University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) vs University of Kansas (KU)

When it comes to choosing the right university, it's essential to compare institutions to find the best fit. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Kansas, both esteemed public research universities, offer distinct experiences. UNC-Chapel Hill boasts a lower acceptance rate, indicating its selectivity, while KU offers a more diverse student body. UNC-Chapel Hill excels in fields like biology, psychology, and business, while KU shines in engineering, education, and nursing. With UNC-Chapel Hill's higher graduation rate, students may find a greater likelihood of completing their studies within the expected timeframe. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into further details and make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	University of Kansas	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Overview
Location	Lawrence, Kansas	Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Campus setting	City: Small	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	85.0%	97.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	92.5%	20.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $65	Undergraduate: $85 Graduate: $95
SAT range	1090 - 1330	1140 - 1380
ACT range	21 - 29	22 - 27
Students submitting SAT score	12.0%	2.0%
Students submitting ACT score	80.0%	12.0%
Total number of applicants	15,275	50,729
Total number of admissions given out	14,129	10,348
Admitted students who chose to enroll	4,119	4,690
Yield rate	29.2%	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: $25,259 Out of state: $42,127	In state: $24,770 Out of state: $52,633
Average net price	$18,608	$11,508
Tuition	In state: $10,092 Out of state: $26,960	In state: $7,019 Out of state: $34,882
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,100 Meal plan: $3,800	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)	80.0% Average amount $10,408	42.0% Average amount $16,076
Students receiving federal student loan	40.0% Average amount $5,220	17.0% Average amount $4,244
Students taking out private loans	6.0% Average amount $13,036	3.0% Average amount $14,032

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	19,158 Men 46.8% Women 53.2%	19,845 Men 39.6% Women 60.4%
Graduate students	7,622 Men 42.7% Women 57.3%	11,796 Men 41.4% Women 58.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	41.5%	16.2%
International students	6.8%	6.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	5,235	9,984
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Kansas Missouri Illinois Texas Colorado	North Carolina Georgia Maryland New York Pennsylvania

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Business Education Engineering Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Health Professions Business Social Sciences Public Administration and Social Service Multidisciplinary Studies
Students to faculty ratio	17:1	15:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	66.0%	90.5%
Dropout rate	7.8%	3.7%
Transferred out	24.6%	5.4%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $160,586 Year 2: $170,720 Year 3: $156,139 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $112,189 Year 2: $119,061 Year 3: $123,797 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $80,966 Year 2: $73,299 Year 3: $88,195 Petroleum Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,179 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $81,042 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $78,614 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $67,617 Year 2: $72,625 Year 3: $77,366 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,974 Year 2: $66,001 Year 3: $73,900 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,436 Year 2: $59,722 Year 3: $72,306 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,919 Year 2: $64,990 Year 3: $68,960 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $56,347 Year 2: $53,108 Year 3: $68,650	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 academic differences between UNC-Chapel Hill and the University of Kansas?

UNC-Chapel Hill is renowned for its strong programs in humanities, social sciences, and business, with a particularly notable journalism school. The University of Kansas excels in engineering, architecture, and medicine. While both offer a broad range of disciplines, your specific academic interests should guide your choice. Consider which university has a stronger program in your intended major and offers research opportunities that align with your goals.
How does the cost of attendance compare between UNC-Chapel Hill and the University of Kansas?

Generally, UNC-Chapel Hill offers a more affordable in-state tuition due to its status as a public university in North Carolina. The University of Kansas also provides competitive in-state tuition rates. However, out-of-state tuition at both institutions can be significantly higher. Be sure to check the most current tuition and fee schedules on each university's website and factor in living expenses, which can vary depending on the location and your lifestyle.
What is the campus environment like at UNC-Chapel Hill versus the University of Kansas?

UNC-Chapel Hill boasts a classic Southern college town atmosphere, with a vibrant campus life centered around Franklin Street. The University of Kansas, located in Lawrence, Kansas, offers a more Midwestern feel with a strong sense of community and a lively downtown area. Both campuses have beautiful architecture and offer a variety of student activities, but the overall vibe differs. Consider which environment better suits your personality and preferences.
How do the student populations differ at UNC-Chapel Hill and the University of Kansas?

Both universities have large student populations, but there are some differences. UNC-Chapel Hill tends to attract a higher percentage of students from the Southeast, while the University of Kansas draws a significant number of students from the Midwest. Both universities have diverse student bodies, but the specific demographics and cultural makeup may vary. Research the student organizations and campus resources to see which university aligns with your values and interests.
What are the athletic programs like at UNC-Chapel Hill and the University of Kansas?

Both universities have highly competitive athletic programs. UNC-Chapel Hill is particularly known for its basketball program, with a rich history and passionate fanbase. The University of Kansas also has a strong basketball program and is known for its football program. Both schools offer a wide range of other sports, providing ample opportunities for student involvement and school spirit. If athletics are important to you, consider the specific sports and the overall athletic culture at each university.
What are the career services and opportunities like at UNC-Chapel Hill and the University of Kansas?

Both universities offer robust career services to help students with internships, job searches, and career planning. UNC-Chapel Hill, located near Research Triangle Park, provides access to numerous job opportunities in technology, healthcare, and research. The University of Kansas, located near Kansas City, offers strong connections to industries in engineering, architecture, and healthcare. Research the career services resources and the types of companies that recruit on each campus to determine which aligns with your career goals.
How does the location of each university impact the student experience?

UNC-Chapel Hill's location in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, offers easy access to the Research Triangle area, providing numerous internship and job opportunities. The town itself is walkable and has a vibrant arts and culture scene. The University of Kansas, located in Lawrence, Kansas, offers a more Midwestern experience with a strong sense of community and a lively downtown area. Consider which location and surrounding area better suit your lifestyle and interests.
What are the admission requirements like for UNC-Chapel Hill and the University of Kansas?

Both universities are selective, but the specific admission requirements may vary. Generally, both require strong academic records, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may be in place), and extracurricular involvement. Review the specific requirements for each university on their respective admissions websites, paying close attention to deadlines and any specific requirements for your intended major. Consider your academic profile and the competitiveness of the applicant pool when making your decision.
Are there significant differences in the research opportunities available at UNC-Chapel Hill and the University of Kansas?

Both universities are research-intensive institutions, offering numerous opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in research. UNC-Chapel Hill has a strong focus on research in the humanities, social sciences, and health sciences. The University of Kansas excels in engineering, architecture, and medicine research. Consider your specific research interests and the faculty expertise at each university when evaluating research opportunities.
How do the campus housing options compare at UNC-Chapel Hill and the University of Kansas?

Both universities offer a variety of on-campus housing options, including residence halls and apartments. UNC-Chapel Hill has a mix of traditional dorms and more modern apartment-style living. The University of Kansas also offers a range of housing options, with varying amenities and costs. Research the specific housing options, including their location, cost, and amenities, to determine which best suits your needs and preferences.

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