University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) vs University of Connecticut (UConn)

When it comes to choosing the right university, it's essential to compare institutions to find the best fit. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Connecticut are two highly regarded public universities with distinct characteristics. UNC-Chapel Hill boasts a lower acceptance rate, a larger student body, and a higher graduation rate. UConn, on the other hand, offers a wider range of undergraduate majors, a more diverse student body, and a lower cost of attendance. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into specific details and make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	University of Connecticut	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Overview
Location	Storrs, Connecticut	Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Campus setting	Suburb: 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	92.0%	97.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	55.6%	20.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $80 Graduate: $75	Undergraduate: $85 Graduate: $95
SAT range	1230 - 1430	1140 - 1380
ACT range	27 - 33	22 - 27
Students submitting SAT score	43.0%	2.0%
Students submitting ACT score	7.0%	12.0%
Total number of applicants	36,753	50,729
Total number of admissions given out	20,433	10,348
Admitted students who chose to enroll	3,663	4,690
Yield rate	17.9%	45.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	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: $37,266 Out of state: $59,934	In state: $24,770 Out of state: $52,633
Average net price	$22,168	$11,508
Tuition	In state: $15,030 Out of state: $37,698	In state: $7,019 Out of state: $34,882
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,238 Meal plan: $6,020	Room/dormitory: $6,878 Meal plan: $5,004
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	76.0% Average amount $15,801	42.0% Average amount $16,076
Students receiving federal student loan	35.0% Average amount $5,247	17.0% Average amount $4,244
Students taking out private loans	5.0% Average amount $21,780	3.0% Average amount $14,032

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	18,567 Men 47.6% Women 52.4%	19,845 Men 39.6% Women 60.4%
Graduate students	8,309 Men 45.1% Women 54.9%	11,796 Men 41.4% Women 58.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	35.3%	16.2%
International students	12.3%	6.8%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	10,792	9,984
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Connecticut Mississippi New York New Jersey New Hampshire	North Carolina Georgia Maryland New York Pennsylvania

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Health Professions Engineering Education Mathematics and Statistics	Health Professions Business Social Sciences Public Administration and Social Service Multidisciplinary Studies
Students to faculty ratio	15:1	15:1
Institutional accreditation	New England Commission on Higher Education	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	83.1%	90.5%
Dropout rate	6.7%	3.7%
Transferred out	9.5%	5.4%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $80,915 Year 2: $95,473 Year 3: $146,595 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $102,306 Year 2: $106,249 Year 3: $123,588 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $85,391 Year 2: $115,339 Year 3: $122,969 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $106,347 Year 2: $105,392 Year 3: $111,865 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $93,087 Year 2: $89,859 Year 3: $106,919 Engineering, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $92,556 Year 2: $89,144 Year 3: $95,923 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,033 Year 2: $79,473 Year 3: $92,299 Biomedical/Medical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $78,037 Year 2: $77,715 Year 3: $89,989 Educational Administration and Supervision (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $78,073 Year 2: $86,621 Year 3: $88,550 Psychology, General (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $59,124 Year 3: $87,936	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 differences in location and campus environment between UNC-Chapel Hill and UConn?

UNC-Chapel Hill is located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, a charming college town with a vibrant arts and culture scene. The campus is known for its beautiful, historic architecture and a strong sense of community. UConn, on the other hand, is situated in Storrs, Connecticut, a more rural setting. While UConn also has a strong campus community, it offers a different experience with more emphasis on outdoor activities and a less urban feel.
How do the academic reputations of UNC-Chapel Hill and UConn compare?

Both universities are highly regarded. UNC-Chapel Hill consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States, particularly strong in humanities, social sciences, and business. UConn is also a top-tier public university, known for its strengths in engineering, business, and allied health programs. The specific program you're interested in will influence which university is a better fit, as both excel in different areas.
What are the tuition and financial aid prospects at UNC-Chapel Hill and UConn?

Generally, both universities offer competitive tuition rates for in-state students. Out-of-state tuition is higher at both institutions. UNC-Chapel Hill is often considered more affordable for out-of-state students due to its tuition structure. Both universities provide robust financial aid packages, including scholarships, grants, and work-study programs. It's recommended to compare the net cost (after financial aid) for each university based on your individual circumstances.
How does the student life and campus culture differ between UNC-Chapel Hill and UConn?

UNC-Chapel Hill boasts a lively campus culture with a strong emphasis on traditions, particularly in athletics, especially basketball. The campus is known for its active student organizations and a welcoming atmosphere. UConn also has a vibrant student life, with a strong sense of school spirit, particularly in basketball. UConn's campus offers a wide range of activities, including Greek life, clubs, and recreational sports, with a slightly more relaxed atmosphere compared to UNC-Chapel Hill.
What are the athletic programs like at UNC-Chapel Hill and UConn?

Both universities have highly successful athletic programs. UNC-Chapel Hill is renowned for its basketball program, with a rich history and passionate fanbase. They also have strong programs in other sports. UConn is also known for its basketball programs, both men's and women's, with multiple national championships. UConn also has competitive programs in other sports, including soccer and hockey. Both schools offer a great athletic experience for students and fans.
What are the career services and opportunities for graduates at UNC-Chapel Hill and UConn?

Both universities provide comprehensive career services to help students prepare for their future careers. UNC-Chapel Hill has a strong network of alumni and career resources, particularly in the Southeast region. UConn also offers excellent career services, with a focus on connecting students with employers in the Northeast and beyond. The specific career opportunities available will depend on your chosen field of study, but both universities offer resources to help you succeed.
How do the admission requirements and selectivity compare between UNC-Chapel Hill and UConn?

Both universities are selective, but the specific requirements and acceptance rates may vary slightly. UNC-Chapel Hill generally has a slightly lower acceptance rate and higher average SAT/ACT scores compared to UConn, making it slightly more competitive. However, both universities consider a holistic review of applications, including academic performance, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. It's important to meet the specific requirements for each university and submit a strong application.
What are the housing options like at UNC-Chapel Hill and UConn?

Both universities offer a variety of on-campus housing options, including residence halls and apartments. UNC-Chapel Hill provides a range of housing choices, from traditional dorms to more modern apartment-style living. UConn also offers a diverse selection of housing options, catering to different preferences and budgets. Both universities typically require freshmen to live on campus, providing a great opportunity to integrate into the campus community.
Which university is better for a student interested in a specific major, such as engineering or business?

UConn is particularly strong in engineering, with well-regarded programs and research opportunities. UNC-Chapel Hill's Kenan-Flagler Business School is highly ranked, making it a strong choice for business students. However, both universities offer a wide range of majors, and the best choice depends on the specific program and your individual interests. Research the specific departments and faculty within your chosen field at each university to determine the best fit.
How does the overall cost of living compare between Chapel Hill and Storrs?

The cost of living in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is generally lower than in Storrs, Connecticut. Housing costs, in particular, may be more affordable in Chapel Hill. However, the overall cost of living can vary depending on your lifestyle and spending habits. Consider factors like transportation, food, and entertainment when comparing the costs associated with each location.

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