University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill vs Appalachian State University
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill comes out ahead: 94/100 to 58/100, a 36-point edge over Appalachian State University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill runs $11,655 a year against $16,836 at Appalachian State University - $5,181 more a year, or about $20,724 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduates earn a median $72,200 against $51,836 at Appalachian State University. The cost earns itself back in 5 years at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and 12.3 years at Appalachian State University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill owing a median $14,000 versus $20,231 at Appalachian State University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.28 and 0.59 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | University of North Carol... | Appalachian State Univers... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $8,994 | $7,579 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $41,203 | $25,212 |
| Net Price (avg) | $11,655 | $16,836 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $46,620 | $67,344 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $49,900 | $34,300 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $72,200 | $51,836 |
| Graduation Rate | 91.2% | 74.5% |
| Payback Period | 5 yr | 12.3 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $14,000 | $20,231 |
| Monthly Payment | $148 | $214 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.28 | 0.59 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 85.4% | 79.8% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 85.3% | 77.9% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 15.3% | 90.1% |
| Enrollment | 20,752 | 19,444 |
| SAT Range | 1390-1530 | 1120-1280 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of North ... | Appalachian State Un... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $2,004 | $9,325 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $3,918 | $11,600 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $8,538 | $15,204 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $16,415 | $20,840 |
| $110,001+ | $24,396 | $22,382 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of North ... | Appalachian State Un... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $137,047 | $97,670 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $135,874 | $64,932 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $110,204 | $66,227 |
| Economics | $103,846 | $67,285 |
| Physics | $103,477 | $82,399 |
| Mathematics | $101,599 | $62,271 |
| Registered Nursing | $78,585 | $78,943 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $72,422 | $21,143 |
| International Relations | $72,001 | $54,344 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $70,240 | $55,307 |
| Natural Resources Conservation | $65,337 | $46,207 |
| Chemistry | $64,981 | $58,329 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $63,286 | $55,594 |
| Biology | $62,047 | $53,228 |
| Geography and Cartography | $49,476 | $58,289 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of North ... | Appalachian State Un... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 96 | 54 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 93 | 47 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 95 | 53 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 97 | 84 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 87 | 70 |
| Overall ROI Score | 94 | 58 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill clearly outperforms Appalachian State University (94 vs 58), a 36-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Appalachian State University brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Exceptional Value - Full profile and breakdown
Appalachian State University
Below Average Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.