70%

Tuition is billed directly through the University bursar's office, click here to review important information regarding tuition benefits, payment plans, and payment options. Families are billed for incidental fees and charges separately from tuition via the FACTS system.

Some fees are included in the tuition figure

These fees cover: snacks, classroom materials, activities, gym, high school publications, college placement materials, yearly camps and retreats, and graduation, as appropriate by grade level. The University of Chicago Office of the Bursar manages Lab’s tuition payments.

Fees and items not included in the tuition figure

Items not included in Lab’s stated tuition and fees: textbooks, the purchase of gym clothes in Grades 5–12, musical instrument rental and accessories, and photography supplies. Additional fees may also be required for departmental activities, field trips, and Advanced Placement examinations. The total of these additional fees varies depending on your student’s grade level and participation in available school programs.

Optional fees

Optional fees include, but are not limited to, the following: Extended Day programs, World Language foreign exchange programs, some athletic equipment for intramural and extramural sports, cafeteria meal plans, and extracurricular club conferences and field trips (such as travel to Model United Nations or Debate competitions).

Families who need assistance paying for books and classroom supplies may email financialaid@ucls.uchicago.edu, or may call 773-702-9451 and speak to Irene Reed or Kerry Tulson. Families who have not already done so will be asked to complete a  FACTS application to determine demonstrated financial need. While Lab will make every effort to grant requested aid, support is contingent on the availability of funds and therefore cannot be guaranteed. Non-tuition items will be funded based on both demonstrated need, the type of expense, and the availability of funds.  

Financial Aid applications for the 2026–2027 school year are noW CLOSED. FAMILIES SEEKING EMERGENCY AID DUE TO A RECENT CHANGE OF CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD EMAIL FINANCIALAID@UCLS.UCHICAGO.EDU.

All families (both new applicants to Lab and current Lab families) who are seeking aid for the 2026–2027 academic year must complete the FACTS financial aid application, available beginning September 16. Please note, the need-based financial aid application process is distinct from the tuition benefit University employees may receive. 

The FACTS application has three components: 

1. The FACTS application itself, which includes questions and answers regarding income, expenses, assets and debts, and also allows you to provide a written summary of any extenuating circumstances. Due December 1, 2025
2. Submission of 2024 tax returns to FACTS. Due December 1, 2025
3. Submission of 2025 tax returns to FACTS. Due April 15, 2026

Returning students who submit on time will receive a provisional award in the spring.   

New students who are admitted on February 27 and have met the above deadlines will receive provisional financial aid decisions, which are contingent on the submission of 2025 taxes. 

Recruited faculty who are applying to Lab out of the normal application cycle may discuss tuition remission and financial aid options with the admissions office during the application process.

The organizations listed below may also assist with financial aid.

Please note that these organizations and services operate independently of the University of Chicago and the Laboratory Schools.

Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship, Grades 9–12
Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund, Grades 9–12
HFS Chicago Scholars, Grades 9–12
Horizons for Youth, Kindergarten–Grade 4
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, Grades 9–12
Malone Scholars Program, Grades 7–12