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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill vs Carolina University

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a public university in Chapel Hill, NC. Carolina University is a private university in Winston-Salem, NC. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill admits about 15% of applicants and Carolina University about 40%, making University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $11,655 a year at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill after aid, and about $20,828 at Carolina University. About 92% of students graduate at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, compared with 24% at Carolina University. Ten years after enrolling, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill alumni earn a median of about $72,200, against $32,864 for Carolina University.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC · Public

Carolina University

Winston-Salem, NC · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Chapel Hill, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
20,752
460
Acceptance rate
15%
40%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–4
3.24–3.94
SAT (middle 50%)
1390–1530
840–1060
ACT (middle 50%)
28–34
16–21
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$11,655
$20,828
Full cost / yr
$26,055
$32,680
In-state tuition
$8,994
$17,575
Out-of-state tuition
$41,203
$17,575
Application fee
$85
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$2,004
$17,738
$30k - $48k
$3,918
$17,560
$48k - $75k
$8,538
$22,993
$75k - $110k
$16,415
$23,597
Over $110k
$24,396
$24,152
Outcomes
Graduation rate
92%
24%
Freshman retention
97%
56%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$57,057
$30,657
Median earnings (10 yr)
$72,200
$32,864
Median debt at graduation
$14,000
$20,287
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
37%
First-generation students
20%
33%
International students
6%
33%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Oct 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jul 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or Carolina University harder to get into?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is harder to get into. It admits about 15% of applicants, compared with 40% at Carolina University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or Carolina University?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is cheaper on average. Students pay about $11,655 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $20,828 at Carolina University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Carolina University?
Before aid, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill costs about $26,055 a year and Carolina University about $32,680. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or Carolina University?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $2,004 there, against about $17,738 at Carolina University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or Carolina University?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the larger of the two, with about 20,752 undergraduates against 460 at Carolina University.
Does University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or Carolina University have a better graduation rate?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has the higher graduation rate, at about 92% against 24% at Carolina University.
Do graduates of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or Carolina University earn more?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill alumni earn more on average: a median of about $72,200 ten years after enrolling, against about $32,864 for Carolina University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Carolina University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Carolina University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Carolina University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1390–1530 at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and 840–1060 at Carolina University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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