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College comparison
UNC vs UVA
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  UNC Chapel Hill, NC |  UVA Charlottesville, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is more selective | 15% | 17% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1390–1530 | 1410–1540 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 20,752 | 17,597 |
| Avg net price | $11,655 | $21,565 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)UVA reports higher median earnings | $72,200 | $86,863 |
| Graduation rate | 91% | 96% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $17,500 |
| Economic mobility | — | — |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Public | Public |
UNC vs UVA: how they compare
Two flagship public universities with Ivy-level reputations, but with distinct financial and cultural profiles.
By the numbers Quantitatively, UNC-Chapel Hill presents a stronger value proposition, with an average net price of $12k returning 6.2x in earnings per dollar, compared to UVA's $22k net price and 4.0x return. Post-graduation, UVA graduates report higher 10-year median earnings ($87k vs. $72k). Selectivity is similar: UNC has a slightly lower acceptance rate (15% vs. 17%) with a marginally lower SAT middle-50% range (1390–1530 vs. 1410–1540). UVA shows slightly greater stability in its admit-rate volatility (42% vs. 51%) and a higher graduation rate (96% vs. 91%).
Where they overlap Both are premier "Public Ivy" institutions known for rigorous academics, vibrant campus life, and historic campuses. They attract high-achieving students from within their states and nationally, offering strong programs across business, the humanities, and sciences.
How they differ The campus cultures and settings diverge. UVA, in a suburban setting, is often described as more pre-professional and traditionally social, with a strong Greek life influence. UNC, in a city setting, is frequently characterized as more collaborative, research-focused, and less dominated by formal Greek life. The feel is often summarized as UVA resembling a "private school that happens to be public," while UNC embodies a top-tier public school ethos.
Who each suits UVA suits a student seeking a classic, cohesive campus with a more formal and competitive pre-professional atmosphere, who values higher immediate earnings potential and is comfortable with a higher net price. UNC-Chapel Hill is ideal for a student prioritizing exceptional financial value, a collaborative academic culture integrated into a vibrant college town, and a more research-oriented environment.
Quick answers
- Is University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or University of Virginia-Main Campus harder to get into?
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is more selective: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's acceptance rate is approximately 15% and University of Virginia-Main Campus's is approximately 17% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill vs University of Virginia-Main Campus?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1390–1530 at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and 1410–1540 at University of Virginia-Main Campus. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.