How Big Is UChicago?
Is UChicago A Large Campus?
The University of Chicago is a private university that John D. Rockefeller founded in 1890. For more than a century, it has shaped higher education and the intellectual lives of undergraduates. Additionally, UChicago is well known for the unmatched resources it offers to its undergraduate students with three of the top professional schools in the country for law, business, and medicine.
To describe how big is UChicago, it is a 217-acre campus, along with six libraries with more than 11 million print volumes, over 160 research centers and institutes, world-class theaters, museums, and art centers.
The University is a leader in scientific research on a global scale and serves as a vital hub for quantum science and engineering innovation. The University runs the largest academic press in the country, a world-class medical center, and two significant national laboratories.
When you enroll at the University of Chicago, you join a campus community that is brimming with intellectual and social energy. The 48 Houses that makeup UChicago’s seven residence halls share rooms that are arranged around House common areas.
How big is UChicago’s residential house? The House typically have 80 students each, but they can have anywhere from 40 to 110 students, representing all four years of the College, all countries, and all fields of study. Traditions, a House Council, and resident staff are all unique to each House.
Students come together for cultural events, fundraising, intramural sports, and trips to the city center or through Chicago’s many neighborhoods during weekly House meetings, study breaks, and excursions. Dining on campus is an integral part of campus life at UChicago, and each House has a designated table in one of the university’s three dining halls.
You might still ponder “Is UChicago a large campus?”, the University of Chicago Library has access to more than 11 million printed and electronic books with its six locations across campus. The Art Institute of Chicago Library, the Chicago History Museum, Fermilab, the Field Museum of Natural History, and the Newberry Library are just a few of the local libraries, archives, and museums that the University Library can borrow materials from.
Additionally, UChicago has three museums, along with a number of other galleries and exhibits, are notable for their access to archival materials and the opportunities they provide for students to get involved in exhibition curation, docent work, and the archiving of materials.
With more than 400 registered student organizations and dozens of intramural, recreational, or varsity sports programs, students have access to a vibrant and diverse environment outside of the classroom. Just 20 minutes south of Chicago’s downtown, in the storied residential area of Hyde Park, is where you’ll find the University of Chicago. Through innovative co-curricular opportunities and a dedication to community service, students engage with the city of Chicago and its neighborhoods.
The University of Chicago continues to be a truly international institution, just as Chicago is a global city. They provide more than 60 faculty-led study abroad programs in more than 30 nations, including within their own facilities in Beijing, Hong Kong, Delhi, and Paris.
What Is the Area Around UChicago Like?
Students would always want to explore the “outside world” to destress. If you’re wondering “What is the area around UChicago like?”, Hyde Park is regarded as Chicago’s most diverse and vibrant neighborhood, at least on the South Side. It is home to the University of Chicago, one of the nation’s pioneering educational institutions.
Many refer to Hyde Park Chicago as “The Culture Coast” due to its vibrant arts and culture scene. Some characteristics that make Hyde Park a desirable neighborhood include its close proximity to downtown Chicago and the Lake of Michigan, a close-knit community, a sizable student population, and green spaces.
There are many things to do and enjoy in Hyde Park, including taking a stroll by the magnificent University of Chicago campus and homes of prominent Americans like Barrack Obama, taking a stroll along Lake Michigan, or taking a tour of the wonderful Museum of Science and Industry.
After relocating to Hyde Park, Chicago, you would love the neighborhood’s location. It is one of Chicago’s most coveted South Side neighborhoods and is only 7 miles from the city center. It indicates that it takes only 15 minutes to drive from downtown Chicago to the area.
On the South Side of Chicago, Hyde Park is situated on the edge of Lake Michigan. It helps explain why the region is so well-liked by tourists. The lovely beaches are just a short stroll away for locals. There are numerous ways to get from Hyde Park to other parts of the city, including by bus and train.
Green spaces, beaches, and attractions are a must-see. The University of Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry are without a doubt the two most popular attractions in Hyde Park.
The museum was a component of the “White City,” which, before it was demolished, was a marvel of architecture. Visitors are frequently astounded by its magnificent architecture. The largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere is the Museum of Science and Industry.
The green areas in Hyde Park are yet another appealing aspect. Parks of all sizes, including Nichols, Elm, Bixler, and Florence Stout, can be found nearby. Due to its proximity to Jackson Park to the east and Washington Park to the west, all surrounding streets are covered in vegetation. It’s a treat to stroll through Midway Plaza, one of Chicago’s largest parks that connects Washington Park and Jackson Park through Hyde Park.
