College Comparison
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
University Park, PA
Chapel Hill, NC
Total Enrollment
50,737
32,438
Undergrad Enrollment
42,604
20,885
Student-Faculty Ratio
16:1
15:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
60.6%
15.3%
Average GPA
3.87
3.90
SAT Range
1240–1420
1390–1530
ACT Range
27–32
28–34
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$65
$85
Total Applicants
88,478
66,535
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$34,330
$20,823
Avg Net Price
$27,450
$11,140
Tuition (In-State)
$19,286
$7,019
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$38,102
$35,580
Room & Board
$15,044
$13,804
% Receiving Aid
37.0%
38.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$11,336
$17,814
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
86.0%
92.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
71.0%
86.0%
Retention Rate
93.0%
97.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$63,435
$72,200
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Explore by Location
Penn State is in University Park, PA
UNC Chapel Hill is in Chapel Hill, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is $27,450 per year, compared to $11,140 at UNC Chapel Hill. UNC Chapel Hill is $16,310 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus typically score between 1240-1420 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At UNC Chapel Hill, the typical SAT range is 1390-1530. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has a graduation rate of 86%, while UNC Chapel Hill has a graduation rate of 92%. UNC Chapel Hill has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, while UNC Chapel Hill has a ratio of 15:1. UNC Chapel Hill offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, 37% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $11,336. At UNC Chapel Hill, 38% of students receive aid with an average grant of $17,814.
The median earnings for Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus graduates 10 years after enrollment is $63,435, compared to $72,200 for UNC Chapel Hill graduates. Graduates from UNC Chapel Hill tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is located in University Park, PA in a city: small setting. UNC Chapel Hill is located in Chapel Hill, NC in a city: small setting.