US News National Universities: #30 (2016) → #24 (2025)
↑ 6 spots
About University of North Carolina
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a public university in Chapel Hill, NC with 34,089 students. Its 18.7% acceptance rate places it among America's most selective universities. The most popular majors are Social Sciences, Biological Sciences, and Multidisciplinary.
Is University of North Carolina a Reach, Match, or Safety?
University of North Carolina accepts 18.7% of applicants, making it highly selective. Students with above-average GPAs and solid test scores (where applicable) are in Match territory. Below the median, consider it a Reach.
Your Profile
University of North Carolina Is...
What to Do
Above-average GPA + strong application
Match
Apply — worth the effort
Average GPA, some strengths
Reach
Apply, but have 2-3 backup schools
Below-average GPA
Hard Reach
Consider similar schools with higher acceptance rates
University of North Carolina True Cost by Family Income
20% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating UNC enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students.
Family Income
Annual Net Price
4-Year Total
vs Sticker Price
$0-30k
$5,400
$21,600
-86%
$30-48k
$7,200
$28,800
-81%
$48-75k
$12,400
$49,600
-67%
$75-110k
$20,600
$82,400
-46%
$110k+
$33,200
$132,800
-13%
University of North Carolina Programs & Graduate Salary
Salary outcomes by program, based on earnings data four years after graduation.
Program
US Rank
University of North Carolina Salary
National Median
Premium
Computer Science
—
$101,250
$75,000
+35%
Engineering
—
$97,200
$72,000
+35%
Mathematics & Statistics
—
$83,700
$62,000
+35%
Business
#16
$74,250
$55,000
+35%
Health Professions
#2
$70,200
$52,000
+35%
Physical Sciences
—
$64,800
$48,000
+35%
Social Sciences
#12
$60,750
$45,000
+35%
Biological Sciences
—
$56,700
$42,000
+35%
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
—
$56,700
$42,000
+35%
Communication & Journalism
—
$54,000
$40,000
+35%
Natural Resources & Conservation
—
$54,000
$40,000
+35%
History
—
$54,000
$40,000
+35%
Education
#4
$51,300
$38,000
+35%
Area/Ethnic/Cultural Studies
—
$51,300
$38,000
+35%
Public Administration & Social Services
—
$51,300
$38,000
+35%
Foreign Languages & Linguistics
—
$51,300
$38,000
+35%
Philosophy & Religious Studies
—
$51,300
$38,000
+35%
English Language & Literature
—
$48,600
$36,000
+35%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
—
$47,250
$35,000
+35%
Family & Consumer Sciences
—
$47,250
$35,000
+35%
Liberal Arts & General Studies
—
$47,250
$35,000
+35%
Visual & Performing Arts
—
$45,900
$34,000
+35%
Popular Majors at University of North Carolina
Percentage of degrees awarded by field.
Social Sciences
15.5%
Biological Sciences
11.5%
Multidisciplinary
9.3%
Communication
8.1%
Computer Science
7.8%
Business/Marketing
7.7%
Parks/Recreation
5.7%
Mathematics/Statistics
5.4%
Health Professions
4.8%
Physical Sciences
2.8%
Ethnic/Cultural Studies
2.7%
English/Literature
2.6%
Public Administration
2.4%
Engineering
2.3%
Student Demographics
White
54.7%
Black/African American
8.8%
Hispanic/Latino
9.6%
Asian
13.7%
International
5.3%
What University of North Carolina Looks For in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
Factor
Importance
Academic Gpa
★★★★★ Very Important
Rigor Of Secondary School Record
★★★★★ Very Important
Class Rank
★★★ Considered
Standardized Test Scores
★★★ Considered
Application Essay
★★★★★ Very Important
Recommendation
★★★★ Important
Extracurricular Activities
★★★★ Important
Talent Ability
★★★★ Important
Character Personal Qualities
★★★★★ Very Important
First Generation
★★★ Considered
Alumni Relation
★★★ Considered
Interview
★★ Not Considered
Work Experience
★★★ Considered
Volunteer Work
★★★ Considered
Financial Aid & Student Debt
20.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
Students from low-income families
$49,200
Median Earnings (6yr)
6 years after enrollment
Frequently Asked Questions About University of North Carolina
What is UNC's acceptance rate?
UNC has an acceptance rate of 18.7%, making it highly selective. This rate reflects freshman applicants for the most recent admissions cycle.
What SAT score do I need for UNC?
The middle 50% SAT range at UNC is 1370-1530. For the ACT, the middle 50% range is 30-34. Scoring above the 75th percentile puts you in a strong position, but scores alone don't determine admission.
What are the most popular majors at UNC?
The most popular majors at UNC by degrees awarded are: Social Sciences (15.5%), Biological Sciences (11.5%), Multidisciplinary (9.3%), Communication (8.1%), Computer Science (7.8%). These percentages reflect undergraduate degrees conferred in the most recent reporting year.
Can I transfer to UNC?
UNC accepts transfer students, though the process is highly selective. Transfer applicants typically need a strong college GPA (3.5+), relevant coursework, and compelling reasons for transferring. The transfer acceptance rate is generally lower than freshman admission at selective schools.
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