University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
About University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
UNC Chapel Hill is a public flagship research university in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. It is the oldest public university in the country and offers top programs in business, journalism, public health, and the sciences. UNC is a member of the ACC with a storied basketball tradition.
Founded
1789
Location
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Students
32,305
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
15.3%
Very selective
Graduation Rate
91.2%
Above national average
In-State Tuition
$8,994
Out-of-state: $41,203
Avg Net Price
$11,655
After financial aid
SAT Average
1439
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$72,200
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Highly Selective
About 7 students apply for every seat
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$85
Early
Oct 15
Regular
Jan 15
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill admits about 15.3% of applicants, with an average SAT around 1439. Strong academics are a must, and your essays and activities will make the difference.
SAT Scores
1439/ 1600
ACT Scores
25/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Excellent
91.2% complete their degree within six years
Retention
96.6%
4-Year Grad
85%
6-Year Grad
92%
Teaching Quality
17:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
78.3%
$/Student
$33.8K
Class Size
Medium
85% of students graduate on time, and 78.3% of courses are taught by full-time faculty. That personal instruction helps keep students on track.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$8,994
In-State
$41,203
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$13,804
Books & Supplies
$1,290
Total Cost of Attendance
$26,055
After Financial Aid
$11,655
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$2,004
Receive Grants
20%
Take Loans
13.1%
The full cost of attendance is about $26,055/yr for in-state students, including $13,804 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $11,655. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $41,203.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill fund their education.
While in School
20%
Get Grants
Free money
13.1%
Take Loans
Must repay
$58,193
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$14,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$148/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The median debt is just $14,000, and less than 0% of graduates default on their loans. Students here leave with very manageable financial obligations.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Gender
60.8%
Female
39%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
20,752
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
11,553
Graduates
19.9%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
2.1%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 61% of the student body. 19.9% are first-generation college students. 5.6% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
20,752
Students
public
Institution
Large
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
No
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +Chapel Hill is a classic, charming college town
- +Beautiful campus with historic landmarks
- +Strong school spirit and basketball tradition
- +Affordable tuition for in-state students
Cons
- -Out-of-state acceptance is very limited
- -Greek life dominates social scene
- -Large class sizes in popular majors
- -Parking on campus is a nightmare
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill fields 16 varsity teams with 965 student athletes, about 5% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Atlantic Coast
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
16
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
965
5% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
53% / 47%
515
Men
450
Women
11
Men's Teams
13
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hillearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$72,200
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Biology, General
$33K
544 grads
1yr Earnings
Communication and Media Studies
$43K
521 grads
1yr Earnings
Behavioral Sciences
—
503 grads
Economics
$65K
443 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer Science
$90K
427 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$86K
401 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $57K at six years, $61K at eight, and $72K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
What is the acceptance rate at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?▾
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What is the graduation rate at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?▾
How much do University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.