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.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at UNC Chapel Hill typically demonstrate exceptional academic credentials. The middle 50% of enrolled students score between 1370 and 1530 on the SAT, with a median of 1454. Math scores range from 690 to 780, while verbal scores span 680 to 750, indicating balanced strength across both sections. ACT scores for the middle 50% range from 30 to 34, with a median of 25. These test score ranges place UNC Chapel Hill among institutions with the highest academic standards nationally, reflecting the competitive nature of admission. Compared to peer institutions with a median SAT of 1198, UNC Chapel Hill enrolled students score 256 points higher on average, demonstrating the significant academic selectivity gap. Students scoring below 1370 on the SAT or 30 on the ACT should understand they will be at a competitive disadvantage, though admission remains possible with exceptional strength in other areas. Those scoring within the 1370-1530 SAT range are academically competitive for admission, while scores above 1530 place applicants in the strongest academic tier. The 150-point spread between the 25th and 75th percentiles indicates that UNC Chapel Hill admits students across a range of academic profiles, though all demonstrate strong preparation for rigorous collegiate study.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
UNC Chapel Hill enrolls a student body that balances academic selectivity with economic and demographic diversity. The university enrolls 20.3% Pell-eligible students, indicating that approximately one in five students comes from lower-income families. First-generation college students comprise 19.9% of enrollment, reflecting the university's commitment to educational access within its selective admissions framework. Transfer students account for 17.4% of enrollment, providing pathways for students who begin their collegiate careers elsewhere. This student composition suggests that while UNC Chapel Hill maintains highly selective admission standards, the university actively enrolls students from diverse economic and educational backgrounds. The Pell share of 20.3% exceeds levels at many highly selective private institutions but falls below typical public university rates, reflecting the balance between selectivity and accessibility. Students from first-generation backgrounds should recognize that nearly 20% of enrolled students share their experience, indicating institutional familiarity with supporting students who are navigating college as family pioneers. For prospective applicants, these demographics suggest that UNC Chapel Hill values diverse perspectives and backgrounds within its academically competitive environment.
Given UNC Chapel Hill's 18.7% acceptance rate and highly selective standards, most applicants should consider it a reach school. The alternatives below provide similar career outcomes with more accessible admission, different geographic options, or better value propositions.
Higher acceptance rates with similar career outcomes.
Students who enroll at UNC Chapel Hill demonstrate exceptional persistence and achievement. The retention rate of 97.2% means that nearly all freshmen return for sophomore year, significantly exceeding the peer median of 83.7%. The six-year graduation rate of 92.1% far surpasses the peer median of 65.9%, indicating strong institutional support for degree completion. Pell-eligible students graduate at an 85.4% rate, representing a 6.7 percentage point gap compared to the overall graduation rate. While this gap suggests some additional challenges for lower-income students, the 85.4% Pell completion rate substantially exceeds national averages and demonstrates the university's effectiveness in supporting students from diverse economic backgrounds through degree completion. Students who gain admission to UNC Chapel Hill can expect an academic environment with extensive support systems and high expectations for success. The small gap between overall and Pell completion rates indicates that the university provides effective academic and financial support to help students from all backgrounds succeed. Prospective students should view these retention and completion metrics as strong indicators of institutional commitment to student success and the supportive community they can expect to join.
Similar quality tier (#77 ranked)
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