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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) vs CU-Boulder

Nestled in the heart of North Carolina, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) and the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) stand as two prominent beacons of higher education. While both institutions share a commitment to academic excellence and offer a wide range of programs, they also possess distinct characteristics that set them apart. UNC boasts a lower acceptance rate, a larger student body, and a higher graduation rate, while CU Boulder offers a more diverse student population and a wider variety of popular majors. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into these differences and more, helping you make an informed decision about which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
University of Colorado Boulder logo

University of Colorado Boulder

 		University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill logo

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Overview

Location Boulder, Colorado 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 87.0% 97.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 79.6% 20.4%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $50
Graduate: $60
Undergraduate: $85
Graduate: $95
SAT range 1170 - 1390 1140 - 1380
ACT range 25 - 31 22 - 27
Students submitting SAT score 32.0% 2.0%
Students submitting ACT score 16.0% 12.0%
Total number of applicants 54,756 50,729
Total number of admissions given out 43,576 10,348
Admitted students who chose to enroll 6,785 4,690
Yield rate 15.6% 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: $29,725
Out of state: $55,543
In state: $24,770
Out of state: $52,633
Average net price $22,532 $11,508
Tuition
In state: $10,728
Out of state: $36,546
In state: $7,019
Out of state: $34,882
Room & board $15,220
Room/dormitory: $6,878
Meal plan: $5,004
Available payment plans
  • Guaranteed tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Guaranteed tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

 53.0%
Average amount $9,214 		42.0%
Average amount $16,076
Students receiving federal student loan 27.0%
Average amount $4,986 		17.0%
Average amount $4,244
Students taking out private loans 6.0%
Average amount $24,094 		3.0%
Average amount $14,032

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students 30,886
Men 54.8% Women 45.2% 		19,845
Men 39.6% Women 60.4%
Graduate students 8,114
Men 57.8% Women 42.2% 		11,796
Men 41.4% Women 58.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Low
Out-of-state students 48.8% 16.2%
International students 7.1% 6.8%
Campus local/setting City: Midsize City: Small
Dormitory capacity 7,500 9,984
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Colorado California Texas Illinois New York North Carolina Georgia Maryland New York Pennsylvania

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Engineering
  • Communication and Journalism
  • Visual & Performing Arts
  • Legal Profession
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Social Sciences
  • Public Administration and Social Service
  • Multidisciplinary Studies
Students to faculty ratio 18:1 15:1
Institutional accreditation Higher Learning Commission Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome

Graduation rate 74.0% 90.5%
Dropout rate 8.6% 3.7%
Transferred out 15.9% 5.4%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Engineering, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $105,752
  • Year 2: $116,679
  • Year 3: $121,033
Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $97,071
  • Year 3: $118,373
Computer Science (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $93,907
  • Year 2: $94,408
  • Year 3: $108,458
Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $85,254
  • Year 2: $89,641
  • Year 3: $97,860
Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $76,200
  • Year 2: $75,706
  • Year 3: $92,272
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $87,191
  • Year 2: $80,503
  • Year 3: $87,258
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $74,023
  • Year 2: $75,204
  • Year 3: $86,676
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $69,804
  • Year 2: $75,921
  • Year 3: $85,563
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $75,633
  • Year 2: $83,177
  • Year 3: $85,039
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $68,440
  • Year 2: $71,957
  • Year 3: $83,132
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 main differences in location and campus environment between UNC Chapel Hill and CU Boulder?

    UNC Chapel Hill is located in the charming college town of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, offering a classic Southern college experience. The campus is known for its historic architecture and beautiful green spaces. CU Boulder, on the other hand, is situated at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in Boulder, Colorado, providing a more outdoorsy and adventurous atmosphere. The campus has a modern feel with stunning mountain views.

  • How do the academic reputations of UNC Chapel Hill and CU Boulder compare?

    Both UNC Chapel Hill and CU Boulder are highly regarded universities. UNC Chapel Hill is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the nation, particularly known for its journalism, business, and law programs. CU Boulder is also a strong public institution, especially recognized for its programs in aerospace engineering, environmental science, and physics. The 'best' school depends on your specific academic interests.

  • What is the difference in cost of attendance between UNC Chapel Hill and CU Boulder?

    Generally, UNC Chapel Hill is more affordable for in-state students compared to CU Boulder. However, for out-of-state students, the cost difference may be less significant. It's crucial to check the latest tuition and fees on each university's website and factor in living expenses, which can vary depending on your lifestyle and housing choices.

  • What are the popular majors at UNC Chapel Hill and CU Boulder?

    At UNC Chapel Hill, popular majors include Business Administration, Journalism, Biology, Political Science, and Psychology. CU Boulder is well-known for Aerospace Engineering, Environmental Science, Physics, Business, and Communication. Consider which university offers stronger programs in your area of interest.

  • How do the student bodies at UNC Chapel Hill and CU Boulder differ?

    UNC Chapel Hill tends to draw a larger proportion of students from the Southeast, while CU Boulder attracts students from across the United States and internationally, particularly from the West Coast. CU Boulder is known for its more laid-back and outdoorsy student culture, while UNC Chapel Hill has a strong sense of tradition and school spirit, especially surrounding basketball.

  • What are the athletic programs like at UNC Chapel Hill and CU Boulder?

    Both universities have strong athletic programs. UNC Chapel Hill is a powerhouse in basketball and also excels in soccer, lacrosse, and other sports. CU Boulder is known for its football, cross country, and skiing programs. Both are NCAA Division I schools with passionate fan bases.

  • What kind of research opportunities are available at UNC Chapel Hill and CU Boulder?

    Both UNC Chapel Hill and CU Boulder are research universities with ample opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to get involved in research. UNC Chapel Hill has strong research programs in medicine, public health, and social sciences. CU Boulder excels in research related to aerospace, environmental science, and physics. Check each department's website for specific research labs and opportunities.

  • What is the social scene like at UNC Chapel Hill versus CU Boulder?

    UNC Chapel Hill offers a traditional college town social scene with a focus on campus events, Greek life, and local bars and restaurants. CU Boulder has a more diverse social scene, influenced by its proximity to the mountains and outdoor activities. There are many opportunities for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor adventures, as well as a vibrant music scene and a variety of bars and restaurants.

  • How do the career services and internship opportunities compare between UNC Chapel Hill and CU Boulder?

    Both UNC Chapel Hill and CU Boulder offer comprehensive career services, including career counseling, resume workshops, and job fairs. UNC Chapel Hill benefits from its location in the Research Triangle Park, which provides access to numerous technology and research companies. CU Boulder's location near Denver offers opportunities in aerospace, technology, and environmental industries. The best choice depends on your career goals and desired location.

  • What are the climates like in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and Boulder, Colorado?

    Chapel Hill has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers. Boulder has a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons, including cold, snowy winters and warm, sunny summers. If you prefer milder winters and higher humidity, Chapel Hill might be a better fit. If you enjoy sunshine and outdoor activities in all seasons, Boulder could be more appealing.

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