University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) vs University at Buffalo (UB)

When it comes to higher education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and University at Buffalo stand out as two prominent institutions with distinct characteristics. UNC-Chapel Hill boasts a lower acceptance rate of 23%, indicating its highly selective admissions process, while UB offers a more accessible acceptance rate of 53%. Both universities offer a diverse range of undergraduate programs, with UNC-Chapel Hill excelling in fields like biology, psychology, and economics, and UB showcasing strengths in engineering, business, and nursing. UNC-Chapel Hill's student body comprises 30,000 undergraduates, creating a vibrant and bustling campus, while UB's 20,000 undergraduates experience a more intimate and close-knit community. With UNC-Chapel Hill's graduation rate at 89% and UB's at 79%, both universities prioritize student success and provide ample resources to support their students' academic journeys. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve deeper into the unique

	University at Buffalo	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Overview
Location	Buffalo, New York	Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	83.0%	97.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	70.1%	20.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $75	Undergraduate: $85 Graduate: $95
SAT range	1180 - 1360	1140 - 1380
ACT range	25 - 31	22 - 27
Students submitting SAT score	29.0%	2.0%
Students submitting ACT score	5.0%	12.0%
Total number of applicants	30,750	50,729
Total number of admissions given out	21,552	10,348
Admitted students who chose to enroll	4,309	4,690
Yield rate	20.0%	45.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $30,240 Out of state: $48,160	In state: $24,770 Out of state: $52,633
Average net price	$17,954	$11,508
Tuition	In state: $7,070 Out of state: $24,990	In state: $7,019 Out of state: $34,882
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $8,952 Meal plan: $6,500	Room/dormitory: $6,878 Meal plan: $5,004
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	71.0% Average amount $8,810	42.0% Average amount $16,076
Students receiving federal student loan	45.0% Average amount $5,071	17.0% Average amount $4,244
Students taking out private loans	8.0% Average amount $13,892	3.0% Average amount $14,032

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	21,467 Men 54.3% Women 45.7%	19,845 Men 39.6% Women 60.4%
Graduate students	10,865 Men 47.5% Women 52.5%	11,796 Men 41.4% Women 58.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	3.2%	16.2%
International students	18.3%	6.8%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	7,711	9,984
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	New York New Jersey Pennsylvania Connecticut Florida	North Carolina Georgia Maryland New York Pennsylvania

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Engineering Computer and Information Science Education Social Sciences	Health Professions Business Social Sciences Public Administration and Social Service Multidisciplinary Studies
Students to faculty ratio	13:1	15:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	73.8%	90.5%
Dropout rate	8.7%	3.7%
Transferred out	16.4%	5.4%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $140,469 Year 2: $159,761 Year 3: $146,042 Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $70,533 Year 2: $67,772 Year 3: $132,503 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $95,335 Year 2: $104,510 Year 3: $123,979 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,109 Year 2: $61,020 Year 3: $82,514 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $70,415 Year 2: $68,499 Year 3: $78,884 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,859 Year 2: $67,101 Year 3: $76,613 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $54,249 Year 2: $61,078 Year 3: $75,877 Civil Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $63,773 Year 2: $66,653 Year 3: $75,097 Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,581 Year 2: $59,350 Year 3: $74,704 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,797 Year 2: $59,485 Year 3: $72,822	Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $168,979 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $238,213 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $135,965 Year 2: $127,836 Year 3: $150,089 Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $116,248 Year 2: $82,440 Year 3: $128,102 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $67,961 Year 2: $103,078 Year 3: $117,488 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $89,271 Year 2: $86,036 Year 3: $96,602 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,162 Year 2: $72,083 Year 3: $95,204 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,938 Year 2: $73,823 Year 3: $89,917 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $71,557 Year 2: $57,770 Year 3: $87,057 Applied Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,899 Year 2: $67,660 Year 3: $86,155 Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $68,205 Year 2: $68,666 Year 3: $82,520

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in location and campus environment between UNC-Chapel Hill and University at Buffalo?

