Skip to main content

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill vs Western Carolina University

5

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

2

Western Carolina University

Key Metrics Compared

Official Data
Metric University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Western Carolina University Winner
Acceptance Rate 19% 87% University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Graduation Rate 92% 60% University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Avg Earnings (5yr) $57,057 $43,085 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Median Debt $14,000 $21,868 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Tuition (In-State) $8,989 $4,532 Western Carolina University
Retention Rate 97% 76% University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Financial Aid 18% 44% Western Carolina University

Comparison Analysis

Graduates of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill earn more than Western Carolina University graduates. UNC-Chapel Hill graduates earn $57,057, while Western Carolina University graduates earn $43,085. UNC-Chapel Hill has a higher graduation rate at 91.7%, compared to Western Carolina University's 59.8%. UNC-Chapel Hill is much more selective, with an acceptance rate of 18.7%, while Western Carolina University's acceptance rate is 86.7%.

Western Carolina University has a lower tuition cost. Tuition at Western Carolina University is $4,532, while tuition at UNC-Chapel Hill is $8,989.

The overall value proposition depends on individual priorities. Students prioritizing higher earnings and graduation rates may favor UNC-Chapel Hill. Students prioritizing lower tuition costs and a higher likelihood of acceptance may favor Western Carolina University.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Shared Programs

Shared Major University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Earnings Western Carolina University Earnings Difference
Business Administration, Management and Operations $156,818 $39,513 297% favor University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Business Administration, Management and Operations $156,818 $73,460 113% favor University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Business Administration, Management and Operations $156,818 $0 —
Communication and Media Studies $43,348 $28,996 49% favor University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Biology, General $33,471 $28,381 18% favor University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Psychology, General $31,804 $27,505 16% favor University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Biology, General $33,471 $0 —
Business Administration, Management and Operations $85,618 $39,513 117% favor University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Psychology, General $31,804 $0 —
Business Administration, Management and Operations $85,618 $73,460 17% favor University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Quick Facts

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Type Public
Location Chapel Hill, NC
Setting City
Students 20,556

Western Carolina University

Type Public
Location Cullowhee, NC
Setting Town
Students 9,867

Other Comparisons

Compare
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill vs University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Compare
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill vs University of North Carolina Wilmington
Compare
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill vs University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Compare
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill vs University of Rhode Island
Compare
North Carolina State University at Raleigh vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Compare
East Carolina University vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Frequently Asked Questions

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has median earnings of $57,057 and tuition of $8,989. Western Carolina University has median earnings of $43,085 and tuition of $4,532. The best choice depends on your priorities, field of study, and financial situation.

Explore Further

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ROI Analysis
Western Carolina University ROI Analysis