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University of North Carolina vs University of Virginia

Side-by-side comparison with data from federal sources. Every metric traceable to IPEDS or College Scorecard.

SCHOOL A · PUBLIC

University of North Carolina

Chapel Hill, NC

DECISION SCORE

METRICS

SCHOOL B · PUBLIC

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA

DECISION SCORE

Metric-by-metric

winner highlighted

Metric	University of North Carolina	University of Virginia	Edge
Acceptance Rate	18.7%	16.9%	University of North Carolina (easier)
Average SAT	1450	1470	University of Virginia
Enrollment	34,089	30,044	University of North Carolina larger
Median Earnings (10yr)	$72,200	$86,863	University of Virginia
Median Debt	$14,000	$17,500	University of North Carolina lower
Pell Grant Rate	20.0%	14.0%	Higher = more low-income students

Decision scores

University of North Carolina

University of Virginia

Top majors

University of North Carolina

Social Sciences 15.5%

Biological Sciences 11.5%

Multidisciplinary 9.3%

Communication 8.1%

Computer Science 7.8%

University of Virginia

Liberal Arts 20.1%

Social Sciences 16.8%

Engineering 8.7%

Business/Marketing 7.4%

Biological Sciences 5.5%

Which Should You Choose?

Both University of North Carolina and University of Virginia are outstanding institutions. The right choice depends on your priorities:

If location matters: University of North Carolina is in Chapel Hill, NC while University of Virginia is in Charlottesville, VA
If cost is a factor: Compare net prices for your family income bracket above
If career outcomes are the priority: Look at the salary data by major for each school
If getting in is the concern: Check which school's acceptance rate and profile better match yours

University of North Carolina vs University of Virginia FAQs

Which is harder to get into, University of North Carolina or University of Virginia?

University of Virginia is harder to get into, with a 16.9% acceptance rate vs University of North Carolina's 18.7%. Lower acceptance rate means more competitive admission, but admission profile (GPA, SAT, course rigor) matters more than the rate alone.

Which is more expensive, University of North Carolina or University of Virginia?

University of Virginia has a higher sticker cost of attendance ($39,926/yr) vs University of North Carolina ($26,055/yr) — a difference of $13,871/yr at sticker price. But after financial aid, the average family pays $11,054/yr at University of North Carolina vs $17,475/yr at University of Virginia.

Which has higher graduate earnings, University of North Carolina or University of Virginia?

University of Virginia graduates earn more — a median of $86,863 10 years post-grad, vs $72,200 at University of North Carolina. Note this is school-wide median; major choice impacts earnings far more than school choice.

Which should I choose, University of North Carolina or University of Virginia?

It depends on your priorities. University of North Carolina is in Chapel Hill, NC; University of Virginia is in Charlottesville, VA. Weigh acceptance odds against your profile, net cost for your family income, salary outcomes for your intended major, and campus fit (location, size, urban vs rural).

Which has better programs, University of North Carolina or University of Virginia?

Both University of North Carolina and University of Virginia have multiple top-ranked programs. The right answer depends on your major. Compare the salary-by-major tables on each school's salary page — University of North Carolina's salary page and University of Virginia's salary page — to see which school's grads in your target major earn more.

Explore each school

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA

Acceptance Rate Tuition & Cost Salary & ROI

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

Acceptance Rate Tuition & Cost Salary & ROI

Data source: College Scorecard, IPEDS.