UNC vs Holy Cross Introduction

This article compares two renowned institutions, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) and the College of the Holy Cross (Holy Cross). We will explore each school’s overview, costs and tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, students, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes. With this comprehensive comparison, prospective students can make an informed decision about which institution best suits their needs and aspirations.

UNC Overview

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, founded in 1789, is a public research university located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. As the flagship campus of the University of North Carolina system, UNC offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various fields of study. With an emphasis on research and innovation, UNC provides its students with numerous opportunities for experiential learning and engagement.

UNC Costs & Tuition

Tuition for in-state students at UNC is approximately $9,000 per year, while out-of-state students pay around $36,000 per year. Additional expenses, such as room and board, books, and transportation, bring the total cost of attendance to about $25,000 for in-state students and $52,000 for out-of-state students. UNC offers financial aid packages, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities to help students cover these expenses.

UNC Admissions

Admission to UNC is competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 23%. Applicants are required to submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and letters of recommendation. The university also considers extracurricular activities, personal essays, and demonstrated interest in the school when making admission decisions.

UNC Degrees Offered

UNC offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. Students can choose from over 70 majors in fields such as business, communication, education, engineering, health sciences, humanities, and social sciences. In addition to traditional degree programs, UNC also offers online and professional programs for those seeking to advance their careers or obtain specialized training.

UNC Academics

UNC is known for its strong academic programs and commitment to research and innovation. The university boasts a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention and support from faculty. UNC also offers numerous research opportunities and experiential learning experiences for students, helping them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential for success in the workforce.

UNC Diversity

UNC is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university offers various resources and initiatives to support the academic success and personal growth of students from diverse backgrounds, including multicultural student organizations, mentoring programs, and cultural events. Additionally, UNC actively recruits and supports faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds to promote a diverse learning environment.

UNC Students

UNC has a total enrollment of approximately 30,000 students, with about 19,000 undergraduate and 11,000 graduate students. The student body is diverse, with students from across the United States and over 100 countries around the world. UNC offers numerous opportunities for students to get involved on campus, including over 800 student organizations, clubs, and intramural sports.

UNC Campus

The UNC campus is located in the picturesque town of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The 729-acre campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, surrounded by lush green spaces and tree-lined pathways. Students can enjoy various amenities on campus, such as state-of-the-art recreation centers, dining halls, and libraries. The university also offers a variety of housing options, including residence halls, apartments, and themed living communities.

UNC Alumni

UNC has a strong alumni network, with over 300,000 living alumni worldwide. Notable alumni from UNC include Michael Jordan, Andy Griffith, and Mia Hamm. The university provides a variety of resources and networking opportunities for alumni, including career services, regional alumni clubs, and special events.

UNC Rankings

UNC consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, UNC is ranked 5th among public universities and 28th overall among national universities. Additionally, UNC is known for its strong graduate programs, with several ranking in the top 10 in their respective fields.

UNC Outcomes

UNC has a strong track record of preparing students for successful careers. The university reports a six-year graduation rate of 91%, with a strong alumni network helping to support graduates as they enter the workforce. The average starting salary for UNC graduates is $55,000, and the university consistently ranks high in terms of return on investment (ROI) for its students.

Holy Cross Overview

The College of the Holy Cross, founded in 1843, is a private, Jesuit, liberal arts college located in Worcester, Massachusetts. Holy Cross provides a rigorous academic experience, emphasizing critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and spiritual growth. With a strong commitment to undergraduate education, Holy Cross offers a broad range of academic programs across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

Holy Cross Costs & Tuition

Tuition at Holy Cross is approximately $54,000 per year, with additional expenses such as room and board, books, and transportation bringing the total cost of attendance to around $72,000 per year. Holy Cross offers financial aid packages, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities to help students cover these expenses.

Holy Cross Admissions

Admission to Holy Cross is competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 38%. Applicants are required to submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and letters of recommendation. The college also considers extracurricular activities, personal essays, and demonstrated interest in the school when making admission decisions.

