UChicago will offer free tuition for families with incomes below $250,000, greatly expanding undergraduate aid
Reinforcing the University of Chicago’s commitment to providing an education that is transformative and affordable, UChicago is launching an initiative that will guarantee free tuition starting in Autumn Quarter 2027 for undergraduate students from families that have annual income less than $250,000, with typical assets. The College will also provide free housing and meals and other fees for students from families with income less than $125,000, with typical assets.
The announcement is an affirmation of the University’s core belief that costs should not prevent a student from joining UChicago’s community of extraordinary scholars.
Since its founding in 1890, UChicago has been defined by distinctive principles, including a commitment to free expression and rigorous inquiry, the power of education to improve lives, and the importance of bringing together students with a cross-section of life perspectives. Defined by the influential Core curriculum, a UChicago education teaches students how to think, not what to think. The breadth of the student experience at UChicago includes wide-ranging study abroad programs, hundreds of recognized student organizations, research opportunities with world-class faculty, and a campus culture that fosters fearless questioning and discussion across differences. UChicago is continuing to build on these strengths and expand opportunities and financial support for middle-income families, first-generation students, families in rural communities, and those committed to public service, preparing all students to become leaders, thinkers, and innovators in the fields of their choice.
UChicago is a national leader in preparing College students for success after graduation, showing the deep value of a UChicago education. The College connects undergraduates with more than 5,000 paid internships annually—far more than most peers—and 99% of students complete a substantive internship or research experience during their time in the College. Among Class of 2025 students, 98% received offers for employment, graduate school, and other post-college opportunities.
“The University of Chicago is proud to sponsor a learning environment characterized by intellectual curiosity, ambition, and rigor, to shape the next generation of great thinkers whose ideas will benefit the American people and the broader world,” said President Paul Alivisatos. “By deepening our commitment to affordability, we are helping to ensure that the brightest minds can join us.”
Enhancing predictability, clarity of aid
In addition to expanding the aid available to middle-income families, the new initiative is designed to improve the predictability of financial support and reduce complexity for families navigating their options.
“At a time when many families are uncertain about what the cost of college means for them, we created this initiative to radically expand and simplify our support for students,” said James G. Nondorf, Vice President for Enrollment and Student Advancement and Dean of College Admissions and Financial Aid. “This initiative will increase predictability and allow students and their families to focus on what’s important: their love of learning, and preparation for meaningful and rewarding lives after graduation.”
Providing comprehensive support
The announcement builds on UChicago’s commitment to meet the full financial need of those admitted, with loan-free financial aid. The University provides undergraduate students with more than $225 million in annual financial aid—a figure that has doubled since 2011 and will further increase with this initiative. The average financial aid package for undergraduate students at UChicago is more than $75,000.
Since 2007, a set of initiatives have helped support UChicago students of all socioeconomic backgrounds, including support for a wide range of American families, enabling students to benefit from UChicago’s distinctive educational environment and pursue rewarding careers. In addition, every first-generation student in the College receives a First Phoenix Scholarship, a paid internship, and ongoing mentorship and peer networking.
UChicago has become known for peer-leading outreach to rural students from a wide variety of backgrounds, including serving as headquarters of the national STARS College Network (Small Town and Rural Students). UChicago also has shown national leadership in expanding support for veterans, and is ranked the top college for veterans.
—Learn more about affordability and outcomes at UChicago at this website.
