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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost

Also known as UNC, UNC Chapel Hill

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill accepts 15% of applicants. It is a public university in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, with about 20,752 undergraduates. The sticker price is $24,133 a year for state residents, but after aid the average family pays $11,305.

15%Acceptance rate
1390–1530Middle 50% SAT
28–34Middle 50% ACT
$11,305Average cost after aid / year
91%Graduation rate
$64,397Typical early-career earnings

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need for UNC?

Even with a 4.0 unweighted GPA, Admitly estimates a typical North Carolina resident has about a 21% chance, so a top GPA is expected and the rest of the application decides most outcomes.

The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.

Chances of getting into University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill by GPA

Assumes an SAT of 1460, the middle score for admitted students (tests are optional here). A higher or lower score moves these numbers. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.

GPANorth Carolina residentOut-of-state
3.03% Reach1% Reach
3.33% Reach1% Reach
3.55% Reach2% Reach
3.79% Reach3% Reach
3.916% Reach5% Reach
4.021% Reach7% Reach

Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.

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What families actually pay at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $24,133 a year for state residents including room and board.

Family incomeIn-stateOut-of-state
Under $50k$2,200$32,900
$50k – $100k$6,800$37,500
$100k – $150k$12,900$43,600
$150k – $250k$24,100$56,900
Over $250k$24,100$59,400

Out-of-state figures add most of the tuition difference, since state grants rarely follow students across state lines.

Outcomes

91%Finish their degree
97%Return for second year
$64,397Median earnings, early career

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

Common questions about University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

What is the acceptance rate at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill admits 15% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need to get into University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?

Even with a 4.0 unweighted GPA, Admitly estimates a typical North Carolina resident has about a 21% chance, so a top GPA is expected and the rest of the application decides most outcomes. This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores, activities and essays all matter.

What SAT or ACT score do you need for University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1390–1530 on the SAT and 28–34 on the ACT. Submitting scores is optional.

How much does University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill cost after financial aid?

The sticker price is $24,133 a year for state residents including room and board, but the average family pays $11,305 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $2,200 in-state.

What is the graduation rate at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?

91% of students finish their degree, and 97% return for a second year.

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