University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus (OU) vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)

Envision yourself immersed in the vibrant college towns of Norman, Oklahoma, and Chapel Hill, North Carolina, home to the University of Oklahoma and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, respectively. While both institutions share a commitment to academic excellence, they offer distinct experiences. OU boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it more accessible to a broader range of students, while UNC's lower acceptance rate indicates a highly selective admissions process. Explore the nuances of each university's popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates, meticulously presented in the comparison table below. Discover which institution aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences, embarking on a journey toward your educational goals.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill logo

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus logo

University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

Overview

Location Chapel Hill, North Carolina Norman, Oklahoma
Campus setting City: Small Suburb: Midsize
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 97.0% 89.0%
Common app member Yes No
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 20.4% 85.2%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $85

Graduate: $95
Undergraduate: $40

Graduate: $50
SAT range 1140 - 1380 1150 - 1340
ACT range 22 - 27 23 - 29
Students submitting SAT score 2.0% 21.0%
Students submitting ACT score 12.0% 52.0%
Total number of applicants 50,729 17,318
Total number of admissions given out 10,348 14,760
Admitted students who chose to enroll 4,690 4,582
Yield rate 45.3% 31.0%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $24,770

Out of state: $52,633
In state: $31,293

Out of state: $47,097
Average net price $11,508 $22,022
Tuition
In state: $7,019

Out of state: $34,882
In state: $4,920

Out of state: $20,724
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $6,878

Meal plan: $5,004
Room/dormitory: $6,768

Meal plan: $4,932
Available payment plans
  • Guaranteed tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Guaranteed tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

42.0%
Average amount $16,076
100.0%
Average amount $10,298
Students receiving federal student loan 17.0%
Average amount $4,244
37.0%
Average amount $5,372
Students taking out private loans 3.0%
Average amount $14,032
9.0%
Average amount $15,502

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 19,845
Men 39.6% Women 60.4%
21,152
Men 48.8% Women 51.2%
Graduate students 11,796
Men 41.4% Women 58.6%
6,890
Men 45.2% Women 54.8%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Low
Out-of-state students 16.2% N/A
International students 6.8% 5.2%
Campus local/setting City: Small Suburb: Midsize
Dormitory capacity 9,984 6,405
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from North Carolina Georgia Maryland New York Pennsylvania N/A

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Social Sciences
  • Public Administration and Social Service
  • Multidisciplinary Studies
  • Engineering
  • Business
  • Liberal Arts
  • Communication and Journalism
  • Legal Profession
Students to faculty ratio 15:1 17:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Higher Learning Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 90.5% 75.8%
Dropout rate 3.7% 22.4%
Transferred out 5.4% N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
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
Dentistry (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $109,333
  • Year 2: $114,892
  • Year 3: $127,262
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $112,154
  • Year 2: $118,296
  • Year 3: $122,093
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $111,425
  • Year 2: $107,694
  • Year 3: $107,979
Petroleum Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $78,626
  • Year 2: $91,017
  • Year 3: $99,981
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $103,025
  • Year 2: $95,473
  • Year 3: $99,412
Psychology, General (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $94,408
  • Year 3: $98,563
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $90,890
  • Year 2: $89,746
  • Year 3: $98,170
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,548
  • Year 2: $64,990
  • Year 3: $90,680
Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $68,265
  • Year 2: $70,176
  • Year 3: $80,297
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $69,700
  • Year 2: $67,660
  • Year 3: $80,055

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the key differences in location and campus environment between the University of Oklahoma (OU) and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)?

    OU is located in Norman, Oklahoma, a mid-sized city with a strong college-town atmosphere. The campus is known for its beautiful architecture and expansive green spaces. UNC, on the other hand, is situated in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, a vibrant town with a rich history and a more urban feel compared to Norman. UNC's campus is also known for its historic buildings and a lively student culture, with easy access to the Research Triangle Park.

  • How do the academic programs at OU and UNC compare?

    Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. UNC is particularly strong in humanities, social sciences, and professional programs like journalism and public health. OU excels in petroleum engineering, meteorology, and business. Both universities have highly regarded programs in areas like law and medicine, but the specific strengths and specializations vary. Consider your intended major and research the specific departments at each university to determine the best fit.

  • What is the cost of attendance like at OU versus UNC?

    The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, varies. Generally, both universities offer competitive tuition rates, especially for in-state students. However, out-of-state tuition at both institutions can be significantly higher. Research the specific tuition and fee structures for your residency status on each university's website, and factor in living expenses to get a comprehensive picture of the total cost.

  • How does the student life and campus culture differ between OU and UNC?

    OU is known for its strong sense of school spirit, particularly around its football program, and a more traditional college experience. Greek life is also a significant part of the social scene. UNC has a similarly vibrant campus culture, with a strong emphasis on basketball and a more diverse student body. UNC's campus culture is often described as being more politically active and socially conscious. Both universities offer a wide array of student organizations and activities.

  • What are the athletic programs like at OU and UNC?

