University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has an acceptance rate of 15.3%, annual tuition of $8,994, average net price of $11,655, and a national rank of #42 (Grade A+), with a 91.2% six-year graduation rate, about 20,752 undergraduates, and median earnings of $57,057 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a public university in Chapel Hill, NC. Students most often pursue Business Administration, Management and Operations and Computer Science.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, and 96.6% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 22.4%, roughly 62.9 points below typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for motivated learners who want a competitive yet collaborative community.
Who is University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduates 91.2% of students within six years and keeps 96.6% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $8,994 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,290 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $13,804 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,932 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $26,055 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 20.0% of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Low-income families pay less than $2,004 annually, while high-income families pay $24,396. Use University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $16,415/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $24,396/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $57,057
- 10-Year Median Earnings $57,057
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $12,989
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 80.6%
- Employment Rate 86.9%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduates earn $57,057 median, the 22.4% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 690-750
- SAT Math 700-780
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 28-34
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 20,752
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 96.6%
- Graduation Rate 91.2%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 15:1
How to Get Into University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 15.3%, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is highly selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's 15.3% acceptance rate makes it highly selective. Strong test scores, GPA, and a well-rounded application are essential. Early application can improve your chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1390 and 1530 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill undergraduates. Communication and Media Studies, Biology, General, and Psychology, General draw the most students.
- Communication and Media Studies 9.5%
- Biology, General 8.7%
- Psychology, General 7.6%
- Economics 6.5%
- Computer Science 6.0%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 5.7%
See more majors
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 5.5%
- Political Science and Government 5.4%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations $125,645
- 2. Computer Science $124,977
- 3. Applied Mathematics $117,954
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Information Science/Studies $102,438
- 5. Mathematics $101,719
- 6. Economics $96,785
- 7. Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution $78,097
- 8. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $77,041
- 9. Political Science and Government $71,082
- 10. Biomedical/Medical Engineering $70,561
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Dentistry (First Professional Degree) $187,283
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $185,724
- 3. Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies (Master's Degree) $176,802
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Medicine (First Professional Degree) $173,217
- 5. Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Master's Degree) $164,864
- 6. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Master's Degree) $142,689
- 7. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree) $135,580
- 8. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Doctoral Degree) $129,472
- 9. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $109,461
- 10. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $105,700
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations grads earn $125,645—78% more than Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($70,561). Graduate: Dentistry programs lead with $187,283 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree, 806 graduates)
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 598 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 545 graduates)
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 409 graduates)
- Computer Science (Bachelor's Degree, 379 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (49 programs)â–¼
- Communication and Media Studies
- Biology, General
- Economics
- Computer Science
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Political Science and Government
- Area Studies
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Public Policy Analysis
- Chemistry
- History
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- English Language and Literature, General
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- Applied Mathematics
- Mathematics
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Sociology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Information Science/Studies
- Philosophy
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Anthropology
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Physics
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Music
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Dental Support Services and Allied Professions
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Geography and Cartography
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Public Health
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Journalism
- Archeology
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Physical Sciences, Other
- Statistics
- Behavioral Sciences
Online Master's Degrees (58 programs)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Public Health
- Social Work
- Library Science and Administration
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Nutrition Sciences
- Communication and Media Studies
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Political Science and Government
- Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Statistics
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Computer Science
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Sociology
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- International/Global Studies
- Education, Other
- Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
- History
- Philosophy
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Chemistry
- Economics
- Physics
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Geography and Cartography
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- English Language and Literature, General
- Mathematics
- Materials Sciences
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Area Studies
- Anthropology
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Public Policy Analysis
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Music
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Movement and Mind-Body Therapies and Education
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Genetics
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Biology, General
- Behavioral Sciences
Online Doctoral Degrees (52 programs)â–¼
- Chemistry
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Computer Science
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Genetics
- English Language and Literature, General
- Education, General
- History
- Physics
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Public Health
- Movement and Mind-Body Therapies and Education
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Biology, General
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Communication and Media Studies
- Sociology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Nutrition Sciences
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Mathematics
- Information Science/Studies
- Statistics
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Public Policy Analysis
- Political Science and Government
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Philosophy
- Geography and Cartography
- Economics
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Anthropology
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Social Work
- Materials Sciences
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Music
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Area Studies
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
- Behavioral Sciences
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (3 programs)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Educational Administration and Supervision
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (3 programs)â–¼
- Dental Support Services and Allied Professions
- Communication and Media Studies
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
Online First Professional Degrees (5 programs)â–¼
- Law
- Medicine
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Dentistry
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 20,752
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 39.2%
- Female Students 60.8%
- Caucasian 53.2%
- Asian 16.0%
- Hispanic 9.7%
- Black 7.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 20.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Women make up 60.8% of undergraduates. About 20.0% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill delivers an 22.4% ROI that outpaces most private institutions while maintaining competitive admissions standards. Ranked #42 nationally, this flagship combines research university resources with public accessibility.
Impressive 91.2% six-year graduation rate and $57,057 median earnings demonstrate strong outcomes. The $11,655 annual net price provides significant savings versus private alternatives, with 96.6% retention reflecting student satisfaction.
Public University Value: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Competitive Position
EDsmart Grade: A+ | National Rank: #42 of 6101 | 97.9/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total)
Value Proposition: At $11,655 annually, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill costs 50-70% less than comparable private universities while delivering similar career outcomes. The 22.4% ROI reflects strong earning potential ($57,057 median) relative to total degree cost—a hallmark of top public universities.
Best For: In-state students benefit from additional tuition savings. Students in STEM, engineering, business, and pre-med programs access research opportunities and industry connections rivaling elite privates. Value-conscious families seeking prestige without private school premiums find ideal balance here.
Trade-offs: Larger class sizes and less personalized attention than small liberal arts colleges. Out-of-state students pay higher rates but still typically save versus private alternatives. Career services and networking, while strong, may not match elite private school alumni networks in certain fields like investment banking.
Competitive Context: Among our dataset, 101 institutions achieve higher ROI scores, though many sacrifice academic quality or student experience. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill balances strong outcomes with reasonable costs—the definition of value in higher education.
Key Takeaways
- 91.2% six-year graduation rate sits 28.7 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 96.6% first-year retention is 19.8 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 22.4% return on investment is 62.9 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $57,057 run about 31% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $11,655 is roughly $5,742 lower than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 15:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 96.6% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 86.9% employment rate within three years sits 18.7 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 20.0% trails the national share by 19.1 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a public university in Chapel Hill, NC, secures a A+ grade in our latest review. It stands at #42 among 6101 schools Completion earns A, Support A-, Career Outcomes B+, and Affordability B.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 96.6% of first-year students return, and roughly 91.2% finish within six years. The reported ROI is 22.4%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $11,655 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $26,055.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $14,400 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $12,989 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 20.0% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $57,057 six years after entry. This is roughly 31% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 86.9% of graduates are employed three years out.
The ROI comes in near 22.4%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
15.3% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's acceptance rate?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's acceptance rate is 15.3%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill cost?
At University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, listed tuition and fees are $8,994 per year, and the average net price after aid is $11,655. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's ranking?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ranks #42 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of A+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's graduation rate?
At University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the six-year graduation rate is 91.2%, and first-year retention is 96.6%.
What are University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's job outcomes?
Graduates of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill report median earnings of $57,057 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's student population?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill enrolls about 20,752 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Chapel Hill, NC 27599
- Website www.unc.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$5.20B
- Transfer Enrollment Rate5.1%