UT Austin vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)

Nestled in the heart of Texas and North Carolina, The University of Texas at Austin and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill stand as two prominent beacons of higher education. While both institutions share a commitment to academic excellence and offer a wide range of opportunities for students, they also possess distinct characteristics that set them apart. Delve into our comprehensive comparison table to uncover the nuances that differentiate these two esteemed universities, including acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. Discover which institution aligns best with your aspirations and preferences, whether you seek a vibrant urban setting or a charming college town atmosphere, a focus on research or a liberal arts education, or a diverse student body or a strong alumni network.
The University of Texas at Austin logo

The University of Texas at Austin

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill logo

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Overview

Location Austin, Texas Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Campus setting City: Large City: Small
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Public
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 96.0% 97.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 28.7% 20.4%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $75

Graduate: $65
Undergraduate: $85

Graduate: $95
SAT range 1230 - 1500 1140 - 1380
ACT range 27 - 33 22 - 27
Students submitting SAT score 56.0% 2.0%
Students submitting ACT score 26.0% 12.0%
Total number of applicants 66,077 50,729
Total number of admissions given out 18,994 10,348
Admitted students who chose to enroll 9,060 4,690
Yield rate 47.7% 45.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Not required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $29,788

Out of state: $59,032
In state: $24,770

Out of state: $52,633
Average net price $16,589 $11,508
Tuition
In state: $11,752

Out of state: $40,996
In state: $7,019

Out of state: $34,882
Room & board $12,768
Room/dormitory: $6,878

Meal plan: $5,004
Available payment plans
  • Guaranteed tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Guaranteed tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

51.0%
Average amount $12,725
42.0%
Average amount $16,076
Students receiving federal student loan 28.0%
Average amount $4,961
17.0%
Average amount $4,244
Students taking out private loans 1.0%
Average amount $16,366
3.0%
Average amount $14,032

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 40,916
Men 43.4% Women 56.6%
19,845
Men 39.6% Women 60.4%
Graduate students 11,075
Men 49.5% Women 50.5%
11,796
Men 41.4% Women 58.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Low
Out-of-state students 9.2% 16.2%
International students 9.1% 6.8%
Campus local/setting City: Large City: Small
Dormitory capacity 7,809 9,984
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Texas California New York New Jersey Illinois North Carolina Georgia Maryland New York Pennsylvania

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Engineering
  • Multidisciplinary Studies
  • Communication and Journalism
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Social Sciences
  • Public Administration and Social Service
  • Multidisciplinary Studies
Students to faculty ratio 17:1 15:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome

Graduation rate 87.8% 90.5%
Dropout rate 11.7% 3.7%
Transferred out N/A 5.4%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $130,952
  • Year 2: $131,707
  • Year 3: $149,763
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $122,716
  • Year 2: $97,959
  • Year 3: $131,523
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $115,909
  • Year 2: $120,124
  • Year 3: $127,068
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $92,526
  • Year 2: $100,607
  • Year 3: $120,559
Engineering, Other (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $109,082
  • Year 2: $106,421
  • Year 3: $119,993
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $86,247
  • Year 2: $102,706
  • Year 3: $108,654
Petroleum Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $87,293
  • Year 2: $88,723
  • Year 3: $99,721
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $89,133
  • Year 2: $79,558
  • Year 3: $97,550
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $83,714
  • Year 2: $84,653
  • Year 3: $93,999
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $81,984
  • Year 2: $80,550
  • Year 3: $92,064
Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $168,979
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: $238,213
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $135,965
  • Year 2: $127,836
  • Year 3: $150,089
Dentistry (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $116,248
  • Year 2: $82,440
  • Year 3: $128,102
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,961
  • Year 2: $103,078
  • Year 3: $117,488
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $89,271
  • Year 2: $86,036
  • Year 3: $96,602
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $74,162
  • Year 2: $72,083
  • Year 3: $95,204
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $74,938
  • Year 2: $73,823
  • Year 3: $89,917
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $71,557
  • Year 2: $57,770
  • Year 3: $87,057
Applied Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $64,899
  • Year 2: $67,660
  • Year 3: $86,155
Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $68,205
  • Year 2: $68,666
  • Year 3: $82,520

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the key academic differences between UT Austin and UNC Chapel Hill?

