University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

UNC Chapel Hill admits approximately 18.7% of applicants, meaning roughly 1 in 5 applicants receives an offer of admission. This places the university in the Highly Selective category (10-25% admission rate), making it significantly more competitive than typical four-year institutions.

The peer median admission rate of 78.1% highlights the substantial difference between UNC Chapel Hill's selectivity and most public universities. This level of selectivity means that even academically strong students face meaningful uncertainty in the admission process.

The university's 18.7% acceptance rate reflects intense competition for limited spaces, particularly among in-state applicants who benefit from preferential admission consideration. Students considering UNC Chapel Hill should understand that admission is competitive regardless of qualifications, and successful applicants typically demonstrate excellence across multiple dimensions beyond test scores and grades.

For prospective students, this selectivity level requires building comprehensive college lists that include institutions with higher acceptance rates to ensure admission options. The university's competitive admission reflects both academic reputation and the desirability of its Chapel Hill location within North Carolina's Research Triangle.

UNC Chapel Hill's published cost of attendance reaches $25,181 annually for in-state students, including $8,989 in tuition, $13,016 for room and board, and $1,290 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face significantly higher costs with tuition of $39,330.

However, the average student pays just $12,983 after financial aid, representing savings of $12,198 from the sticker price. This net price of $12,983 compares favorably to the peer median of $15,590, positioning UNC Chapel Hill as more affordable than similar institutions.

The university's strong financial aid program reduces costs substantially for most families, particularly those in lower and middle-income brackets. Net prices vary dramatically by family income, ranging from $3,165 for the lowest-income families to $24,077 for those earning above $110,000 annually.

This progressive pricing structure reflects the university's commitment to accessibility across economic levels. The $20,912 difference between lowest and highest net prices demonstrates how financial aid concentrates benefits toward families with greatest need, making UNC Chapel Hill accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds while maintaining educational quality.

UNC Chapel Hill graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth throughout their careers. Median earnings rise from $57,057 six years after enrollment to $65,584 at eight years and $72,200 at ten years, representing 26.5% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 3,415 graduates, providing high confidence in reported figures. Graduates earn $11,657 more than the peer median of $60,543, placing UNC Chapel Hill well above typical outcomes for similar institutions.

The earnings performance ranks at the 88th percentile nationally, indicating strong long-term career advancement. Low-income graduates earn $70,200, just $2,000 below the overall median, suggesting effective support for students from diverse economic backgrounds.

Earnings span from $48,337 at the 25th percentile to $112,339 at the 75th percentile, with the gap reflecting program diversity across liberal arts, business, and STEM fields. Approximately 25% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education.

UNC Chapel Hill offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for ranking. Communication and Media Studies ranks #6 nationally and #1 in North Carolina, producing 598 graduates with median earnings of $59,487 and a value score of 98.0.

Business Administration ranks #6 nationally and #1 in North Carolina, graduating 358 students with median earnings of $105,246. Computer Science ranks #41 nationally and #2 in North Carolina, with 379 graduates earning $107,225.

Applied Mathematics ranks #4 nationally and #1 in North Carolina, graduating 128 students with median earnings of $104,439. Psychology ranks #64 nationally and #2 in North Carolina, graduating 479 students with median earnings of $46,914.

Applied Economics ranks #35 nationally and #3 in North Carolina, with 409 graduates earning $79,084. Several programs achieve top rankings within North Carolina, reflecting the university's academic strength across diverse fields.