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College Comparison

UNC Chapel Hill vs University of Virginia: 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

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA

Head-to-Head Stats

MetricUNC Chapel HillUVA
Acceptance Rate18.7%16.9%wins
SAT Range (25th–75th)1370–15301410–1530wins
ACT Range (25th–75th)30–3432–34wins
Tuition (Out-of-State)$39,330wins$58,014
Avg Net Price$12,983wins$22,881
Median Earnings (10 yr)$72,200$86,863wins
Graduation Rate92.1%95.3%wins
Retention Rate97.2%97.3%wins
Student–Faculty Ratio15:115:1
Total Enrollment20,556wins17,315

Verdict

Based on the data above, UVA edges out UNC Chapel Hill 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

  • Tuition (Out-of-State): $39,330
  • Avg Net Price: $12,983
  • Total Enrollment: 20,556

UVA Strengths

  • Acceptance Rate: 16.9%
  • SAT Range (25th–75th): 1410–1530
  • ACT Range (25th–75th): 32–34
  • Median Earnings (10 yr): $86,863

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