Overview
The University of Chicago is a private research university in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1890, its main campus is located in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood. It enrolled 16,445 students in Fall 2019, including 6,286 undergraduates and 10,159 graduate students.
We empower individuals to challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of original ideas. Students in the College develop critical, analytic, and writing skills in our rigorous, interdisciplinary core curriculum
Since 1890, the University of Chicago’s singular focus on inquiry has made it a model for modern institutions of higher education and research.
Across numerous departments and disciplines, as well as over 150 institutes and centers, the UChicago community advances ideas and innovations that enrich human life. The University’s culture of inquiry thrives on intellectual rigor, diverse perspectives, extensive civic and research partnerships, and ever-broadening global reach.
UChicago breakthroughs transform the way we live and the way we think. Members of our community have pioneered sociology scholarship, introduced hormonal cancer treatment, proposed the existence of black holes, discovered new dinosaur species, changed the face of economics, improved graduation rates in American cities, and the list goes on. Tracing such breakthroughs from decade to decade, the timeline above provides a sampling of how UChicago scholars have made a lasting impact on our world.
At the University of Chicago, students learn not what to think, but how. In an atmosphere of free and open inquiry, students and professors debate, collaborate, and investigate while challenging assumptions—and one another. Rooted in rigorous inquiry, UChicago’s unique education transforms individuals, preparing and empowering them to make a positive impact on the world.
With over 11 million volumes, the University of Chicago Library is the tenth largest research library in North America.
Campus and Student Life is dedicated to helping students, staff, and faculty experience university life at its fullest. We have a profound commitment to the diversity of our community and are focused on creating an environment where you can thrive. Through our wide array of programs and services, we provide opportunities and experiences that build community, help you grow personally and professionally, and create a place that you can call home now and throughout your life. There are more than 450 Recognized Student Organizations.
At UChicago, our student athletes are scholars who focus on academics while excelling beyond the classroom walls. An NCAA Division III school, UChicago has a proud history of competitive athletics, and some of our favorite traditions come from rivalries with peer schools.