the university’s reputation, the median salary is around $85,000. Students graduating from the Kellogg School of Management have broken records in 2023, reaching an all-time high median total compensation of $207,000, in a variety of industries.

Similarly, UChicago also has a high employability rate ranging from 92 – 97%, depending on the department. The average starting salary ranges between $55,000 and $90,000.

Notable Alumni

UChicago has over 180,000 living alums across the globe while Northwestern’s alumni network extends across a community of 260,000 people who are some of the brightest minds in science, technology and business.

If you are comparing Nobel Laureates as a mark of academic excellence, UChicago is associated with about 99 Nobel Prize Winners while 33 are associated with Northwestern. Did you know that celebrities including George RR Martin, David Schwimmer, and Seth Meyers were all alums of NU?

Other notable alumni of UChicago include Astronomer Carl Segan, Economist Milton Friedman, Author Susan Sontag, Political scientist Samuel Huntington and many others.

Career Services

From internships to employment opportunities, organisations and recruiters seek students and graduates of top notch institutions like UChicago and Northwestern. In both universities, the career centers for strategy and success assist their students to gain practical experience, build networks and communicate their aptitudes and skill sets to prospective employers. They also play an instrumental role in building leadership skills and specialised skills that are essential to a workplace.

In both universities, the career centre connects students to internship opportunities and prospective employers through seminars, job fairs, and numerous other on-campus events. Their goal is to clarify career aspirations, identify opportunities, and offer support at every stage of career development.

Conclusion



Deciding between UChicago and Northwestern involves considering various factors such as academic strengths, campus life, financial implications, and career prospects. Both universities offer unparalleled opportunities, but your decision should align with your personal and professional goals.
Considering their ranking, reputation, academic rigour and campus locations, they are more similar than different from one another. Here is a list of the key similarities and differences.

  • UChicago ranks higher than Northwestern in most disciplines other than engineering, chemistry, physics, and journalism.
  • Northwestern has a better reputation for undergraduate programs, and a more traditional university experience when compared to UChicago. The University of Chicago is better known for its graduate studies.
  • They are both private universities located in the Greater Chicago Area. While U of C is in the main city, NU is located in the Evanston suburb.
  • They are evenly matched when it comes to student population, class sizes, acceptance rates, and even campus sizes.
  • When it comes to athletics, Northwestern plays NCAA Division I while UChicago competes in the third division.
  • Northwestern’s location is replete with beautiful views of Lake Michigan while UChicago’s campus is in the Hyde Park neighborhood, known for its historic architecture, green spaces, and cultural institutions.

Considering their reputation, the ultimate call rests on whether the course curriculum and the learning outcomes meet your career plans. The most significant part of your research is to compare courses, syllabi, electives, faculty and research facilities of your preferred degree program, speak to current students, and then decide depending on which school better suits your needs.

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FAQs



Is Northwestern better than the University of Chicago?

If you are looking only at academics, then UChicago ranks higher than Northwestern University in almost all disciplines except engineering, chemistry and a few other science programs. However, NU is known for providing a more traditional, well rounded college experience, especially at the undergraduate level, when compared to UChicago.

Is UChicago a tier 1 school?

There is no official categorisation of US universities into various tiers. That said, in many ways, UChicago is comparable to the Ivies and is often deemed a Tier 1 school.

Is Northwestern expensive?

The annual tuition alone at Northwestern is around $65,000, before financial aid. This does not include costs of living, books, insurance, and other expenses.

Are Northwestern and UChicago rivals?

Considering their proximity, Northwestern and UChicago are academic rivals even though they have more similarities than differences. In the athletic field, NU competes in NCAA Division I while UChicago plays Division III.

Is UChicago part of the Ivy League?

No, UChicago is not one of the 8 universities that constitute the Ivy League. However, along with a few other universities such as MIT, Stanford, CalTech, Duke, and Johns Hopkins, UChicago is also considered a top university.

Why is UChicago so famous?

UChicago consistently ranks as one of the top universities, known for its academic excellence, rigour, and research infrastructure.

What major is Northwestern known for?

Northwestern is known for its courses in Economics and Econometrics, Digital Communication, Psychology, Biological Sciences, Neuroscience, and Performing Arts among other fields.

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