University Of Chicago Announces Free Tuition for Families Under $250,000
The University of Chicago will guarantee free tuition starting in Autumn Quarter 2027 for undergraduate students from families with annual income below $250,000 and typical assets. Paul Alivisatos said the university is deepening its commitment to affordability to help ensure that the brightest minds can join UChicago.
For families below $125,000, the College will also cover housing, meals and other fees. The university said the change is meant to improve predictability in financial support and reduce the complexity families face while weighing college costs.
Paul Alivisatos on UChicago aid
Alivisatos said, "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." He added, "By deepening our commitment to affordability, we are helping to ensure that the brightest minds can join us."
The university said it already provides undergraduate students with more than $225 million in annual financial aid, a figure that has doubled since 2011. It also said the College connects undergraduates with more than 5,000 paid internships annually.
James G. Nondorf's plan
James G. Nondorf said, "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." He said, "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."
The university said 99% of students complete a substantive internship or research experience during their time in the College. It also said 98% of students in the Class of 2025 received offers for employment, graduate school and other post-college opportunities.
Autumn Quarter 2027
The new policy builds on the university's stated commitment to meet the full financial need of admitted students with loan-free financial aid. It also comes as UChicago points to support for middle-income families, first-generation students, families in rural communities and students committed to public service.
For applicants, the immediate takeaway is straightforward: the tuition guarantee begins in Autumn Quarter 2027, while the broader package reaches housing, meals and other fees at the lower income threshold. Families considering UChicago will now have a clearer price structure before the 2027 entry cycle arrives.
