University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina · Public · 15.3% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 94/100 · Exceptional Value
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Exceptional ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $8,994/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $41,203/yr |
| Average net price | $11,655/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $46,620 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $72,200 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $49,900 |
| Median debt at graduation | $14,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $148 |
| Estimated payback period | 5 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 91.2% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 20,752 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,004 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,918 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,538 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,415 |
| $110,001+ | $24,396 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | $62,047 | C+ |
| Communication and Media Studies | $70,240 | B |
| Economics | $103,846 | A |
| Computer Science | $137,047 | A |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $135,874 | A |
| International Relations | $72,001 | B |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $63,286 | C+ |
| Registered Nursing | $78,585 | B+ |
| Applied Mathematics | $119,839 | A |
| English Language and Literature | $51,208 | C+ |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is $8,994/year ($41,203/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $11,655/year, or roughly $46,620 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $2,004/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $24,396/year. The school provides substantial aid to low-income students, making it significantly more affordable than the sticker price suggests.
The median graduate leaves with $14,000 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $148 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $72,200 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.28 - well within manageable territory.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 81.9% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 85.4% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 85.3% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 87.5% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 15.3% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 700-780 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 690-750 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 28-34 |
| Enrollment | 20,752 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 20.0% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $15,046 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (this school) | 94 | $11,655 | $72,200 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | 97 | $12,116 | $102,772 |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | 95 | $13,138 | $83,648 |
| University of Virginia-Main Campus | 95 | $21,565 | $86,863 |
| East Carolina University | 61 | $15,739 | $55,146 |
| Appalachian State University | 58 | $16,836 | $51,836 |
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is one of the strongest financial investments in higher education. With a total 4-year net cost of $46,620 and median graduate earnings of $72,200 ten years out, the math works decisively in graduates' favor. The estimated payback period of 5 years is well below average.
The data highlights several strengths: strong earnings premium over high school graduates, a 91.2% graduation rate, manageable debt relative to earnings, high loan repayment success.
Median debt of $14,000 is very manageable against $72,200 in annual earnings - well within the financial advisor rule of thumb that total debt should not exceed first-year salary.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.