Published tuition is $68,322, with a full cost of attendance of $91,250 a year. After aid, families pay between $1,764 and $48,777 depending on income.
| Household income | Net price a year | Share of the sticker price |
|---|---|---|
| Under $30,000 | $1,764 | 2% |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $6,099 | 7% |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $7,898 | 9% |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $18,282 | 20% |
| Over $110,000 | $48,777 | 53% |
Net price is the federal measure of what students actually pay: total cost of attendance minus the grant and scholarship aid they receive. It is the only cost figure worth comparing between universities — the published tuition above is a list price that most students never pay in full.
A high Pell share means the university enrols many lower-income students, and usually that its net price for those families is well below the sticker price. A high loan share means the gap between aid and cost is being filled with borrowing — the repayment record shows how that works out afterwards.
Grants and scholarships come off the price before you borrow anything. We list 1 tied to Northwestern University.
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| University | In-state | Out-of-state | Cost of attendance | Net price (under $30k) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Chicago | $70,662 | $70,662 | $90,360 | −$1,264 |
| Knox College | $57,903 | $57,903 | $68,134 | $17,134 |
| Illinois Wesleyan University | $57,704 | $57,704 | $70,700 | $17,732 |
| School of the Art Institute of Chicago | $56,420 | $56,420 | $75,625 | $43,798 |
| Lake Forest College | $56,402 | $56,402 | $70,655 | $19,605 |
| Loyola University Chicago | $53,710 | $53,710 | $67,408 | $28,992 |
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition and cost of attendance are as reported by the institution; net price is the average paid by students receiving federal aid, by household income band. Figures imported 28 Aug 2026.