University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
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- Type
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- Student:Faculty
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- Setting
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- Graduation Rate
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- Retention Rate
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- Tuition (In-State)
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- Tuition (Int'l)
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Student Life & Environment
Life at Harris reflects the intensity and intellectual rigor characteristic of the University of Chicago. Students arrive prepared for demanding coursework and quickly discover that their classmates' diverse backgrounds and perspectives contribute as much to their education as formal instruction. The cohort model, particularly in the MPP program, creates close-knit communities that often persist throughout careers. The Harris building at 1155 East 60th Street provides the physical center of student life. The modern facility includes classrooms, study spaces, student lounges, and the Harris Cafe where informal conversations continue classroom discussions. Most students spend long hours in the building, particularly during the intensity of the core year when heavy problem sets and group projects demand extensive collaboration. Housing options include university graduate housing and apartments in nearby Hyde Park neighborhoods. The Hyde Park area surrounding the university offers an urban village atmosphere within Chicago, with restaurants, cafes, bookshops, and cultural institutions accessible on foot. However, the neighborhood's isolation from downtown Chicago means students seeking urban entertainment face thirty-minute transit rides. Student organizations cover policy interests from international development to urban planning, hosting speakers, organizing career treks, and building community around shared concerns. The annual Harris Public Policy Forum brings hundreds of participants to campus for a student-organized conference on policy issues. Social activities include regular happy hours, intramural sports, and informal gatherings that provide relief from academic intensity. Diversity at Harris continues improving though work remains. International students comprise approximately 40% of the MPP class, bringing global perspectives to policy discussions. The school actively recruits students from underrepresented domestic backgrounds and provides support through affinity groups and mentorship programs. Students generally report a collaborative rather than competitive environment, though the demanding workload creates stress that the school's wellness resources help address.
Location & Surroundings
Harris School occupies the University of Chicago's Hyde Park campus on Chicago's South Side, approximately seven miles south of the downtown Loop. This location places students in one of America's great cities while maintaining the intellectual intensity of a campus-based academic environment. Hyde Park functions as a university-dominated neighborhood with the amenities this implies: bookshops, cafes, ethnic restaurants, and cultural institutions catering to academic tastes. The neighborhood is notably more diverse than typical university surroundings, reflecting its South Side location. Students can walk to campus, local shops, and the lakefront parks along Lake Michigan. Connection to Chicago's broader policy ecosystem provides significant educational value. Students intern with city and state government agencies, major foundations headquartered in Chicago, and the numerous policy organizations and nonprofits active in addressing urban challenges. The proximity to actual policy implementation grounds theoretical learning in real-world complexity. Transportation from Hyde Park requires planning. The Metra commuter rail and CTA bus routes connect to downtown, but service frequency means transit time to the Loop typically exceeds 30 minutes. Most students find a car unnecessary for campus life but beneficial for accessing Chicago's neighborhoods and airports. Parking on campus is available but adds cost. Chicago's climate presents extremes that prospective students should understand. Winters are genuinely cold, with temperatures frequently below freezing from December through February and wind chill factors that can be dangerous. Summers are warm and humid. Spring and fall provide pleasant weather but brief windows. The climate limits outdoor activity during winter months but the city offers extensive indoor cultural, entertainment, and dining options.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition for the MPP program at Harris currently exceeds $60,000 annually, with total cost of attendance including living expenses approaching $90,000 per year for two years of study. These costs reflect University of Chicago's position as a highly-resourced private institution, though they significantly exceed public policy school alternatives at state universities. Financial aid availability helps offset these costs for many students. Merit scholarships ranging from partial to full tuition are awarded based on application strength, with no separate application required. Need-based aid provides additional support for students demonstrating financial need. Approximately 90% of students receive some form of financial assistance. Despite aid availability, many students still borrow significantly, with debt levels varying widely based on family resources and scholarship awards. Career outcomes demonstrate strong return on the educational investment. Starting salaries for MPP graduates average approximately $70,000, with significant variation based on sector and position. Government and nonprofit salaries tend toward lower end, while consulting and private sector policy roles command premiums. Five years post-graduation, Harris alumni report median salaries exceeding $90,000. The Harris career development team provides intensive support including one-on-one advising, resume workshops, interview preparation, and networking events. Employer information sessions bring organizations to campus throughout the year. The annual Policy Forum connects students with alumni and employers nationally. Common employers for Harris graduates include federal agencies such as the Treasury Department, Office of Management and Budget, and Government Accountability Office; consulting firms including McKinsey, BCG, and specialized public sector consultancies; international organizations like the World Bank and United Nations agencies; major foundations; and state and local governments. The Chicago location provides particular strength in connecting students with Midwest opportunities, though graduates disperse nationally and internationally. For students pursuing academic careers, the doctoral program provides training leading to faculty positions at research universities. Harris doctoral graduates hold positions at peer institutions including Columbia, Georgetown, and numerous excellent state universities. The rigorous quantitative training transfers well to economics and political science departments as well as policy schools.
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