    Both universities have highly competitive athletic programs. OU is a powerhouse in football, and also has strong programs in gymnastics and wrestling. UNC is renowned for its basketball program, and also excels in soccer and field hockey. Both universities compete in the NCAA Division I and offer a wide variety of sports for students to participate in or support.

  • What are the admission requirements and selectivity of OU and UNC?

    Both universities are selective, but the specific requirements and acceptance rates differ. UNC generally has a slightly lower acceptance rate and higher average standardized test scores than OU. Both universities consider a student's academic record, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may be in place), extracurricular activities, and essays. Review the specific admission requirements and deadlines on each university's admissions website.

  • How do career services and opportunities compare at OU and UNC?

    Both universities offer robust career services to help students with internships, job searches, and career planning. UNC's location in the Research Triangle Park provides access to numerous job opportunities in technology, research, and healthcare. OU's location in Oklahoma offers opportunities in the energy sector and other industries. Both universities have strong alumni networks that can assist students in their career pursuits.

  • What are the housing options like at OU and UNC?

    Both universities offer a variety of on-campus and off-campus housing options. OU has a range of residence halls and apartments, while UNC also provides a variety of dorms and apartments. The availability and cost of housing can vary, so it's important to research the specific options and application processes for each university.

  • How do the research opportunities differ at OU and UNC?

    Both universities are research-intensive institutions, offering numerous opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in research. UNC has a strong focus on research in areas like medicine, public health, and the humanities. OU excels in research related to energy, meteorology, and engineering. Explore the research interests of faculty and departments at each university to determine which aligns best with your academic goals.

  • Which university is a better fit for me, OU or UNC?

    The best fit depends on your individual preferences and academic goals. Consider your desired major, campus environment, cost of attendance, and extracurricular interests. If you are interested in a strong sense of school spirit and a more traditional college experience, OU might be a good fit. If you are looking for a more diverse student body, a vibrant town, and strong programs in the humanities and social sciences, UNC might be a better choice. Visit both campuses if possible, and talk to current students to get a better feel for each university.

Compare Similar Colleges

The list of suggested college comparisons provided below is generated automatically by our system, utilizing statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you don't find the colleges you wish to compare, please visit our comparison page. There, you can search for the specific colleges and initiate your comparison.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill UNC vs The University of Alabama The University of Alabama
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill UNC vs University of California-Berkeley University of California-Berkeley
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill UNC vs University of Colorado Boulder University of Colorado Boulder
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill UNC vs University of Florida University of Florida
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill UNC vs University of Georgia University of Georgia
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill UNC vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill UNC vs University of Iowa University of Iowa
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill UNC vs University of Kentucky University of Kentucky
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill UNC vs University of Maryland-College Park University of Maryland-College Park
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill UNC vs University of Michigan-Ann Arbor University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill UNC vs University of Missouri-Columbia University of Missouri-Columbia
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill UNC vs Rutgers University-New Brunswick Rutgers University-New Brunswick
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill UNC vs University of Alabama at Birmingham University of Alabama at Birmingham
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill UNC vs Auburn University Auburn University
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill UNC vs University of Arizona University of Arizona
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill UNC vs University of Connecticut University of Connecticut
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill UNC vs University of Delaware University of Delaware
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill UNC vs Florida State University Florida State University
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill UNC vs Iowa State University Iowa State University
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill UNC vs University of Kansas University of Kansas
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill UNC vs University of Maryland, Baltimore University of Maryland, Baltimore
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill UNC vs University at Buffalo University at Buffalo
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill UNC vs University of North Dakota University of North Dakota
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill UNC vs Clemson University Clemson University
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill UNC vs Texas Tech University Texas Tech University
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill UNC vs Brigham Young University Brigham Young University
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill UNC vs University of Utah University of Utah
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus OU vs Auburn University Auburn University
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus OU vs Florida State University Florida State University
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus OU vs Iowa State University Iowa State University
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus OU vs University of Iowa University of Iowa
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus OU vs University of Kansas University of Kansas
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus OU vs University of Missouri-Columbia University of Missouri-Columbia
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus OU vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus OU vs Oklahoma State University-Main Campus Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus OU vs University of Alabama at Birmingham University of Alabama at Birmingham
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus OU vs The University of Alabama The University of Alabama
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus OU vs University of Arkansas University of Arkansas
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus OU vs University of Georgia University of Georgia
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus OU vs University of Maryland-College Park University of Maryland-College Park
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus OU vs University of Mississippi University of Mississippi
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus OU vs University of Nevada-Las Vegas University of Nevada-Las Vegas
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus OU vs CUNY Graduate School and University Center CUNY Graduate School and University Center
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus OU vs Kent State University at Kent Kent State University at Kent
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus OU vs Ohio University-Main Campus Ohio University-Main Campus
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus OU vs University of Memphis University of Memphis
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus OU vs University of North Texas University of North Texas
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus OU vs Brigham Young University Brigham Young University
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus OU vs University of Virginia-Main Campus University of Virginia-Main Campus
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus OU vs Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide