Funding Your Education

The College of the University of Chicago allocated more than $66 million in merit- and need-based institutional grant and scholarship funds to undergraduates during the 2008-2009 academic year.

The University of Chicago is dedicated to making undergraduate education available to students from all backgrounds. We do this by providing a generous program of financial assistance to students and their families. Approximately 60% of University of Chicago students and families receive financial assistance in the form of need-based aid (such as our Odyssey Scholarships and the QuestBridge program) and/or merit scholarships. The level of institutional funds made available demonstrates a sincere commitment to reducing the barriers of cost to obtaining an education and to meeting the demonstrated need for all students and their families.

Costs of Attendance

Upperclass Students	On-Campus	Off-Campus
Tuition	38,550	38,550
Student Life Fee	831	831
Room & Board	11,697	9,697
Books/Personal Expenses	3,262	3,262
TOTAL	$54,340	$52,340

Additional Expenses for First-Year and Transfer Students	On-Campus	Off-Campus
One-time Student Records Fee	39	39
Orientation Fee	905	905
Orientation Housing Fee	285	285
TOTAL	$55,200	$53,200

This budget does not include nominal travel allowance.
If you are required to purchase the University’s health insurance, you will have to pay approximately $2,070 more than the total above for that coverage.
Add $2 to books and personal expenses for First-year/Transfer students’ costs to arrive at the total budget.
If you change your housing status, notify the Office of College Aid immediately.
For international students, there may be an additional charge of $165 for pre-orientation.

Paying Your Bills

All bills associated with your College tuition originate from the Bursar’s Office and are sent to your home address. If you need information on your tuition payment, billing dates, payment plans, or account balance, visit their website, or visit them on the first floor of the Administration Building. They close earlier then most offices – their walk-in hours are 9:00 am-3:00 pm weekdays. You can reach them by phone from 8am-4pm: 773-702-7086.

Finding Funding

Tuition, text books, pizza — it all adds up. In addition to college aid, students can find additional sources of financial support: loans, scholarships, and employment.

College Aid

Your financial aid headquarters. The FAQ page does a great job of addressing many of the questions you're likely to have about your financial aid process.

Apply for financial support »

Student Loan Administration

Student loans for College students are administered through the University Student Loan Administration. They also handle work study for students in the College, as well as loan counseling for federal student load recipients.

Follow the money »

Fellowships, Scholarships, and Research Opportunities

If you're looking for a research opportunity, a fellowship, or a scholarship, search our database for items that may be of use to you.

Search the FROGS database »

Student Employment

There are always jobs on offer on the Student Employment site — you’ll find the most offerings at the beginning of the school year, but there are also many to choose from other quarters (including summer). Jobs include both on- and off-campus positions, and work study and non work study can be found.

Look for on- or off-campus jobs »

Career Advising & Planning Services

CAPS can help you find a internship that offers an hourly wage or stipend, give you advice on landing a rewarding and lucrative summer job, and help you improve your interview skills so that you present your skills and accomplishments more effectively.

Take advantage of CAPS »