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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC·Public·20,556 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for competitive applicants and families looking for lower cost. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $68,800 within 10 years; exceptional 92% graduation rate.

19%
Accept
20,556
Students
$12,983
Net Price
92%
Grad Rate
$68,800
Earnings
10 yr
$12,989
Debt

About This School

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a public institution located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina with approximately 20,556 undergraduate students enrolled. Admissions are highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 19%. The average net price after financial aid is $12,983 per year. The graduation rate is 92%, and the typical graduate earns $68,800 within 10 years of enrollment.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a public research university in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States. Chartered in 1789, the university began enrolling students in 1795, making it the oldest public university in the United States.

This is a strong option for students seeking an elite public university experience at a genuinely affordable price — the average net cost of just $12,983/year, combined with a 92% graduation rate and median earnings of $68,800 a decade out, makes the value proposition hard to beat. The 19% acceptance rate means it's selective, particularly for out-of-state applicants who face much steeper odds and significantly higher costs, so fit your strategy accordingly. As the oldest public university in the country, it carries real academic weight, and a 97% freshman retention rate signals that students who get in tend to thrive once they're there.

Founded
1789
Setting
Small city
Conference
Atlantic Coast Conference

Popular Programs

Biological Sciences14%
Social Sciences13%
Business & Marketing10%
Communications9%
Computer Science8%
Health Professions6%
Mathematics4%
Engineering3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

James K. PolkMichael JordanLouise FletcherThomas WolfeMia HammWilliam R. KingRobert F. FurchgottMarion JonesJohn EdwardsAndy GriffithVince CarterLawrence Ferlinghetti

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1454
Reading 75th %ile750
Math 75th %ile780

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite25

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$8,989
Out-of-State Tuition
$39,330
Avg Net Price
$12,983
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants20%
Median debt at graduation$12,989

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
92%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
97%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$68,800
after enrollment
Median Debt
$12,989
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$12,989
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$49,900
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$68,800
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 5.3x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White54%
Black8%
Hispanic/Latino10%
Asian15%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (20,556 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

103 South Bldg Cb 9100

Chapel Hill, NC 27599

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in North Carolina

Browse all North Carolina schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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