University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

  • 9/10 Overall Rating
  • 4 Year
  • Chapel Hill, NC
  • 5.0 2 reviews
#20 Best Value Colleges in America

Overview

Total enrollment

32,438
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill overview
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill overview
  • Size Large
  • Status Non-profit
  • Housing Yes
  • Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, established in 1789 as the nation's first public university, is situated in the college town of Chapel Hill, approximately 30 minutes from both Durham and Raleigh in the Research Triangle region. The campus spans over 700 acres featuring Georgian-style architecture and the distinctive Old Well at its historic core, with mature oak trees lining walkways throughout the grounds. UNC-Chapel Hill maintains highly selective undergraduate admissions and is recognized for its strength in liberal arts, journalism, business, and healthcare programs, with its medical school and research facilities forming part of a major regional healthcare network. Students typically reside in campus housing during their first year, with many choosing to remain in university-operated apartments or nearby residential areas throughout their academic career. The university competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the North Carolina Tar Heels, with its men's basketball program holding multiple national championships.

Ratings

UNC Chapel Hill is rated within the top 14% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 9 out of 10.

  • Overall Rating
    9 out of 10
  • Academics
    10 out of 10
  • Resources
    8 out of 10
  • Outcomes
    10 out of 10
  • Value
    10 out of 10

Admissions

Admission Standards

Elite
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill admission standards
  • SAT 1390/1530
  • ACT 28/34
  • Estimated GPA 3.83

Acceptance Rate

15.3%
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill applications overview
  • Applications Due Jan 15, 2027
  • Enrollment Rate 45.5%
  • Application Fee $85

Applicant Competition Very High

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Annual Cost to Attend

North Carolina Resident Tuition

$8,994

Out of State Resident Tuition

$41,203

Breakdown

In State Costs for University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • Tuition $8,994
  • Books and Supplies $1,290
  • Other Fees $1,975
  • Room and Board $13,804
  • Budget for Other Expenses $2,932
  • Total One Year Cost $28,995

Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$66,100 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

89% within 6 years

Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are Social Sciences, Communication, and Biology. 17% of students major in Social Sciences, 11% in Communication, and 8% in Biology.

  • Social Sciences 17%
  • Communication 11%
  • Biology 8%
  • Business 8%
  • Psychology 8%

More Colleges to Consider

Students considering University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are frequently interested in these similar colleges.

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=199120.

GPA calculator: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026