Just go to 57th Street and Promontory Point if you want to spend quality time on a beach with your loved ones. Two of Chicago’s most well-known beaches are these two. They have clean water, ample parking, and are not as crowded as most other beaches. Hyde Park is just a short distance from both beaches.
To see more of how big is UChicago’s neighborhood, you’d also love to hang out at Hyde Park Chicago restaurants and shops like The Seminary Coop Bookstores, Jackson Bark, Doc Films, The Point, and Botany Pond. Around every corner, there are eateries serving cuisines from around the world. Walk into any of the restaurants or bars that are located along E 56th Street, E 55th Street, E 53rd Street, E 57th Street, South Lake Park Avenue, East Harper Court, South Blackstone Avenue, or Easy Hyde Park Boulevard.
Although Hyde Park isn’t known for its vibrant nightlife, there are a few spots where you can hang out with friends or family on well-known streets like 53rd Street.Restaurants and shopping centers abound in Hyde Park. Bookstores are particularly well-known in the area. Artisans 21, the Freehling Pot and Pan Company, the Fair Trader, the Hyde Park Shopping Center, Harper Foods and University Market, Village Foods, Hyde Park Produce and Farmers Market are a few additional places to shop for a variety of goods, from handicrafts to groceries and furniture.
How Many People Apply to UChicago in A Year?
Over the past ten years, the average number of applicants has been 31,157, the average number of admissions has been 2,513, and the average number of students enrolled has been 1,653. At the University of Chicago, there were 3,624 more applicants than the year before, an increase of 10.55 percent.
The following table will help us answer “How many people apply to UChicago in a year?”. It displays variations on how big is UChicago’s admissions over the past decade:
| Year | Applicants | Admitted | Enrolled |
| 2020-21 | 34,350 | 2,510 | 1,847 |
| 2019-20 | 34,641 | 2,137 | 1,726 |
| 2018-19 | 32,283 | 2,345 | 1,805 |
| 2017-18 | 27,694 | 2,419 | 1,736 |
| 2016-17 | 31,484 | 2,499 | 1,591 |
| 2015-16 | 30,069 | 2,521 | 1,537 |
| 2014-15 | 27,500 | 2,409 | 1,445 |
| 2013-14 | 30,304 | 2,670 | 1,426 |
| 2012-13 | 25,271 | 3,340 | 1,527 |
What Is Uchicago’s Acceptance Rate?
After discussing the number of applications, the students’ next question would be “What is UChicago’s acceptance rate?” The class of 2026 at the University of Chicago had the lowest acceptance rate, at 5%. This is less than the acceptance rates at Cornell (6.9%) and Dartmouth (6.24%). In comparison to the Class of 2024, the acceptance rate for the Class of 2025 was 6.48 percent, or.83 percentage points lower.
Just under 38,000 applications were submitted for the Class of 2025, which represents an increase of almost 3,600 applicants over the 34,372 applicants for the Class of 2024.
The average SAT score for the Class of 2025 was 1535. The University of Chicago has always been score-focused, but now that they are boasting about it, prospective students should pay attention. Of course, AP scores and reported ACT/SAT scores both matter.
| Class | Total Accepted Applications | Total Received Applications | Total Admissions Acceptance Rate |
| 2025 | 2,460 | 37,977 | 6.48% |
| 2024 | 2,511 | 34,372 | 7.31% |
| 2023 | 2,065 | 34,900 | 5.92% |
| 2022 | 2,329 | 32,291 | 7.21% |
| 2021 | 2,419 | 27,694 | 8.73% |
| 2020 | 2,499 | 31,484 | 7.94% |
What Is the Average Class Size At UChicago?
Every undergraduate classroom experience at the university exemplifies the dedication to close interactions between students and faculty in small, discussion-style seminars because the university maintains a student-faculty ratio of 5:1. The answer to the query “What is the average class size at UChicago” is influenced by the Core Curriculum.
The Core is unique in that it uses discussion-based primary texts to teach students in small, Socratic classes with a maximum enrollment of 19 students. It consists of eight courses that all students, regardless of major, must take.
A student has a lot of freedom in how they complete the Core curriculum, which takes up the first third of their time in college. Although no two students in the College take the same classes, they all study the same fields and take on the same intellectual challenges, giving them a common vocabulary of concepts and common analytical and argumentation skills.
It offers a common, unifying experience for all college students, as well as preparation for any major and lifelong mental habits.
How Many Majors Does Uchicago Have?
How many majors does UChicago have? There are 53 majors, and 59 minors, as well as numerous areas of specialized study and pre-professional preparation, that are part of the UChicago undergraduate experience and complement the breadth of the Core curriculum.
