REQUIREMENTS AND CAMPUS GUIDE
University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina, founded in 1789 and first welcoming students to campus in 1795, is the oldest public university in the U.S. As the first public university in the nation to award degrees, UNC is deeply rooted in history and traditions while emphasizing innovative teaching, research, and public service. As a member of the Association of American Universities, Carolina is often ranked as offering the best value for academic quality in U.S. public education.
REQUIREMENTS AND CAMPUS GUIDE
University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina, founded in 1789 and first welcoming students to campus in 1795, is the oldest public university in the U.S. As the first public university in the nation to award degrees, UNC is deeply rooted in history and traditions while emphasizing innovative teaching, research, and public service. As a member of the Association of American Universities, Carolina is often ranked as offering the best value for academic quality in U.S. public education.
REQUIREMENTS AND CAMPUS GUIDE
University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina, founded in 1789 and first welcoming students to campus in 1795, is the oldest public university in the U.S. As the first public university in the nation to award degrees, UNC is deeply rooted in history and traditions while emphasizing innovative teaching, research, and public service. As a member of the Association of American Universities, Carolina is often ranked as offering the best value for academic quality in U.S. public education.
School Location:
CHAPEL HILL, NC
School Type:
PUBLIC RESEARCH UNIVERSITY
Admissions Rates:
ADMITTED: 17%
GENERAL INFO
SAT/ACT Scores:
Test Optional for 2024-2025
Admission Cycle
Class of 2027 Test Scores
Middle 50% SAT: 1360-1510
Middle 50% ACT: 28-34
Dates/Deadlines:
Early Action: October 15
Regular Decision: January 15
School Information:
Undergraduate population:
20,681
Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Interviews Considered:
No
UNC TIPS & GUIDE
How difficult is it to get into UNC?
UNC is a selective university with an acceptance rate of 18.74% for the 2023-24 admissions cycle. In Carolina’s class of 2027, 74.9% of students graduated in the top 10% of their high school class while 95.8% graduated in the top quarter. The middle 50% SAT composite score of the enrolling first-year students was 1360-1510 while the middle 50% ACT composite score was 28-34.
What is the campus like at UNC?
UNC-Chapel Hill is located on a 729-acre campus less than half an hour away from Raleigh and Durham. Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the best college towns and places to live in the U.S.. As a part of the Research Triangle, UNC is connected to some of the fastest growing companies and communities in the world. With free town and university buses, students have access to a wide range of cultural, social, and intellectual opportunities across the campus and nearby communities.
There are 800+ student clubs and organizations and 28 varsity sports teams where you can find your community within the greater UNC community. For example, the Carolina Union is the administrative unit of the university composed of students, professional staff, and part-time student staff dedicated to serving the University community, including providing cultural, social, educational, and entertainment programs. There are also 50 fraternity and sorority organizations, and nearly 20% of students choose to join a chapter. Over 8,500 undergraduate and graduate students live on the UNC campus. There are 32 residence halls divided into 14 residential communities. First year students enroll in the First Year Experience program and must live on-campus for their first year of study.
What is UNC known for?
UNC’s academic rigor has earned it a reputation as a “Public Ivy,” a state-funded institution with prestige, cachet and a tradition of producing high-performing graduates. These notable alumni include Michael Jordan, Mia Hamm and Andy Griffith among other stars in athletics, entertainment, medicine and business. While the Tar Heels might be best known to the general public for their crowd-pleasing varsity sports performance, particularly their football and basketball teams, the professional spheres of the American South have strong representation from many Tar Heel lawyers, doctors, academics and business magnates.
How diverse is UNC?
Of the 20,880 students making up UNC-Chapel Hill’s undergraduate population, 6.12% were international students, 9.68% were Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% were Black or African American, 53.6% were White or Caucasian, 14.&% were Asian (non-Hispanic), and 5.1% were of two or more races and 2.3% were of an unknown race or ethnicity.
Can I afford UNC?
UNC is one of the nation’s few public universities to practice need-blind admissions and provide low-debt, full-need student aid. For the 2024-2025 school year, the estimated cost of attendance for in-state students not living with family or dependents will be $27,036. The cost for out-of-state students not living with family or dependents will be $60,040. Nearly half of all admitted students receive financial aid, and 60% of students graduate with no federal loan debt. UNC also offers Academic Scholarships to outstanding students each year. All students who are admitted are automatically considered for these scholarships; no additional application materials are necessary.
How do I apply to UNC?
The Early Action deadline for UNC is October 15 while the Regular Decision deadline is January 15. UNC only accepts the Common Application. A complete application for admission must include the following components:
As part of the Common App:
- Extracurricular Activities
- Essay and Two Short Answers
- Your College and University Courses
- Global Opportunities
- Honors Carolina and Special Opportunities
- Application Fee or Fee Waiver
Additional required materials include:
- Letter of Recommendation
- Official Transcript and School Report
SAT or ACT Scores (optional for 2025 admission)
Does UNC have a good athletic department?
Nicknamed the “University of National Championships,” UNC-Chapel Hill’s legendary NCAA Division I athletic program attracts fans from all across the country. Icons like Michael Jordan, who earned the Naismith and Wooden National Player of the Year Awards there in 1983, fine-tuned their skills there before competing at a professional level. With 26 varsity teams, 20+ intramural sports, 50 sport clubs and campus recreation, students are welcome to challenge themselves athletically at every level. The 67-acre Outdoor Education Center offers Carolina Adventures Expeditions and Challenge Course Programs to students, including a 1,200-foot zipline, an indoor climbing wall, and various expeditions.
One of the most well-known traditions in UNC athletics is the Carolina-Duke rivalry, often regarded as the greatest rivalry in college basketball. If UNC defeats Duke, students from across campus dash toward Franklin Street and celebrate the win. The Town has even started to restrict parking and close some streets in preparation for the rush.
What are UNC’s core curriculum programs?
UNC offers 74 bachelor’s, 104 master’s, 65 doctorate and seven professional degree programs through its fifteen schools. Students must complete the Supplemental General Education requirement called IDEAs in Action. After completing the First-Year Foundation requirements during the first academic year on campus, students can then choose from more than 70 majors and minors and design their own course of study, while completing their remaining general education requirements.
As a research university, there are many opportunities for undergraduates to conduct research. While the majority of first year students don’t participate in research, by graduation, 60% of students will have participated in hands-on research. The Office for Undergraduate Research (OUR) is equipped with abundant resources to help undergraduates connect to research opportunities, find funding, and share their research with others.
With 400 study abroad programs in 70 countries worldwide, UNC guarantees that a global education is available to every student. 36% of undergraduate students participate in a program during their time at UNC. Students can also participate in virtual study abroad or exchange programs for completing fully remote coursework or internships through partner universities or study abroad organizations. Find out more about UNC’s study abroad programs here!
Overall, UNC offers strong academic support from advisors through the Academic Advising Program. Students can also participate in advising programs for student-athletes, students interested in health professions, pre-law, and more!
