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College comparison
Brown vs UChicago
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Brown Providence, RI |  UChicago Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateUniversity of Chicago is more selective | 5% | 4% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1510–1580 | 1510–1580 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 7,226 | 7,569 |
| Avg net price | $25,184 | $14,860 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Brown reports higher median earnings | $93,487 | $91,885 |
| Graduation rate | 96% | 96% |
| Median debt | $11,428 | $15,000 |
| Economic mobility | 1.5% | 1.9% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Brown vs UChicago: how they compare
Two elite, urban universities where outcomes converge but academic philosophy and campus culture diverge sharply.
By the numbers Both are exceptionally selective, with nearly identical SAT ranges (1510–1580) and graduation rates (96%). Chicago is slightly more selective (4% vs. 5% acceptance) and exhibits higher admit-rate volatility (56% vs. 48%). Financially, Chicago offers a significantly lower avg net price ($15k vs. $25k) and, consequently, a higher value multiplier (6.2× vs. 3.7×) of lifetime earnings per dollar of net price. Chicago also boasts a higher economic-mobility rate (194% vs. 155%) and a stronger future-scholar yield (12 vs. 8.4) for students pursuing Science & Engineering PhDs. Post-graduation, median earnings are essentially equal ($92k vs. $93k).
Where they overlap Both are prestigious, residential universities in city settings with stellar graduation rates and strong long-term earnings outcomes. They attract intensely bright, curious students.
How they differ The core distinction is pedagogical. Brown’s Open Curriculum imposes no general education requirements, promoting student-directed, exploratory learning within an undergraduate culture often described as less formal and more self-directed. The University of Chicago is defined by its rigorous, structured Core Curriculum, fostering deep intellectual engagement and a reputation for academic intensity, though recent reports suggest its social scene is evolving from its historically "where fun goes to die" stereotype.
Who each suits Brown suits the independent, self-motivated student who values academic freedom and a culture where exploration is paramount. Chicago is for the student who thrives on structured rigor, debate, and a community deeply passionate about theoretical inquiry.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Brown University or University of Chicago harder to get into?
- University of Chicago is more selective: Brown University's acceptance rate is approximately 5% and University of Chicago's is approximately 4% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Brown University vs University of Chicago?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1510–1580 at Brown University and 1510–1580 at University of Chicago. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.