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College Comparison

USC 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

USC

Los Angeles, CA

School

UNC Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

Head-to-Head Stats

MetricUSCUNC Chapel Hill
Acceptance Rate10.0%wins18.7%
SAT Range (25th–75th)1440–1550wins1370–1530
ACT Range (25th–75th)32–35wins30–34
Tuition (Out-of-State)$68,237$39,330wins
Avg Net Price$31,927$12,983wins
Median Earnings (10 yr)$92,498wins$72,200
Graduation Rate92.0%92.1%wins
Retention Rate96.5%97.2%wins
Student–Faculty Ratio9:1wins15:1
Total Enrollment20,817wins20,556

Verdict

Based on the data above, USC edges out UNC Chapel Hill on 6 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.

USC Strengths

  • Acceptance Rate: 10.0%
  • SAT Range (25th–75th): 1440–1550
  • ACT Range (25th–75th): 32–35
  • Median Earnings (10 yr): $92,498

UNC Chapel Hill Strengths

  • Tuition (Out-of-State): $39,330
  • Avg Net Price: $12,983
  • Graduation Rate: 92.1%
  • Retention Rate: 97.2%

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