Facts

For over 100 years, the University of Chicago has offered its students a world-class education.

The First University of Chicago: In 1856, Judge Stephen A. Douglas offered 10 acres of land north of 35th Street and west of Cottage Grove Avenue for the first University of Chicago, which was founded in 1857. This first incarnation, not affiliated with the current University of Chicago lasted until 1886.

Incorporated: 1890 by the American Baptist Education Society and oil magnate John D. Rockefeller

Motto: Crescat scientia, vita excolatur (Let knowledge grow from more to more, and so be human life enriched.)

First Class: October 1, 1892 in the recently completed Cobb Hall

First President: William Rainey Harper (served 1891-1906)

Current President: Robert J. Zimmer

Color: Maroon

Nobel Laureates: 85 Nobel Prize winners have been faculty members, students, or researchers at the University, including 8 currently on staff

Campus and Location: 215-acre campus seven miles south of the main business district of Chicago. English Gothic architecture, designated a botanic garden in 1997

Hyde Park: a residential community of 43,000 in Chicago on the banks of Lake Michigan; home to more than 60% of the faculty

Faculty: 2,168 faculty and other academic personnel

Student Body:

  • 5,369 students in the College
  • 6,928 graduate, professional, and other students
  • 99% of first year students return
  • 15 Rhodes Scholarships since 2000

Snapshot of the Class of 2015

Courtesy of College Admissions

Regional Distribution

2015 Snapshot


School Type

School Type: Class of 2015


Gender Distribution

Gender Distribution: Class of 2015


Class of 2015:

  • Number Applied: 21,762
  • Number Admitted: 3,539
  • Number Attending: 1,411
  • 50% of SAT scored between 1420 and 1530
  • 50% of ACT takers scored between 31 and 34

Degrees: BA or BS in 50 majors; 29 minors

Top Seven Majors by Enrollment:

  • Economics
  • Biological Sciences
  • Political Science
  • Mathematics
  • English Language/Literature
  • Public Policy
  • Physics

Athletics:

Student Organizations include:


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