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University of Chicago vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

28
University Wins
8
Tied / N/A
10
University Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Urban
Setting
Urban
Great Lakes
Region
Southeast
7,569
Enrollment
20,752
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

4%
Acceptance Rate
15%
1554
SAT Average
1439
34
ACT Midpoint
25
1510-1580
SAT Range
1390-1530

Cost & Financial Aid

$70,662
In-State Tuition
$8,994
$70,662
Out-of-State Tuition
$41,203
$14,860
Average Net Price
$11,655
$-1,264
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$2,004
$914
Net Price ($30-48K)
$3,918
$226
Net Price ($48-75K)
$8,538
$48,524
Net Price ($110K+)
$24,396
15%
Pell Grant Rate
20%
5%
Federal Loan Rate
13%

Academics

95%
Graduation Rate
92%
99%
Retention Rate
97%
85%
Full-Time Faculty
78%
$19,806
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$15,046
20%
First-Gen Students
20%

Student Body

52%
Female
62%
30%
White
53%
17%
Hispanic
10%
7%
Black
7%
19%
Asian
16%
0.81
Diversity Index
0.67

Outcomes

$80,870
Earnings (6yr)
$57,057
$87,164
Earnings (8yr)
$65,584
$91,885
Earnings (10yr)
$72,200
$15,000
Median Debt
$14,000
0.16x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.19x
83%
Earning Above HS
78%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

194.09%
Mobility Rate
115.19%
4508.7%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
3330.1%
430.5%
From Bottom 20%
345.9%
$132,000
Parent Median Income
$129,500

Social Capital

1.81
Economic Connectedness
1.68
-0.01
Friending Bias
-0.01
15.6%
Volunteering Rate
8.9%

Research (Times HE)

#12
World Rank
#30
79.1
Teaching Score
70.9
87.9
Research Score
75.1
96.9
Citations Score
85

The Overviews

University of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit

4% accept 95% grad $91,885 earnings $14,860 net

The University of Chicago has an acceptance rate of just 4%, making it one of the most selective institutions in the country. This means students face stiff competition to gain admission, but those who do become part of a community committed to academic excellence. With a graduation rate of 95%, students are likely to earn their degrees and move on to successful careers.

Graduates from the University of Chicago report impressive earnings. After ten years, their median income reaches $91,885. This level of financial success reflects the school’s strong academic programs, particularly in social sciences, biology, and computer science. While the Pell Grant rate is 15%, indicating that a portion of students come from low-income backgrounds, the institution does not provide specific data on economic mobility.

The cost of attendance is $14,860, and the median debt for graduates stands at $15,000. This relatively low debt compared to earnings suggests that students can manage their finances effectively after graduation. The University of Chicago is ideal for high-achieving students who thrive in a rigorous academic environment and are motivated to leverage their education for financial success.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC · Public

15% accept 92% grad $72,200 earnings $11,655 net

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.

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