Head-to-Head Comparison
Babson College vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Babson Wins
- 18
- Tied
- 14
- North Carolina Wins
- 22
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Babson College achieves a higher graduation rate (93% vs 92%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $40,514 compared to University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's $11,655 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Babson
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $123,938 ten years after enrollment, 72% more than University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.8%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
North Carolina
- Lower cost: Average net price of $11,655, roughly $28,859 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $14,000, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Babson graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (100% of degrees); North Carolina in Biology & Biomedical (15%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Babson College over University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Median earnings of $123,938 ten years after enrollment vs $72,200.
Pick University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill over Babson College. Net price $11,655 vs $40,514.
Pick Babson College over University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 2.8% mobility rate vs 1.2%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Babson College and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill split the core measures almost evenly. Neither comes out a clean winner, so the choice rests on which of these dimensions you care about most.
Getting in
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the harder admit. It takes 15% of applicants, while Babson College takes 17%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,457 to 1,439.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $11,655, about $28,859 a year below Babson College's $40,514. Graduates of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill also borrow less: median debt of $14,000, against $20,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $115,436 before any change in aid. Choosing University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Babson College graduates report median earnings of $123,938, compared with $72,200 at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. That is a 72% advantage. Set against borrowing, Babson College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.16x to 0.19x.
So what: An earnings gap of 72% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Moving people up
Babson College does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.8%; at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, it is 1.2%. Babson College also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 4.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.5%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Babson College offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to keep costs and debt down; pick Babson College for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill saves about $28,859 a year, yet Babson College graduates earn $51,738 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is harder to get into, with a 15% admit rate, but Babson College posts the higher mobility rate, at 2.8%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $40,514 runs well above University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's $11,655.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $20,000, against $14,000 at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
- Business and consulting-track students: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has less business program depth, and Babson College offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's enrollment of 20,752 far exceeds Babson College's 2,728.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Babson holds onto its admits more tightly: 39% of admitted students enroll, versus 0% at North Carolina — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Babson offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; North Carolina does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. Test scores matter less at Babson, where only about 25% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Babson College
Wellesley, MA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 17%, Babson College is a strong fit for students who are serious about pursuing a career in business and marketing. The intimate campus environment, home to around 2,728 students, fosters collaboration and networking among peers. Here, you’ll dive deep into practical studies that prepare you for real-world challenges, focusing on business principles and marketing strategies.
When we look at life after graduation, the numbers are promising. Graduates from Babson earn an impressive average of $123,938 within ten years of completing their degree. This figure reflects the college's focus on preparing students for high-earning roles in the competitive business landscape. It's worth noting that while the median debt stands at $20,000, this is manageable for the financial trajectory many graduates experience.
Cost is a crucial factor in choosing a college, and Babson's net price after aid is $40,514. This amount may seem high, but when considering the strong earning potential and the career opportunities that arise from a Babson education, many find it to be a worthwhile investment. Students who thrive here tend to be ambitious, driven, and ready to take on challenges in the business world.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC · Public
With an acceptance rate of just 15%, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill attracts students who are ready to dive into a diverse range of studies, including Biology, Business, and Communications. This school is a great fit for those who thrive in a competitive environment and are looking for strong academic support. The impressive graduation rate of 92% indicates a solid commitment to student success, meaning you'll likely find yourself in a community that values achievement and collaboration.
After graduation, students can expect to earn an average of $72,200 within a decade, which is a pretty solid starting point for many. This level of earning power suggests that the programs offered here are well-aligned with job market needs. Additionally, the cost of attendance is manageable, with a net price of $11,655 after aid, making it a compelling choice for those concerned about financial barriers.
When it comes to debt, the median load of $14,000 is relatively low compared to what many graduates face elsewhere. This means that students who manage their finances well can leave college with a degree of financial freedom. Generally, those who thrive here are driven and engaged, ready to take advantage of the rich academic and social resources that UNC Chapel Hill has to offer.
Rankings They Appear On
Babson College is featured on the Highest-Paying Colleges for Business ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Babson's top program is Business Administration (100% of enrollment), while North Carolina leads with Biology (15%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Babson) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for North Carolina).
The two schools feed different job markets. while University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill concentrates in Biology & Biomedical, Social Sciences, Computer Science & IT. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Babson College or University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is harder to get into, admitting 15% of applicants compared with 17% at Babson College.
Which is more affordable, Babson College or University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is more affordable, with an average net price of $11,655 after aid versus $40,514 at Babson College.
Do Babson College or University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduates earn more?
Babson College graduates earn more: median earnings of $123,938 ten years after enrollment, versus $72,200 at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Which has a better graduation rate, Babson College or University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
Babson College has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 92%.
Babson College vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: which is better for social mobility?
Babson College is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.8% versus 1.2%.
Should you choose Babson College or University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Babson College if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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