University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

17.1%Acceptance

$8,989Tuition

20,556Students

92%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$72,200Earnings

#1 in North CarolinaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is america's first public university, founded in 1789, and remains synonymous with basketball excellence that produced Michael Jordan. This public research university enrolls 20,556 students in the small city of Chapel Hill. Only 17% of applicants gain admission, with successful students typically scoring around 1440 on the SAT. The Tar Heels compete in 24 varsity sports across the ACC, drawing from a student body that's 84% in-state residents.

Despite the $39,330 out-of-state sticker price, most students pay far less through financial aid. The average net price sits at $12,983, and students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,165 annually. Graduates earn a median of $72,200 ten years after graduation while carrying only $14,000 in debt. With monthly loan payments averaging $148, the financial return justifies the investment for most students.

The 92% six-year graduation rate reflects both student quality and institutional support. Women comprise 61% of the student body, and the campus houses over 10,000 students in residence halls. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensures access to professors at this research powerhouse. Nearly all graduates find employment within six months, validating Carolina's reputation for launching successful careers.

Academics & Faculty

This flagship public research university ranks among the nation's top institutions for undergraduate education and groundbreaking research. With a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive substantial attention despite the university's size. The 92% six-year graduation rate reflects strong academic support systems. UNC excels in journalism through the well-known Hussman School, business at the Kenan-Flagler Business School, and medicine at one of the country's top medical schools. The university pioneered public higher education when it opened in 1789. Students benefit from both rigorous academics and extensive research opportunities across disciplines. Liberal arts programs maintain particular strength, while professional schools consistently rank nationally.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 77.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 91.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 92.1%
Retention Rate: 97.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $72,200
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral University (R1)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$127,836
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration.	Doctoral	$103,078
Public Health.	Certificate	$91,744
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$86,036
Dentistry.	Doctoral	$82,440
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$73,823
Computer Science.	Bachelor	$72,083
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Master	$68,666
Applied Mathematics.	Bachelor	$67,660
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.	Doctoral	$63,275

View all 231 programs →

Campus Life

Chapel Hill creates the quintessential college town atmosphere, where 83.6% of students come from North Carolina and many never want to leave. The campus sits 30 minutes from Raleigh-Durham, giving students access to internships and jobs without big city distractions. With housing capacity for 10,006 students out of 20,556 total enrollment, about half live on campus in a mix of traditional dorms and modern apartments.

Franklin Street runs right through campus, lined with bars, restaurants, and shops that become extensions of student life. The 97.15% retention rate reflects how quickly students fall in love with the place. Basketball dominates winter weekends at the Dean Dome, where student tickets are precious commodities. Spring brings perfect weather for quad gatherings and outdoor concerts. You'll need a light jacket for December and January, but expect to wear shorts through October. The academic calendar follows a traditional semester system, giving students long summers to return home or stay for internships in the Research Triangle.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 10,006 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1789

Campus Safety (2023)

199 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	69	0	3	1
Rape	17	13	3	0
Burglary	19	4	4	0
Stalking	13	8	2	0
Dating Violence	8	6	0	0
Aggravated Assault	7	0	2	0
Fondling	3	1	2	3
Domestic Violence	1	0	2	2
Robbery	2	1	0	1
Arson	1	0	0	0
Murder	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 29°–50°F
July Avg: 69°–89°F
Annual Precipitation: 48.9"
Annual Snowfall: 2.8"

Student Demographics

Chapel Hill draws heavily from North Carolina, with 84% of students coming from in-state. This reflects the university's mission as the state's flagship public institution and its deep roots in local communities since 1789. Women make up 61% of the student body, typical for universities with strong liberal arts and professional programs. The campus brings together students from diverse backgrounds, with significant representation across racial and ethnic groups. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, showing the university serves middle-class families alongside more affluent students seeking strong education at public school prices.

Men: 39.3%
Women: 60.8%
White: 54.1%
Black: 8.2%
Hispanic: 9.8%
Asian: 14.8%
In-State Students: 83.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 20.3%

Location

Chapel Hill sits in central North Carolina, about 30 minutes from Raleigh and Durham. The 20,556 students create the classic college town atmosphere that defines this area. Chapel Hill forms part of the Research Triangle along with nearby Duke and NC State, making it one of the most educated regions in the South. Franklin Street runs right through campus, lined with bookstores, restaurants, and bars that cater to the university community. The rolling hills of the Piedmont region provide a scenic backdrop just two hours from both the Blue Ridge Mountains and Atlantic beaches. Basketball culture dominates the town, especially during March Madness when the Tar Heels compete. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare UNC Chapel Hill with similar schools in the region.

Address: Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $72,200
Median Earnings (5 years): $72,161
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $49,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 80.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $148/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $14,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?

UNC Chapel Hill accepts 17.11% of applicants, making it highly selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1350 and 1530 on the SAT. This reflects the university's status as the nation's first public university and its strong academic reputation.

How much does University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $12,983 across all income levels. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,165 after aid, while those from higher-income families ($110,000+) pay $24,077. North Carolina residents benefit from in-state tuition of only $8,989 compared to $39,330 for out-of-state students.

What is the student-faculty ratio at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?

The student-faculty ratio is 15:1 among the 20,556 enrolled students. This allows for meaningful interaction with professors at a major research university. The 97.15% retention rate shows students are satisfied with their academic experience.

What are the career outcomes for University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $72,200 ten years after graduation with 95% employment rate. The typical graduate leaves with $14,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $148. The strong alumni network includes notable figures like Michael Jordan and President James K. Polk.

Where is University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Chapel Hill, a classic college town in North Carolina. With housing for 10,006 students and 24 varsity sports teams, campus life centers around academics and athletics. The student body is 83.62% in-state residents with women comprising 60.75% of enrollment.

How successful is the basketball program at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?

The Tar Heels compete in NCAA Division I and the Atlantic Coast Conference with 891 total student-athletes. The basketball program is legendary, having produced Michael Jordan and coached by the famous Dean Smith. Athletic scholarships total nearly $17 million across all sports programs.