UW-Madison vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)

Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a beacon of Southern charm, stand as two prominent institutions of higher learning. While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence, they offer distinct experiences shaped by their unique locations, student demographics, and academic strengths. With acceptance rates of 52% and 24%, respectively, UW-Madison welcomes a more diverse student body, while UNC-Chapel Hill boasts a higher graduation rate of 89% compared to UW-Madison's 86%. Dive into our comprehensive comparison table to explore the nuances that set these two esteemed universities apart, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill	University of Wisconsin-Madison
Overview
Location	Chapel Hill, North Carolina	Madison, Wisconsin
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Large
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%	95.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	20.4%	60.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $85 Graduate: $95	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1140 - 1380	1320 - 1500
ACT range	22 - 27	26 - 32
Students submitting SAT score	2.0%	15.0%
Students submitting ACT score	12.0%	55.0%
Total number of applicants	50,729	53,781
Total number of admissions given out	10,348	32,459
Admitted students who chose to enroll	4,690	8,465
Yield rate	45.3%	26.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	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: $27,418 Out of state: $55,306
Average net price	$11,508	$13,484
Tuition	In state: $7,019 Out of state: $34,882	In state: $9,273 Out of state: $37,161
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,878 Meal plan: $5,004	Room/dormitory: $7,367 Meal plan: $4,100
Available payment plans	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	42.0% Average amount $16,076	54.0% Average amount $10,932
Students receiving federal student loan	17.0% Average amount $4,244	26.0% Average amount $5,175
Students taking out private loans	3.0% Average amount $14,032	6.0% Average amount $16,550

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	19,845 Men 39.6% Women 60.4%	34,561 Men 47.5% Women 52.5%
Graduate students	11,796 Men 41.4% Women 58.6%	12,455 Men 46.6% Women 53.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	16.2%	50.6%
International students	6.8%	13.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	9,984	9,226
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	Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota California New York

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Business Social Sciences Public Administration and Social Service Multidisciplinary Studies	Health Professions Business Social Sciences Engineering Computer and Information Science
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%	89.2%
Dropout rate	3.7%	10.0%
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	Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $107,256 Year 3: $131,458 Marketing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $113,083 Year 2: $111,992 Year 3: $130,357 Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $112,390 Year 2: $113,091 Year 3: $124,360 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $96,320 Year 2: $117,042 Year 3: $123,777 Engineering, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $110,338 Year 2: $106,421 Year 3: $111,424 Real Estate (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $115,339 Year 3: $104,219 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $115,387 Year 2: $100,213 Year 3: $103,937 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $78,839 Year 2: $81,997 Year 3: $97,306 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $85,538 Year 3: $94,093 Real Estate (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,730 Year 2: $73,949 Year 3: $91,306

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key academic strengths of the University of Wisconsin-Madison?

The University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) is renowned for its strong programs in a wide array of disciplines. It excels in areas like engineering, particularly in areas like nuclear and biomedical engineering, as well as in business, law, and medicine. UW-Madison also boasts exceptional programs in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, with a strong emphasis on research and graduate studies. Its 'Wisconsin Idea' emphasizes the university's commitment to serving the state and the world through research and outreach.
What are the key academic strengths of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill) is highly regarded for its strong programs in journalism and mass communication, business (especially its Kenan-Flagler Business School), public health, and medicine. UNC-Chapel Hill also has excellent programs in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences. It is known for its commitment to undergraduate education and a vibrant campus culture.
How does the cost of attendance compare between UW-Madison and UNC-Chapel Hill?

Generally, both universities offer a good value for the education received. However, the cost of attendance can vary depending on residency status. UNC-Chapel Hill, as a public university in North Carolina, often has lower tuition and fees for in-state residents compared to UW-Madison for Wisconsin residents. Out-of-state tuition at both institutions is higher. It's best to check the most current tuition and fee information on each university's official website, as costs can change annually.
What is the campus environment like at UW-Madison?

UW-Madison has a vibrant and active campus environment. It's located in Madison, Wisconsin, a city known for its progressive culture and outdoor activities. The campus is centered around a beautiful lake (Lake Mendota), offering opportunities for recreation. The university has a strong sense of community, with a wide range of student organizations, a lively social scene, and a strong emphasis on school spirit, particularly around Badger athletics.
What is the campus environment like at UNC-Chapel Hill?

UNC-Chapel Hill offers a classic Southern college experience. The campus is located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, a charming town with a strong sense of community. The campus is known for its beautiful architecture, historic buildings, and a welcoming atmosphere. UNC-Chapel Hill has a strong focus on undergraduate life, with a wide variety of student organizations, a vibrant social scene, and a passionate fanbase for Tar Heel athletics.
How does research opportunities compare at UW-Madison and UNC-Chapel Hill?

Both universities are major research institutions, providing ample opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in research. UW-Madison is particularly strong in STEM fields and has a long history of groundbreaking research. UNC-Chapel Hill also has a robust research environment, with strengths in areas like medicine, public health, and the humanities. The specific research opportunities available will depend on your field of study, but both universities offer excellent resources and support for student researchers.
What are the admission requirements like for UW-Madison?

Admission to UW-Madison is highly competitive. The university considers a variety of factors, including your high school GPA, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may be in place), the rigor of your coursework, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. They look for well-rounded students who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to their community. Specific requirements and deadlines can be found on the UW-Madison admissions website.
What are the admission requirements like for UNC-Chapel Hill?

Admission to UNC-Chapel Hill is also highly competitive. The university considers factors such as your high school GPA, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may be in place), the rigor of your coursework, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. UNC-Chapel Hill seeks students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to service. Specific requirements and deadlines can be found on the UNC-Chapel Hill admissions website.
How does the student body demographics compare?

Both universities have diverse student bodies, but there are some differences. UW-Madison has a significant number of out-of-state and international students, reflecting its national and global appeal. UNC-Chapel Hill has a strong representation of students from North Carolina, reflecting its mission as a state university. Both universities are committed to diversity and inclusion, and you'll find a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives on both campuses.
Which university is better for someone interested in a strong athletics program?

Both universities have very strong athletic programs, but they compete in different conferences. UW-Madison is part of the Big Ten Conference, known for its competitive football and basketball programs. UNC-Chapel Hill is part of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), and is particularly renowned for its basketball program, with a long history of national championships. Both schools offer a vibrant athletic experience and a strong sense of school spirit.
How does the location of each university impact the student experience?

UW-Madison is located in Madison, Wisconsin, a city known for its progressive politics, outdoor recreation, and vibrant cultural scene. Students have easy access to lakes, parks, and a thriving downtown area. UNC-Chapel Hill is located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, a smaller town with a strong sense of community and a more Southern feel. The area offers a mix of cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and a close-knit college town atmosphere. The location will influence your overall experience, so consider which environment best suits your preferences.
What are the career services like at UW-Madison?

UW-Madison offers comprehensive career services to help students with career exploration, resume writing, interviewing skills, and job placement. They provide career fairs, workshops, and individual advising to assist students in finding internships and full-time employment. The university's strong alumni network also provides valuable connections and support.
What are the career services like at UNC-Chapel Hill?

UNC-Chapel Hill provides robust career services to support students in their career development. They offer career counseling, resume and cover letter assistance, interview preparation, and job search resources. The university hosts career fairs, workshops, and networking events to connect students with potential employers. The strong alumni network also plays a significant role in career support.

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