Head-to-head · 2026
College of DuPage vs University of Chicago
Compare average net price ($7,401 at College of DuPage; $14,860 at University of Chicago), ROI score (15.85 vs 15.46), ten-year median earnings ($46,909 vs $91,885), and admissions context (Open / not reported at College of DuPage; 4.5% at University of Chicago) using federal College Scorecard data. College of DuPage has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. College of DuPage leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | College of DuPage | University of Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 15.85 ✓ | 15.46 |
| Avg net price | $7,401 ✓ | $14,860 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $46,909 | $91,885 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 4.5% |
| Graduation rate | 25.2% | 95.9% ✓ |
| Median debt | $10,410 ✓ | $15,000 |
| Enrollment | 16,114 | 7,569 |
| Ownership | Public | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | — | 1554 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Chicago costs $7,459 more per year than College of DuPage ($14,860 vs $7,401). University of Chicago graduates report $44,976 higher median earnings after ten years ($91,885 vs $46,909). On EduGradify's model that puts College of DuPage ahead on projected ROI (15.85 vs 15.46, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (College of DuPage) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, University of Chicago reports 4.5% acceptance; College of DuPage does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
College of DuPage vs University of Chicago, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is College of DuPage or University of Chicago the better value?
College of DuPage has the higher EduGradify ROI score (15.85 vs 15.46), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
College of DuPage is cheaper — average net price $7,401 per year vs $14,860 at University of Chicago. The annual difference of $7,459 adds up to about $29,836 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Chicago reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $91,885 vs $46,909 at College of DuPage. The annual gap in the federal data is $44,976.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. College of DuPage reports a A value grade; University of Chicago reports A.