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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $25,181 |
| Tuition and Fees | $39,330 |
| Room and Board | $13,016 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,290 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$12,198 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $12,983 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $3,165 |
| $30–48k | $5,143 |
| $48–75k | $11,220 |
| $75–110k | $19,106 |
| $110k+ | $24,077 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
UNC Chapel Hill graduates maintain exceptionally low debt levels, with median borrowing of just $14,000. This places the university at the 87th percentile nationally for low debt, substantially below the peer median of $20,000.
Student debt ranges from $7,500 at the 25th percentile to $22,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating controlled borrowing across all income levels. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19 represents excellent financial sustainability, meaning graduates can manage loan payments comfortably relative to their $72,200 median earnings.
Parent PLUS borrowing averages $23,332 with monthly payments of $307, indicating moderate family borrowing to supplement student aid packages. The combination of low student debt and strong earnings creates favorable conditions for post-graduation financial stability, with graduates well-positioned to manage educational investments while pursuing career and personal goals.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
UNC Chapel Hill represents strong educational value through its combination of controlled costs and solid earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $11,657 more than peers from similar institutions while borrowing $6,000 less in student loans.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19 indicates excellent financial sustainability, with educational debt representing less than one-fifth of annual income. While earnings fall $20,275 below expectations for student demographics, this reflects the university's comprehensive liberal arts mission rather than employment market weakness.
The affordability index ranking at the 86.9th percentile demonstrates exceptional value relative to outcomes, supported by strong financial aid that keeps net prices well below peer institutions. For families across income levels, UNC Chapel Hill delivers prestigious education with manageable costs, creating favorable long-term return on educational investment.
UNC Chapel Hill enrolls 20.3% Pell-eligible students, indicating meaningful access for lower-income families within its selective admissions framework. The university's financial aid program generates average savings of $12,198, reducing the published cost from $25,181 to a net price of $12,983.
This aid effectiveness places UNC Chapel Hill $2,607 below the peer median net price, demonstrating competitive affordability among similar institutions. The progressive aid structure ensures that families earning under $48,000 pay less than $6,000 annually, while even middle-income families benefit from substantial cost reductions.
The university's in-state tuition advantage of $8,989 versus $39,330 for out-of-state students creates significant cost benefits for North Carolina residents, though financial aid helps equalize access across geographic boundaries for lower-income families.
