Head-to-Head Comparison
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill vs University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI
- North Carolina Wins
- 23
- Tied
- 14
- Wisconsin-Madison Wins
- 16
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 University of Wisconsin-Madison's $17,354, 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
North Carolina
- Lower cost: Average net price of $11,655, roughly $5,699 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
Wisconsin-Madison
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $73,792 ten years after enrollment, 2% more than University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #27
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
North Carolina graduates concentrate in Biology & Biomedical (15% of degrees); Wisconsin-Madison in Business & Marketing (16%). 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 University of Wisconsin-Madison over University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Median earnings of $73,792 ten years after enrollment vs $72,200.
Pick University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill over University of Wisconsin-Madison. Net price $11,655 vs $17,354.
Pick University of Wisconsin-Madison over University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. THE World Rank #27 vs #30.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and University of Wisconsin-Madison 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 University of Wisconsin-Madison takes 45%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,439 to 1,427.
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 $5,699 a year below University of Wisconsin-Madison's $17,354. Graduates of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill also borrow less: median debt of $14,000, against $20,484.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $22,796 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, University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates report median earnings of $73,792, compared with $72,200 at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. That is a 2% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.19x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 2% 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.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, University of Wisconsin-Madison sits higher, at #27 versus #30.
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 University of Wisconsin-Madison for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill saves about $5,699 a year, yet University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn $1,592 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Business and consulting-track students: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has less business program depth, and University of Wisconsin-Madison offers the stronger options.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $17,354 runs well above University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's $11,655.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $20,484, against $14,000 at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Wisconsin-Madison's enrollment of 36,902 far exceeds University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's 20,752.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Wisconsin-Madison holds onto its admits more tightly: 68% 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 Wisconsin-Madison, where only about 41% 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
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.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI · Public
With an enrollment of nearly 37,000 students, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a strong choice for those who thrive in a vibrant, diverse environment. If you’re interested in fields like Business, Biology, or Computer Science, this school has solid programs that cater to your academic interests. The acceptance rate of 45% suggests a competitive atmosphere, but it’s also a place where students can find community and support among their peers.
Looking at outcomes, graduates from Wisconsin-Madison earn an average of $73,792 within ten years of completing their degree. This strong earning potential points to a positive return on investment for students. With a graduation rate of 89%, most students are not just moving through their programs but are also finding pathways to success after college. The affordability is another key factor, with a net price of $17,354, making it accessible for many families.
When it comes to finances, students graduate with a median debt of $20,484, which is manageable for the earnings they can expect. This balance between cost and potential earnings makes it a pragmatic choice for many. Students who tend to thrive here are those who take advantage of the resources available, engage in their studies, and connect with the vibrant campus life in Madison.
Rankings They Appear On
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and University of Wisconsin-Madison are featured on the Best Large Universities ranking.
Top Degree Programs
North Carolina's top program is Biology (15% of enrollment), while Wisconsin-Madison leads with Business Administration (16%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for North Carolina) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Wisconsin-Madison).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is harder to get into, admitting 15% of applicants compared with 45% at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Which is more affordable, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is more affordable, with an average net price of $11,655 after aid versus $17,354 at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Do University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn more?
University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn more: median earnings of $73,792 ten years after enrollment, versus $72,200 at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has the higher graduation rate, 92% versus 89%.
Should you choose University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill if affordability and lower debt come first; choose University of Wisconsin-Madison 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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