Holy Cross Degrees Offered

Holy Cross offers over 30 majors and minors across various disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Students at Holy Cross can also take advantage of interdisciplinary programs, such as environmental studies, international studies, and peace and conflict studies. Additionally, Holy Cross offers pre-professional programs in areas such as pre-law and pre-health.

Holy Cross Academics

Holy Cross is known for its rigorous academic programs and commitment to undergraduate education. The college boasts a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention and support from faculty. Holy Cross also emphasizes experiential learning, with opportunities for research, internships, and study abroad programs.

Holy Cross Diversity

Holy Cross is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. The college offers various resources and initiatives to support the academic success and personal growth of students from diverse backgrounds, including multicultural student organizations, mentoring programs, and cultural events.

Holy Cross Students

Holy Cross has a total enrollment of approximately 3,000 undergraduate students. The small size of the college allows for a close-knit community, with numerous opportunities for students to get involved on campus, including over 100 student organizations, clubs, and intramural sports.

Holy Cross Campus

The Holy Cross campus is located on a 174-acre hillside in Worcester, Massachusetts. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, with beautiful views of the surrounding area. Students can enjoy various amenities on campus, such as recreation centers, dining halls, and libraries. The college also offers a variety of housing options, including residence halls and themed living communities.

Holy Cross Alumni

Holy Cross has a strong alumni network, with over 35,000 living alumni worldwide. Notable alumni from Holy Cross include Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, author and journalist Bob Woodruff, and former Massachusetts Governor Paul Cellucci. The college provides a variety of resources and networking opportunities for alumni, including career services, regional alumni clubs, and special events.

Holy Cross Rankings

Holy Cross consistently ranks among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Holy Cross is ranked 40th among national liberal arts colleges. Additionally, Holy Cross is known for its strong commitment to undergraduate teaching and is ranked 35th in the “Best Undergraduate Teaching” category.

Holy Cross Outcomes

Holy Cross has a strong track record of preparing students for successful careers. The college reports a six-year graduation rate of 92%, with a strong alumni network helping to support graduates as they enter the workforce. The average starting salary for Holy Cross graduates is $57,000, and the college consistently ranks high in terms of return on investment (ROI) for its students.

UNC vs Holy Cross Cost Comparison

In comparing the costs of attending UNC and Holy Cross, it is important to consider both the tuition and additional expenses, such as room and board, books, and transportation. For in-state students, UNC offers a significantly lower cost of attendance at about $25,000 per year, compared to Holy Cross’s $72,000 per year. Out-of-state students at UNC can expect a total cost of attendance of around $52,000 per year. Both institutions offer financial aid packages to help students cover these costs, but the difference in price can play a significant role in a student’s decision-making process.

UNC vs Holy Cross Admissions Difficulty

Both UNC and Holy Cross have competitive admissions processes. UNC has an acceptance rate of approximately 23%, while Holy Cross has an acceptance rate of approximately 38%. In terms of standardized test scores, both schools have similar average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students. However, due to UNC’s status as a public university and its larger overall size, it may be more accessible for in-state students compared to Holy Cross.

UNC vs Holy Cross Academic Difficulty

Both UNC and Holy Cross provide rigorous academic experiences for their students. UNC offers a larger variety of majors and disciplines, while Holy Cross focuses on providing a strong liberal arts education. Both institutions have low student-to-faculty ratios, allowing for personalized attention and support from faculty. Students at both schools can expect challenging coursework, research opportunities, and experiential learning experiences.

UNC vs Holy Cross Outcome Comparison

UNC and Holy Cross both have strong outcomes for their students, with high graduation rates and average starting salaries. UNC has a slightly lower six-year graduation rate of 91%, compared to Holy Cross’s 92%. The average starting salary for UNC graduates is $55,000, while Holy Cross graduates can expect an average starting salary of $57,000. Both institutions have strong alumni networks and rank high in terms of return on investment (ROI) for their students. Ultimately, the decision between UNC and Holy Cross will depend on a student’s individual needs, preferences, and financial situation.