The University of Chicago

An educational ideal

Chartered in 1890, the University of Chicago has approximately 6,800 undergraduates that comprise a community of exceptional student scholars who chose UChicago for its rigorous liberal arts curriculum, small discussion-style seminars, and 5:1 student-faculty ratio. The University prepares students for challenging careers and competitive graduate schools through professional and recreational opportunities on campus and in Chicago.

An educational ideal
Focused on careful reading, analytical writing, and critical thinking, UChicago’s Core Curriculum is the perfect foundation for any major—and for all future endeavors. With over 50 majors and more than 40 minors, students can double-major, create their own, or explore interdisciplinary opportunities. Undergraduates choose electives from more than 3,000 offered courses at the University each year, and over 40% study abroad through nearly 60 faculty-designed and taught programs. 

UChicago sponsors a wealth of undergraduate research opportunities in programs ranging from Economics and Psychology to Astrophysics and Sociology. More than 160 institutes and centers provide a home for true innovation. Our new Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering provides a unique opportunity to pursue molecular-level science in both an academic and research context.

Campus life
The residential housing system is a vital element of the University’s community. Modeled after the British house system, our 39 undergraduate houses eat together at shared dining tables, explore Chicago at sporting and cultural events, and compete against each other in intramural sports. Each student is guaranteed housing for four years, and though it’s only required for first- and second-year students, many upperclassmen remain to enjoy the houses’ perennial traditions. 

Undergraduates actively participate in more than 400 student organizations encompassing athletics, the arts, community service, and Greek life. Varsity teams compete at the NCAA Division III level, and more than 70% of the student body participates in UChicago’s extensive intramural and club sports programs.