College Comparison
Cornell University vs UNC Chapel Hill: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
School
UNC Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Cornell | UNC Chapel Hill |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 8.2%wins | 18.7% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1480–1560wins | 1370–1530 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 33–35wins | 30–34 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $66,014 | $39,330wins |
| Avg Net Price | $32,337 | $12,983wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $104,043wins | $72,200 |
| Graduation Rate | 95.1%wins | 92.1% |
| Retention Rate | 97.8%wins | 97.2% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 9:1wins | 15:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 15,935 | 20,556wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Cornell edges out UNC Chapel Hill on 7 of 10 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
Cornell Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 8.2%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1480–1560
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 33–35
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $104,043
UNC Chapel Hill Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $39,330
- ✓Avg Net Price: $12,983
- ✓Total Enrollment: 20,556
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