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College Comparison

UCLA 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

UCLA

Los Angeles, CA

School

UNC Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

Head-to-Head Stats

MetricUCLAUNC Chapel Hill
Acceptance Rate8.7%wins18.7%
SAT Range (25th–75th)N/A1370–1530wins
ACT Range (25th–75th)N/A30–34
Tuition (Out-of-State)$44,524$39,330wins
Avg Net Price$14,013$12,983wins
Median Earnings (10 yr)$82,511wins$72,200
Graduation Rate92.7%wins92.1%
Retention Rate96.8%97.2%wins
Student–Faculty Ratio18:115:1wins
Total Enrollment33,040wins20,556

Verdict

Based on the data above, UNC Chapel Hill edges out UCLA on 5 of 9 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.

UCLA Strengths

  • Acceptance Rate: 8.7%
  • Median Earnings (10 yr): $82,511
  • Graduation Rate: 92.7%
  • Total Enrollment: 33,040

UNC Chapel Hill Strengths

  • SAT Range (25th–75th): 1370–1530
  • Tuition (Out-of-State): $39,330
  • Avg Net Price: $12,983
  • Retention Rate: 97.2%

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