US University · Ranked #25
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: Acceptance Rate & Admission Requirements (2026)
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is a selective university with an acceptance rate of about 16.8%. Ranked #25 nationally in our dataset, it offers a realistic target for well-prepared applicants: strong-but-not-perfect profiles are regularly admitted, and a thoughtful application can meaningfully move the needle.
UNC is the nation's first public university, known for outstanding value, beautiful campus, strong research output, and passionate Tar Heel community.
This guide breaks down University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's selectivity, the academic profile of admitted students, how its application deadlines should shape your strategy, and the programs it is best known for — followed by answers to the questions applicants ask most.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill admission statistics
- Acceptance rate
- 16.8%
- SAT range
- 1310–1490
- Average GPA
- 3.84
- In-state
- $8,998
- Out-of-state
- $37,558
- Enrollment
- 19,897
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Chapel Hill, North Carolina
How hard is it to get into University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's 16.8% acceptance rate makes it selective but realistically attainable for well-prepared students. Unlike the most elite schools, applicants who clearly meet the academic profile have a solid chance, and a strong application — coherent essays, relevant activities, a clear narrative — can be decisive rather than merely a tiebreaker.
For students at or above the school's academic profile, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a target rather than a reach. A focused, well-edited application can be the difference, so it is worth real effort here.
Academic profile of admitted students
Admitted students at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill typically score between 1310 and 1490 on the SAT — this is the middle 50% range, so a quarter of enrolled students scored below 1310 and a quarter above 1490. A score at or above 1490 is competitive even at the more selective end of the pool. Alongside test scores, the average GPA of admitted students is approximately 3.84 on a 4.0 scale, indicating that successful applicants generally earned mostly A's in a rigorous course load.
As a planning benchmark, aim for an SAT around 1400 or higher and a GPA at or near 3.84. Scores meaningfully below the 25th percentile (1310) are not disqualifying on their own, but they put more weight on the rest of the application to compensate.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hillapplication deadlines & strategy
- • Early Action: Oct 15
- • Regular Decision: Jan 15
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a non-binding Early Action deadline of Oct 15, with Regular Decision closing Jan 15. Early Action lets you submit early and receive a decision sooner without any obligation to enroll, so there is little downside to applying EA if your application is genuinely ready by Oct 15 — a rushed early application is worse than a strong regular one.
Whichever round you choose, give recommenders at least three to four weeks of notice and budget time for essay revisions — the strongest applications are rarely written in the final week before Jan 15.
Notable programs at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Business — often admitted directly into a named school with its own requirements.
- Journalism — a professionally oriented program with strong industry ties.
- Computer Science — a perennial high-demand field with competitive secondary admission at many schools.
- Nursing — a clinical pathway with prerequisite coursework and, in some cases, separate admission.
- Public Health — a recognized area of strength at this institution.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is particularly known for Business, Journalism, Computer Science, Nursing, and Public Health.
Strong programs matter for admissions because many schools admit by college or major, and a credible, specific interest in one of these areas — reflected in your coursework, activities, and essays — is far more persuasive than a generic application.
Cost of attending University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
As a public institution with separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill costs significantly less for North Carolina residents: in-state tuition is about $8,998 per year versus roughly $37,558 for out-of-state students — a difference of around $28,560 annually. If you are not a North Carolina resident, factor the higher rate into your list, and check whether the school offers merit scholarships or regional exchange programs that narrow the gap.
Tuition is only part of the cost — add room, board, fees, and personal expenses for a realistic total — but the in-state advantage makes University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill an especially strong value for state residents.
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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: frequently asked questions
- What is the acceptance rate at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has an acceptance rate of 16.8%, which makes it selective. For students at or above the school's academic profile, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a target rather than a reach. A focused, well-edited application can be the difference, so it is worth real effort here.
- What SAT score do you need for University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
- Admitted students at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill typically score between 1310 and 1490 on the SAT (the middle 50%). Aiming for 1490 or above makes you competitive, while a score below 1310 puts more weight on the rest of your application.
- What GPA do you need to get into University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
- The average GPA of admitted students at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is approximately 3.84 on a 4.0 scale. Competitive applicants generally have mostly A's in a rigorous course load; a GPA at or near 3.84 is the practical target.
- What is the application deadline for University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's application deadlines: Early Action is Oct 15 (non-binding); Regular Decision is Jan 15. Submit a few days early to avoid last-minute portal problems.
- Is University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill a public or private university?
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a public university. In-state students from North Carolina pay significantly less than out-of-state students.
- How much does it cost to attend University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
- As a public institution with separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill costs significantly less for North Carolina residents: in-state tuition is about $8,998 per year versus roughly $37,558 for out-of-state students — a difference of around $28,560 annually. If you are not a North Carolina resident, factor the higher rate into your list, and check whether the school offers merit scholarships or regional exchange programs that narrow the gap.