University of Chicago — Chicago, IL

Public Policy Analysis

at University of Chicago · Chicago, IL

Exceptional Value

Go for it

The Bottom Line

↑Grads earn about $51,165/yr starting out — that's 71% more than skipping college
⏱Takes about 3.8 years to earn back what you spent
$Students on financial aid pay about $18,967/yr after grants & scholarships (varies by family income) — $81,334 total with loan interest

Listed Price

$86,856/yr

Starting Salary

$51,165

Finish Rate

94.9%

Household Income

$86,856/yr

Full sticker price — tuition, housing, and fees before any aid

Students on financial aid pay $18,967/yr after grants & scholarships (saves $67,889/yr)

4 Years Total

$347,424

Typical Debt

$15,000

Interest You'd Owe

+$5,466

What You'd Really Pay

$81,334

That's about $171/month for 10 years after you graduate

You'd earn (with degree)$511,650

Without college$300,000

Total cost of degree$81,334

Pays for Itself In

3.8 yrs

Salary Boost

+71%

Ahead After 10 Years

$430,316

How We Scored This

Salary vs. Cost40/40

Do you earn enough to justify the price?

Payoff Speed22.4/25

How fast do you earn back what you spent?

Salary Boost9.4/20

How much more than skipping college?

Graduation Rate14.2/15

Will you actually finish?

Data from the U.S. Department of Education. Salaries are what recent grads typically earn — yours could be higher or lower.

Costs can change. These numbers don't adjust for where you live, and only cover students who used federal financial aid. Not financial advice.