College Comparison
University of Iowa 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
Iowa City, IA
Chapel Hill, NC
Total Enrollment
30,779
32,438
Undergrad Enrollment
22,738
20,885
Student-Faculty Ratio
16:1
15:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
83.6%
15.3%
Average GPA
3.80
3.90
SAT Range
1130–1330
1390–1530
ACT Range
21–28
28–34
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$40
$85
Total Applicants
27,770
66,535
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$21,631
$20,823
Avg Net Price
$20,121
$11,140
Tuition (In-State)
$8,711
$7,019
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$30,674
$35,580
Room & Board
$12,920
$13,804
% Receiving Aid
76.0%
38.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$9,865
$17,814
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
74.0%
92.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
56.0%
86.0%
Retention Rate
90.0%
97.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$64,762
$72,200
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Explore by Location
Iowa is in Iowa City, IA
UNC Chapel Hill is in Chapel Hill, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at University of Iowa is $20,121 per year, compared to $11,140 at UNC Chapel Hill. UNC Chapel Hill is $8,981 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at University of Iowa typically score between 1130-1330 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.
University of Iowa has a graduation rate of 74%, while UNC Chapel Hill has a graduation rate of 92%. UNC Chapel Hill has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
University of Iowa 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 University of Iowa, 76% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $9,865. At UNC Chapel Hill, 38% of students receive aid with an average grant of $17,814.
The median earnings for University of Iowa graduates 10 years after enrollment is $64,762, 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.
University of Iowa is located in Iowa City, IA in a city: small setting. UNC Chapel Hill is located in Chapel Hill, NC in a city: small setting.