College Comparison
UNC Chapel Hill vs UC Irvine: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
UNC Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC
School
UC Irvine
Irvine, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UNC Chapel Hill | UC Irvine |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 18.7%wins | 25.6% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1370–1530wins | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 30–34 | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $39,330wins | $45,014 |
| Avg Net Price | $12,983 | $12,840wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $72,200 | $80,735wins |
| Graduation Rate | 92.1%wins | 86.0% |
| Retention Rate | 97.2%wins | 93.8% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 15:1wins | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 20,556 | 29,494wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UNC Chapel Hill edges out UC Irvine on 6 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.
UNC Chapel Hill Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 18.7%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1370–1530
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $39,330
- ✓Graduation Rate: 92.1%
UC Irvine Strengths
- ✓Avg Net Price: $12,840
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $80,735
- ✓Total Enrollment: 29,494
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