Head-to-Head Comparison
New Jersey Institute of Technology vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, NJ
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC
- New Jersey Wins
- 19
- Tied
- 9
- North Carolina Wins
- 25
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $11,655 vs New Jersey Institute of Technology's $16,504, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. 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.
53 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
New Jersey
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $84,276 ten years after enrollment, 17% more than University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 6.5%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
North Carolina
- Lower cost: Average net price of $11,655, roughly $4,849 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 92% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $14,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 15% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #30
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
New Jersey graduates concentrate in Computer Science & IT (33% 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 New Jersey Institute of Technology over University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Median earnings of $84,276 ten years after enrollment vs $72,200.
Pick University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill over New Jersey Institute of Technology. Net price $11,655 vs $16,504.
Pick University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill over New Jersey Institute of Technology. THE World Rank #30 vs #350-400.
Pick New Jersey Institute of Technology over University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 6.5% mobility rate vs 1.2%.
Pick University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill over New Jersey Institute of Technology. 92% completion rate vs 73%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
New Jersey Institute of Technology and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are close on paper, but University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 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
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the harder admit. It takes 15% of applicants, while New Jersey Institute of Technology takes 65%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,337 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 $4,849 a year below New Jersey Institute of Technology's $16,504. Graduates of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill also borrow less: median debt of $14,000, against $21,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $19,396 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, New Jersey Institute of Technology graduates report median earnings of $84,276, compared with $72,200 at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. That is a 17% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.19x to 0.25x.
So what: An earnings gap of 17% 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.
Finishing the degree
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduates a larger share of its students, 92% versus 73%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 19% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
New Jersey Institute of Technology does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 6.5%; at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, it is 1.2%. New Jersey Institute of Technology also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 10.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.5%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, New Jersey Institute of Technology 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.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill sits higher, at #30 versus #350.
So what: Research rank matters most for students headed to graduate school or hoping to work in faculty labs. For undergraduates going straight into the job market, it is a weak predictor of earnings.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to keep costs and debt down; pick New Jersey Institute of Technology 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 $4,849 a year, yet New Jersey Institute of Technology graduates earn $12,076 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 New Jersey Institute of Technology posts the higher mobility rate, at 6.5%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Research prestige does not track graduate pay in this pairing. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ranks higher globally (#30 vs #350-400), but New Jersey Institute of Technology alumni out-earn theirs ten years after enrollment. For undergraduates outside research careers, the rank is the weaker guide.
Their academic identities diverge. New Jersey Institute of Technology concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, Engineering, while University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill leans toward Biology & Biomedical, Social Sciences. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $16,504 runs well above University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's $11,655.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $21,000, against $14,000 at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's enrollment, and New Jersey Institute of Technology is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's enrollment of 20,752 far exceeds New Jersey Institute of Technology's 9,019.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
New Jersey holds onto its admits more tightly: 17% of admitted students enroll, versus 0% at North Carolina — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Test scores matter less at New Jersey, where only about 43% 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) 5 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
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, NJ · Public
With nearly 9,020 students, New Jersey Institute of Technology is a great fit for those pursuing careers in fields like engineering, computer science, business, and the arts. The 65% acceptance rate means there's a decent chance of getting in, especially for students who are dedicated to their studies and have a solid application. What stands out here is the strong emphasis on practical skills and real-world applications, making it a solid option for anyone looking to dive straight into a career after graduation.
When it comes to life after graduation, the numbers tell a promising story. Graduates can expect to earn around $84,276 within ten years of completing their degree. This level of earning potential is significant, especially when you consider how affordable this school is compared to others. With a median debt of $21,000, students graduate with a manageable financial load, allowing many to move up in their careers without being bogged down by excessive loans.
In terms of the practical bottom line, the net price after aid is about $16,504, which is reasonable for a public institution. This affordability, combined with the strong earning potential, means that students who tend to thrive here are typically those committed to their fields and eager to apply their learning in practical settings. With a diverse range of programs and a supportive environment, NJIT is well-suited for students ready to take the next step in their educational journey.
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
New Jersey Institute of Technology is featured on the Best Online Colleges in New Jersey ranking.
Top Degree Programs
New Jersey's top program is Computer Science (33% 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 New Jersey) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for North Carolina).
The two schools feed different job markets. New Jersey Institute of Technology is strongest in Engineering, while University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill concentrates in Social Sciences. 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 New Jersey Institute of Technology 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 65% at New Jersey Institute of Technology.
Which is more affordable, New Jersey Institute of Technology 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 $16,504 at New Jersey Institute of Technology.
Do New Jersey Institute of Technology or University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduates earn more?
New Jersey Institute of Technology graduates earn more: median earnings of $84,276 ten years after enrollment, versus $72,200 at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Which has a better graduation rate, New Jersey Institute of Technology or University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has the higher graduation rate, 92% versus 73%.
New Jersey Institute of Technology vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: which is better for social mobility?
New Jersey Institute of Technology is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 6.5% versus 1.2%.
Should you choose New Jersey Institute of Technology 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 New Jersey Institute of Technology 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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