UNC-Chapel Hill is located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, a charming college town with a strong sense of community and a vibrant social scene. The campus is known for its beautiful, historic architecture and a more traditional Southern feel. University at Buffalo (UB), on the other hand, is situated in Amherst, New York, a suburban area near Buffalo. UB has a more modern campus with a diverse student body and offers easy access to the city of Buffalo, providing a wider range of cultural and entertainment options.
How do the academic reputations of UNC-Chapel Hill and University at Buffalo compare?

Both universities are highly regarded, but they have different strengths. UNC-Chapel Hill is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States, particularly strong in humanities, journalism, and business. University at Buffalo is also a top-tier public research university, excelling in fields like engineering, architecture, and pharmacy. The best choice depends on your specific academic interests.
What is the cost of attendance like at UNC-Chapel Hill versus University at Buffalo?

Generally, the cost of attendance at UNC-Chapel Hill is slightly higher for out-of-state students compared to University at Buffalo. However, both universities offer competitive tuition rates for in-state students. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available at both institutions to help offset the cost of education. It's recommended to check the specific tuition and fee schedules on each university's website for the most up-to-date information.
What are the student life and extracurricular opportunities like at UNC-Chapel Hill and University at Buffalo?

Both universities offer a wide array of extracurricular activities. UNC-Chapel Hill is known for its strong athletic programs, particularly in basketball, and a lively campus culture centered around sports and Greek life. University at Buffalo also has a diverse range of student organizations, clubs, and Division I sports teams. UB's location provides easy access to the city of Buffalo, offering additional opportunities for entertainment, internships, and cultural experiences.
How does the size and student body diversity compare between UNC-Chapel Hill and University at Buffalo?

UNC-Chapel Hill has a large undergraduate population, fostering a classic university experience. University at Buffalo is also a large university, but it tends to have a slightly more diverse student body in terms of ethnicity, international representation, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Both universities are committed to creating inclusive environments for all students.
What are the career services and job placement rates like at UNC-Chapel Hill and University at Buffalo?

Both universities provide robust career services to assist students with internships, job searches, and career planning. UNC-Chapel Hill benefits from its location in a growing region with strong job markets in various sectors. University at Buffalo's location near Buffalo and other major cities in the Northeast provides access to a wide range of industries, including healthcare, technology, and manufacturing. Both universities have strong placement rates for graduates.
Which university is better for research opportunities, UNC-Chapel Hill or University at Buffalo?

Both UNC-Chapel Hill and University at Buffalo are leading research institutions. UNC-Chapel Hill has a strong research presence across various disciplines, including medicine, public health, and the humanities. University at Buffalo is also a major research university, with significant research activity in engineering, science, and architecture. The best choice depends on your specific research interests and the faculty expertise in your chosen field.
How does the campus housing and residential experience differ between UNC-Chapel Hill and University at Buffalo?

Both universities offer on-campus housing options for students. UNC-Chapel Hill provides a traditional residential experience with a variety of dorms and residential communities. University at Buffalo has a more modern approach to housing, with a mix of traditional dorms, suites, and apartment-style living. The specific housing options and residential experiences vary, so it's best to explore the details on each university's website to find the best fit for your preferences.
What are the notable alumni and traditions associated with UNC-Chapel Hill and University at Buffalo?

UNC-Chapel Hill boasts a long list of notable alumni, including prominent figures in politics, business, and the arts. The university is steeped in tradition, with iconic landmarks and time-honored events. University at Buffalo also has a distinguished alumni base, particularly in fields like architecture and engineering. UB has its own unique traditions and a strong sense of school spirit, fostered by its diverse student body and active campus life.
How do I decide which university is right for me, UNC-Chapel Hill or University at Buffalo?

The best choice depends on your individual preferences and academic goals. Consider factors such as your desired location, campus environment, academic interests, financial situation, and career aspirations. Research the specific programs and opportunities offered by each university, visit the campuses if possible, and talk to current students or alumni to gain a better understanding of the overall experience. Ultimately, the right university is the one that best aligns with your personal and professional goals.

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