University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) vs Berkeley
Nestled in the heart of the Tar Heel State, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) and the University of California-Berkeley (UCB) stand as two beacons of academic excellence, each offering a distinct educational experience. While both universities share a commitment to providing a world-class education, they differ in several key aspects, including acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. This side-by-side comparison delves into these differences, helping prospective students make an informed decision about which institution best aligns with their academic aspirations and personal preferences. Explore the comprehensive table below to discover the nuances that set UNC and UCB apart, and find the perfect fit for your educational journey.
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![]() University of California-Berkeley |
![]() University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
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Overview |
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Location | Berkeley, California | Chapel Hill, North Carolina |
Campus setting | City: Midsize | 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 | 96.0% | 97.0% |
![]() |
No | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 14.4% | 20.4% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$70
Graduate:
$120
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Undergraduate:
$85
Graduate:
$95
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SAT range | N/A | 1140 - 1380 |
ACT range | N/A | 22 - 27 |
Students submitting SAT score | 2.0% | |
Students submitting ACT score | 12.0% | |
Total number of applicants | 112,843 | 50,729 |
Total number of admissions given out | 16,295 | 10,348 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 6,931 | 4,690 |
Yield rate | 42.5% | 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 |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$37,920
Out of state:
$67,674
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In state:
$24,770
Out of state:
$52,633
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Average net price | $17,652 | $11,508 |
Tuition |
In state:
$11,442
Out of state:
$41,196
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In state:
$7,019
Out of state:
$34,882
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Room & board | $20,236 |
Room/dormitory:
$6,878
Meal plan:
$5,004
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
52.0%
Average amount $21,406 |
42.0%
Average amount $16,076 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
15.0%
Average amount $4,586 |
17.0%
Average amount $4,244 |
Students taking out private loans |
6.0%
Average amount $7,122 |
3.0%
Average amount $14,032 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
31,814
Men 45.4% Women 54.6% |
19,845
Men 39.6% Women 60.4% |
Graduate students |
13,222
Men 51.7% Women 48.3% |
11,796
Men 41.4% Women 58.6% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Moderate
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Low
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Out-of-state students | 16.9% | 16.2% |
International students | 18.0% | 6.8% |
Campus local/setting | City: Midsize | City: Small |
Dormitory capacity | 9,630 | 9,984 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | California New Jersey Texas Virginia New York | North Carolina Georgia Maryland New York Pennsylvania |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 20:1 | 15:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 92.8% | 90.5% |
Dropout rate | 6.3% | 3.7% |
Transferred out | N/A | 5.4% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees)
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Law (First Professional Degrees)
Information Science/Studies (Master's Degrees)
Chemistry (Doctoral Degrees)
Optometry (First Professional Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees)
Applied Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Dentistry (First Professional Degrees)
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Law (First Professional Degrees)
Applied Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees)
Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees)
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