University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill Tuition and Fees

By Susan Guillory

(Last Updated – 05/2023)

Total Cost of Attendance

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) is a public institution that’s considered a “public ivy”—meaning it offers an education similar to that of an ivy league university. It was the first public university in the U.S. UNC Chapel Hill tuition for in-state students in 2022-23 was $8,998, while it was $39,338 for out-of-state students. Compare this to the national averages of $10,940 for in-state students and $28,240 for out-of-state students.

Costs for 2022-23

Student Type	In-State	Out-State
Tuition & Fees	$8,998	$39,338
Books & Supplies	$1,290	$1,290
Room & Board	$13,016	$13,016
Other Expenses	$2,758	$2,758
Total Cost of Attendance	$26,062	$56,402

Financial Aid

To help cover UNC tuition and other fees, 60% of students use some form of financial aid, which can include student loans, scholarships, or grants.

UNC Chapel Hill is need-blind, which means your ability (or lack thereof) to pay for your tuition will not be a factor in acceptance.

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need and merit. Students that qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.

The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:

•  Scholarships: These can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, and financial need.

•  Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, and non-profit organizations.

•  Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

•  Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.

Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state and federal and school deadlines may differ.

You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

•  US Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state

•  College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Private Student Loans

When it comes to student loans, 17% of students take out federal loans and 3% take out private loans to help with UNC Chapel Hill tuition. The average private student loan is $14,032.

Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or state-affiliated organizations. While Federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.

What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for as it generally may have better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school throughout the year, private loans can potentially help you make your payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

UNC tuition and expenses for four years would be, based on 2022-23 numbers, $104,248 for students who live in North Carolina and $225,608 for those coming from other states. In comparison, the average total cost for four years for a public university in the U.S. is $111,760.

Here’s some North Carolina Student Loan & Scholarship Information for you.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

Costs for 2022-23

Student Type	In-State	Out-State
Tuition & Fees	$8,998	$39,338
Room & Board	$13,016	$13,016
Total Cost of Attendance	$22,014	$52,354

In the 2022-23 academic year, students from North Carolina paid $8,998 for tuition and fees and $13,016 for room and board, for a total of $22,014. Those from other states paid $39,338 (tuition) and $13,016 (room and board) for a grand total of $52,354.

Find out about student loan and scholarship information.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

Costs for 2022-23

Student Type	In-State	Out-State
Tuition	$10,552	$28,844
Fees	$1,975	$1,975
Total Cost of Attendance	$12,527	$30,819

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has some well-respected graduate programs. UNC tuition for graduate school for in-state students is $12,527 and $30,819 for out-of-state students. There are graduate loans available to help with these costs.

Cost per Credit Hour

UNC Chapel Hill tuition is for full-time students. If you want to attend part-time, the rate per credit hour starts at $586.23 for in-state students and starts at $1,602.45 for out-of-state students, and the cost increases by department.

Campus Housing Expenses

Costs for 2022-23

Student Type	On-Campus	Off-Campus
Books & Supplies	$1,290	$1,290
Room & Board	$13,016	$1,490/mo*
Other Expenses	$2,758	$2,758

*Based on studio pricing. Average rate based on available apartments on UNC Chapel Hill’s off-campus housing website in 2022.

Incoming freshmen are required to live on campus in one of the 11 residence halls or at Granville Towers.

Once you complete your first year on campus, there are many options off-campus near the school. You can rent a studio or one-bedroom apartment on your own or live with roommates in an apartment, duplex, or house. This resource will help you explore the off-campus options.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Acceptance Rate

Fall 2022

Number of applications	57,221
Number accepted	9,640
Percentage Accepted	17%

With the UNC Chapel Hill acceptance rate at 17%, the school can be challenging to get into.

Admission Requirements

UNC has requirements for students applying for admission. Here’s what’s required and what’s recommended.

Required:

•  Letter of recommendation

•  High school transcript and school report

•  College and university courses (if applicable)

Recommended:

•  Admission test scores

The deadline for Early Action is October 15, with a decision given by January 31. The deadline for Regular Decision is January 15, with a decision by March 31. You can apply here .

SAT and ACT Scores

UNC is not requiring SAT or ACT test scores to be submitted with applications through fall 2024. If you do submit them, they may be considered for scholarships and other opportunities. Here are the scores for the 25th and 75th percentile.

Subject	25th Percentile	75th Percentile
SAT Evidence-Based Reading/Writing	670	750
SAT Math	670	780
ACT Composite	28	33
ACT English	27	35
ACT Math	27	33

Popular Majors at UNC – Chapel Hill

UNC Chapel Hill offers more than 70 majors and minors. Here are the most popular majors at UNC.

1. Biology

By far, the most popular degree at UNC is in biology. In addition to offering both Bachelor of Arts degrees and Bachelor of Science degrees in biology, UNC also offers a BS degree with a quantitative biology track, which is ideal for students who want to go on to graduate school in biology or health sciences.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 561

2. Communications

Communications majors will learn communication theories and how to apply them to different professions. They will also learn how to analyze information and how it is communicated through different media forms.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 476

3. Interdisciplinary Studies

The interdisciplinary studies program is for students who are self-disciplined and crave to learn outside of the classroom. Students can create their studies around a theme, problem, or interest.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 449

4. Computer Science

Computer science students will dive deep into concepts related to computer science as well as sharpen their critical thinking skills. They will also have the opportunity to learn from real-world experience in the field.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22:335

5. Business Administration

After completing a Bachelor of Arts or Science in business administration, students will be able to analyze and make decisions about business, utilize communication skills, and work with team members.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 332

6. Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness

UNC Chapel Hill offers three degrees in exercise and sport science with these emphases: fitness professional, sport administration, and general.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 290

7. Economics

UNC offers both a BA and BS in economics. Students will learn about economic concepts and use them to analyze economic phenomena. They will also learn how to use empirical and econometric methods in economic analysis.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 232

8. Mathematics

A BA or BS in mathematics at UNC will teach you core mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills, and prepare you for a master’s degree or for a profession in diverse math-related fields.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 205

9. Nursing

Through clinical experiences, students in this program develop the knowledge and skills needed to practice nursing in contemporary society.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 201

10. Political Science

In this program, students learn about politics in the West and around the world, and gain the skills necessary to evaluate and analyze political theories.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 190

Learn more about the fields of study you can major in at UNC here .

Graduation Rate

Here is the graduation rate for students who started attending UNC Chapel Hill in 2016:

•  6 years: 91%

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

Graduates from UNC Chapel Hill earn, on average, $67,765 per year, which is more than the average for four-year schools ($55,260).