    UT Austin is renowned for its strong programs in engineering, business, and natural sciences, often attracting a larger student body. UNC Chapel Hill excels in humanities, journalism, and public health, with a notable emphasis on undergraduate research opportunities and a more intimate learning environment in some departments. Both universities offer a wide range of academic disciplines, but their strengths and specializations differ.

  • How does the cost of attendance compare between UT Austin and UNC Chapel Hill?

    Generally, both universities offer relatively affordable tuition rates compared to private institutions. However, in-state tuition at both is significantly lower than out-of-state tuition. UT Austin's tuition and fees can vary depending on the specific program and college, while UNC Chapel Hill often has slightly lower overall costs, especially for in-state students. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available at both institutions to help offset costs.

  • What is the student life like at UT Austin versus UNC Chapel Hill?

    UT Austin boasts a vibrant and energetic campus life, with a large student population and a wide array of extracurricular activities, including Greek life, a strong athletics program (the Longhorns), and a bustling social scene in Austin. UNC Chapel Hill offers a more close-knit community feel, with a focus on traditions, a strong sense of school spirit (the Tar Heels), and a more manageable campus size. Both universities provide a diverse range of student organizations and activities to cater to various interests.

  • What are the admission requirements and selectivity of UT Austin and UNC Chapel Hill?

    Both universities are highly selective, requiring strong academic records, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may be in place), and compelling essays. UT Austin's admission process considers a student's class rank and offers automatic admission to students in the top percentage of their high school class. UNC Chapel Hill also considers a holistic review of applicants, emphasizing academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and demonstrated leadership potential. Admission rates are competitive at both institutions.

  • How do the campus environments and locations differ between UT Austin and UNC Chapel Hill?

    UT Austin is located in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas, offering students access to a thriving cultural scene, a booming job market, and a diverse range of entertainment options. UNC Chapel Hill is situated in the charming college town of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, providing a more traditional college town experience with a focus on community and a slower pace of life. Both locations offer unique advantages and appeal to different preferences.

  • What are the career prospects for graduates of UT Austin and UNC Chapel Hill?

    Graduates from both universities are highly sought after by employers. UT Austin graduates often find opportunities in the tech, engineering, and business sectors, particularly in Texas and across the country. UNC Chapel Hill graduates are well-prepared for careers in various fields, including media, healthcare, and public service, with strong networks in the Southeast and beyond. Both universities have robust career services departments to assist students with job placement and career development.

  • Are there significant differences in the research opportunities available at UT Austin and UNC Chapel Hill?

    Both universities are major research institutions, offering extensive research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. UT Austin has a particularly strong focus on STEM research, with state-of-the-art facilities and numerous research centers. UNC Chapel Hill is also a leader in research, especially in the areas of public health, medicine, and humanities, with a strong emphasis on undergraduate involvement in research projects. The specific research opportunities available will vary depending on the department and field of study.

  • How do the athletic programs at UT Austin and UNC Chapel Hill compare?

    Both universities have highly successful athletic programs. UT Austin is known for its powerhouse football and baseball teams, competing in the Big 12 Conference. UNC Chapel Hill is renowned for its basketball program, with a rich history of national championships, and also has strong programs in other sports, competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Both schools have passionate fan bases and a strong emphasis on athletics within the campus culture.

  • What are the housing options like at UT Austin and UNC Chapel Hill?

    Both universities offer a variety of on-campus and off-campus housing options. UT Austin has a large selection of residence halls and apartments, as well as numerous off-campus housing options in the city of Austin. UNC Chapel Hill also provides on-campus housing, with a range of residence halls and apartments, and a variety of off-campus housing options in the town of Chapel Hill. The availability and cost of housing can vary, so it's important to research options early.

  • Which university is a better fit for me: UT Austin or UNC Chapel Hill?

    The best fit depends on your individual preferences and academic goals. If you're looking for a large university with a vibrant city environment and strong programs in engineering and business, UT Austin might be a good choice. If you prefer a more close-knit community, a focus on humanities and public health, and a traditional college town experience, UNC Chapel Hill could be a better fit. Consider your academic interests, desired campus culture, and location preferences when making your decision.

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