Academic Divisions
University of Chicago’s Programs
| Anthropology, BA |
| Architectural Studies |
| Art History, BA |
| Astronomy and Astrophysics, BA, BS |
| Big Problems |
| Biological Chemistry, BS, MS |
| Biological Sciences, BA, BS Specializations available in:
|
| Business |
| Chemistry, BA, BS, BS/MS |
| Chicago Studies |
| Cinema and Media Studies, BA |
| Classical Studies, BA Program variants include:
|
| Clinical and Translational Science |
| Comparative Human Development, BA |
| Comparative Literature, BA |
| Comparative Race and Ethnic Studies, BA Specializations available in:
|
| Computational and Applied Mathematics, BS |
| Computational Analysis and Public Policy, BA/MS |
| Computational Neuroscience |
| Computational Social Science, BA/MA |
| Computer Science, BA, BS, BA/MS, BS/MS |
| Creative Writing, BA |
| Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, BA/MA |
| Data Science |
| Digital Studies of Language, Culture, and History, BA/MA |
| East Asian Languages and Civilizations, BA Areas of study include:
|
| Economics, BA Specializations available in:
|
| Education Professions |
| Education and Teaching Certification, BA/MAT |
| Education and Society |
| English and Creative Writing |
| English Language and Literature, BA |
| Entrepreneurship |
| Environmental Science, BS |
| Environmental and Urban Studies, BA |
| Fundamentals: Issues and Texts, BA |
| Gender and Sexuality Studies, BA |
| Geographical Sciences, BA |
| Geographic Information Science |
| Geophysical Sciences, BA, BS |
| Germanic Studies, BA Areas of study include:
|
| Global Studies, BA |
| Health Professions |
| Health and Society |
| History, BA |
| History, Philosophy, and Social Studies of Science and Medicine (HIPS), BA |
| Humanities, BA/MA |
| Human Rights |
| Inequality, Social Problems, and Change |
| Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities, BA |
| International Relations, BA/MA |
| Jewish Studies, BA |
| Journalism, Arts, and Media |
| Latin American and Caribbean Studies |
| Law |
| Law, Letters, and Society, BA |
| Linguistics, BA Areas of study include:
|
| Mathematics, BA, BS, BA/MS, BS/MS |
| Media Arts and Design |
| Medieval Studies, BA |
| Middle Eastern Studies, BA/MA |
| Molecular Engineering, BS Areas of study include:
|
| Molecular Engineering Technology and Innovation |
| Music, BA |
| Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, BA Specializations available in:
|
| Neuroscience, BA, BS |
| Norwegian Studies |
| Philosophy, BA Variants include:
|
| Physics, BA |
| Political Science, BA |
| Psychology, BA |
| Public Policy and Service |
| Public Policy Studies, BA, BA/MPP |
| Religious Studies, BA |
| Romance Languages and Literature, BA Areas of study include:
|
| Russian and East European Studies, BA Areas of study include:
|
| Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math |
| Social Sciences, BA/MA |
| Sociology, BA |
| South Asian Languages and Civilizations, BA Areas of study include:
|
| Statistics, BA, BS, BA/MS, BS/MS |
| Theater and Performance Studies, BA |
| Tutorial Studies, BA |
| Visual Arts, BA |
Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, Mathematics (General), Biology/Biological Sciences (General), Public Policy Analysis (General), Political Science and Government, General, Computer Science, Experimental Psychology, Statistics (General), Philosophy, and Physics (General) are the most sought-after majors at the University of Chicago. A measure of student satisfaction is the average freshman retention rate, which is 99 percent.
Ten most popular majors for UChicago 2020 Graduates:
| Econometrics and Quantitative Economics – 21% |
| Mathematics (General) – 8% |
| Biology/Biological Sciences (General) – 7% |
| Public Policy Analysis (General) – 6% |
| Political Science and Government (General) – 5% |
| Computer Science – 5% |
| Experimental Psychology – 4% |
| Statistics (General) – 4% |
| Philosophy – 4% |
| Physics (General) – 3% |
Academics, majors, sports, college towns, and campus size are just a few of the many considerations you should make when choosing a college. The number of students attending your university—small, medium, or large—will have an impact on your college experience. The student population is unquestionably something to take into account when comparing schools, from the campus to daily life to the classroom experience.
If you’re constantly worrying about “How big is UChicago’s pool of applicants?”, it’s time you should consider consulting experts. At AdmissionSight, we have over 10 years of experience guiding students through the competitive admissions process to get accepted to the top universities in the world.
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