Chicago, IL
Founded in 1890
The University of Chicago (UChicago, Chicago, or U of C) is a private research university located in Chicago, Illinois. Its predecessor, the old University of Chicago, was established by the American Baptist Education Society but went bankrupt and closed in 1886. In 1890, with generous donations from oil tycoon John D. Rockefeller and land contributions from Marshall Field, the University of Chicago was reopened and quickly became a world-class institution in the early 20th century. Compared to universities like Harvard and Yale, the University of Chicago is relatively young, but due to its open-minded philosophy and integration of the Humboldtian and Newmanian university models, combined with the realities of American society, it developed a unique and exceptional organizational, research, and teaching philosophy that allowed it to become a leading university in the U.S. and globally in a short time, earning the title of "The First American University." The University of Chicago's broad educational vision and experimental spirit have cemented its significant position in American educational history. The university's scholarly contributions are equally noteworthy, with its faculty having established the renowned "Chicago School" in various disciplines. The university is made up of an undergraduate college as well as various graduate programs, including four departments, six professional schools, and one continuing education division. In addition to the arts and sciences, the University of Chicago is widely recognized for its professional schools, such as the Booth School of Business, the Law School, the School of Social Service Administration, the Harris School of Public Policy Studies, the Pritzker School of Medicine, and the Divinity School. The university's athletic teams are called the Maroons, with maroon as their official color. The University of Chicago has produced numerous influential scholars, including 89 Nobel Prize winners or affiliates, ranking fourth among all educational institutions globally.