Overview
UNC, located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is the oldest public university in the United States. Known for its strong programs in public health and journalism, the university boasts notable alumni such as Michael Jordan and journalist Charles Kuralt.
There are currently 20,556 undergraduates at UNC and the school’s acceptance rate is 19%. The tuition at UNC is $8,989 for in-state students and $39,330 for out-of-state.
University
City
Need Blind
SupplementalEssay
100% Need
Scholarships & Financial Aid
$26,109
$43,467
$12,983
Cost Breakdown
In-State
In-State Estimated Cost:
$26,109Out-of-State
Out-Of-State Estimated Cost:
$56,450Since UNC is a public university, there are different costs for in-state students and out-of-state students. The sticker price at UNC is $26,109 for in-state students in NC, and $56,450 for out-of-state students. This includes the cost of tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and other miscellaneous expenses.
The cost of attendance can vary from year to year and will typically rise over your four years in college. That said, colleges will recalculate your financial aid every year to take price increases and changes in your financial situation into account.
College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at UNC would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Financial Aid
To apply for financial aid at UNC you’ll need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as the CSS Profile.
The FAFSA and CSS Profile use financial information from the prior, prior year. That means you can submit the forms even if you or your parents haven’t filed last year’s taxes.
The FAFSA code for UNC is 002974 and the CSS Profile Code is 5816.
The FAFSA is completely free, while the CSS Profile charges a fee for each college you send it to. If you have demonstrated financial need, you may qualify for a CSS Profile fee waiver.
If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA or the CSS Profile, check out these resources:
Using State Grants at UNC
If you're a North Carolina resident with demonstrated financial need, be sure to look into state grants to help pay for UNC. The state offers two major need-based grants: The NC Need-Based Scholarship for Private College Students and the NC Scholarship. Both are reserved for needy students, and the former is reserved for those attending private schools. Unlike scholarships, these do not involve selection committees or essays. If you meet the requirements and the funds have not been exhausted, you will receive the money.
Apply to these scholarships due soon
See more North Carolina scholarshipsUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s 100% Need-Met Guarantee
UNC meets 100% of admitted students’ financial need. Using the FAFSA and/or CSS Profile, they calculate your need and offer a combination of scholarships and federal loans to cover any costs you and your family cannot pay.
No Loan Policy at UNC
UNC is a no-loan school, which means that their financial aid packages offer students grants and scholarships in place of the federal loans that are typically part of a package. This means that their financial aid is more generous than most, and they help bridge the gap between cost and student need. Some no-loan schools offer this policy for all accepted students while others only extend it to students below a specific income level, or to in-state students. Be sure to check UNC's website for details on their No-Loan policy.
Pell Grants at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
18% of students at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill receive Pell Grants.
The federal government awards Pell Grants to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need by filling out the FAFSA. Students with a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible. Pell Grants do not be repaid. If you receive a Pell Grant, the award amount should remain consistent at any college you gain admission to. You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
Students can use outside scholarships to supplement their financial aid package at UNC. Outside scholarships are awards offered by private and non-profit organizations separate from their college. To browse vetted, reliable outside scholarships, check out our popular lists:
Admissions
19%
25
1270
1270 is the median SAT score and 25 is the median ACT score for admitted students at UNC. A score that is close to this median value indicates that you have a good chance of admission to the institution. However, it’s important to remember that colleges judge applications holistically. If the rest of your application is strong, it’s possible to make up for lower test scores.
Does UNC have a supplemental essay?
Yes, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill includes a supplemental essay in their application. Luckily, Scholarships360 has a free guide to help you answer UNC's essay prompt and stand out in the application process.
UNC Supplemental Essay Guide
Is UNC test-optional?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is test-optional, which means that applicants are permitted, but not required, to submit their standardized test scores. If you choose not to submit your scores, admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurriculars, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you aren’t sure whether to submit your standardized test scores, Scholarships360’s guide on whether to submit your test scores to test-optional schools can help.
What test scores do you need to get into University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
Colleges use standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, or CLT as one of many factors to determine their admissions decisions. A high score on one of these tests does not guarantee admission to a college, and a low score does not guarantee rejection. However, the majority of accepted applicants to University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill receive between a 30 and a 34 on their ACT, or a 1325 and a 1505 on their SAT.
Early Action
Regular Decision
What is the application deadline at UNC?
Students must apply by January 15 to enroll at UNC during the fall semester. Remember that college applications involve many pieces, including essays, a transcript, letters of recommendation, and more. Be sure to start your application as soon as you can to make sure you have enough time to make it as compelling as possible.
And if you’re considering applying Early Action at UNC, remember that the deadline is October 15.
Is University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill need-blind?
Yes, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has need-blind admissions, which means they do not take financial need into account when they decide who to accept. If your FAFSA and/or CSS Profile indicate that you would need substantial financial aid, you will still be on equal footing with applicants who do not require any aid at all.
Academics
Student/Faculty Ratio
15:1
Graduation Rate
92%
Popular Majors
Percent of Students
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
14%
14% of graduates
Social Sciences
13%
13% of graduates
Business, Management, & Marketing
10%
10% of graduates
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies.
9%
9% of graduates
Communications & Journalism
9%
9% of graduates
Computer & Information Sciences
8%
8% of graduates
Health Professions & Related Programs
6%
6% of graduates
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies
6%
6% of graduates
Mathematics
4%
4% of graduates
Engineering
3%
3% of graduates
Physical Sciences
3%
3% of graduates
Education
2%
2% of graduates
English Language & Literature
2%
2% of graduates
Natural Resources & Conservation
2%
2% of graduates
Area, Ethnic, Cultural, & Gender Studies
2%
2% of graduates
Public Administration & Social Services
2%
2% of graduates
History
1%
1% of graduates
Visual & Performing Arts
1%
1% of graduates
Family & Consumer Sciences
1%
1% of graduates
Languages & Literatures
1%
1% of graduates
Philosophy & Religious Studies
1%
1% of graduates
Student Body
Undergraduate Students
20,556
Pell Grant 20%
Part-Time Undergrad Students 4%
Undergrad Students Over 25 2%
Percent Male / Female 39% / 61%
Ethnic Diversity at UNC
54% White
15% Asian / Pacific Islander
10% Hispanic
8% Black
5% International / Non-Citizen
5% Multiracial
2% Unknown
Student Outcomes
Graduate Income
$72,200
Median Debt $14,000
Debt 10 years after graduation $148
Graduation Rate 92%
What is the graduation rate at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
92% of students who start at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill finish their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 34% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.
How much do graduates of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill go on to earn?
The median income of students 10 years after starting at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is $72,200. This is $21,809 more than the national median.
This data is from the College Scorecard, which only surveys students from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill who received federal financial aid.
Graduate earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Major and career path are two important factors in how much a student goes on to earn. For more information, check out Scholarships360’s article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at UNC take out in loans?
Graduates of UNC take out a median of $14,000 in federal student loans. This is $500 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, be sure to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Scholarships360’s guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.
Data Sources
We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.
If you represent University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and would like to make any corrections or supplement your college profile with additional information, you can fill out our free Premium Profile questionnaire here.
Join for exclusive scholarships, personalized matching, and application tracking. 0% Spam, 100% Free.