Head-to-Head Comparison
Barnard College vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Barnard Wins
- 19
- Tied
- 17
- North Carolina Wins
- 18
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Barnard College achieves a higher graduation rate (93% vs 92%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $28,800 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
Barnard
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $80,516 ten years after enrollment, 12% more than University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 3.5%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 9% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
North Carolina
- Lower cost: Average net price of $11,655, roughly $17,145 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $14,000, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Barnard graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (29% 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 Barnard College over University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Median earnings of $80,516 ten years after enrollment vs $72,200.
Pick University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill over Barnard College. Net price $11,655 vs $28,800.
Pick Barnard College over University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 3.5% mobility rate vs 1.2%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Barnard College and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are close on paper, but Barnard College wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Barnard College is the harder admit. It takes 9% of applicants, while University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill takes 15%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,520 to 1,439.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Barnard College 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 $17,145 a year below Barnard College's $28,800. Graduates of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill also borrow less: median debt of $14,000, against $18,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $68,580 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, Barnard College graduates report median earnings of $80,516, compared with $72,200 at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. That is a 12% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.19x to 0.22x.
So what: An earnings gap of 12% 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
Barnard College does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 3.5%; at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, it is 1.2%. Barnard College also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 6.5% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.5%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Barnard 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 Barnard 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 $17,145 a year, yet Barnard College graduates earn $8,316 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Barnard College concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, while University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill leans toward Business & Marketing. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $28,800 runs well above University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's $11,655.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $18,000, against $14,000 at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's enrollment of 20,752 far exceeds Barnard College's 3,264.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Barnard holds onto its admits more tightly: 67% of admitted students enroll, versus 0% at North Carolina — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Barnard 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.
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
Barnard College
New York, NY · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 9%, Barnard College attracts a driven and academically ambitious group of students. It's a great fit for those who are passionate about the liberal arts and sciences, and you’ll find a vibrant selection of programs here, including Social Sciences, Biology, Psychology, Computer Science, and the Visual and Performing Arts. The close-knit community in the heart of New York City offers a unique blend of rigorous academics and cultural experiences.
After graduation, Barnard alumni see impressive earnings, with a median income of $80,516 after ten years. This level of financial success is a clear indicator of the value of a Barnard degree in today’s job market. The school’s strong graduation rate of 93% speaks volumes about student support and engagement, making it likely that graduates will find their footing in a competitive landscape.
In terms of affordability, the net price after aid stands at $28,800, which is manageable given the potential earning power of graduates. With a median debt of $18,000, students tend to graduate with a reasonable financial burden. Those who thrive here are often those who are not only academically inclined but also eager to engage with the diverse opportunities the city has to offer, making Barnard a launching pad for future success.
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
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is featured on the Best Large Universities ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Barnard's top program is Sociology (29% of enrollment), while North Carolina leads with Biology (15%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Barnard) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for North Carolina).
The two schools feed different job markets. Barnard College is strongest in Psychology, while University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill concentrates in Business & Marketing. 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 Barnard College or University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
Barnard College is harder to get into, admitting 9% of applicants compared with 15% at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Which is more affordable, Barnard 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 $28,800 at Barnard College.
Do Barnard College or University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduates earn more?
Barnard College graduates earn more: median earnings of $80,516 ten years after enrollment, versus $72,200 at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Which has a better graduation rate, Barnard College or University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
Barnard College has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 92%.
Barnard College vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: which is better for social mobility?
Barnard College is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 3.5% versus 1.2%.
Should you choose Barnard 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 Barnard 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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