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College Comparison

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill vs University of Wisconsin-Madison

Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.

At a Glance

Type

Public

Public

Location

Chapel Hill, NC

Madison, WI

Total Enrollment

32,438

51,044

Undergrad Enrollment

20,885

38,040

Student-Faculty Ratio

15:1

18:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

15.3%

45.2%

Average GPA

3.90

4.00

SAT Range

1390–1530

1380–1520

ACT Range

28–34

29–33

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$85

$70

Total Applicants

66,535

65,894


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$20,823

$21,406

Avg Net Price

$11,140

$14,216

Tuition (In-State)

$7,019

$9,273

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$35,580

$37,904

Room & Board

$13,804

$12,133

% Receiving Aid

38.0%

35.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$17,814

$17,741


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

92.0%

89.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

86.0%

73.0%

Retention Rate

97.0%

96.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$72,200

$73,792

Explore by Location

UNC Chapel Hill is in Chapel Hill, NC

Wisconsin is in Madison, WI

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Frequently Asked Questions

UNC Chapel Hill has an acceptance rate of 15%, while Wisconsin-Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. This means UNC Chapel Hill is more selective than Wisconsin-Madison.

The average net price at UNC Chapel Hill is $11,140 per year, compared to $14,216 at Wisconsin-Madison. UNC Chapel Hill is $3,076 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at UNC Chapel Hill typically score between 1390-1530 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Wisconsin-Madison, the typical SAT range is 1380-1520. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

UNC Chapel Hill has a graduation rate of 92%, while Wisconsin-Madison has a graduation rate of 89%. UNC Chapel Hill has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

UNC Chapel Hill has a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1, while Wisconsin-Madison has a ratio of 18:1. UNC Chapel Hill offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At UNC Chapel Hill, 38% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $17,814. At Wisconsin-Madison, 35% of students receive aid with an average grant of $17,741.

The median earnings for UNC Chapel Hill graduates 10 years after enrollment is $72,200, compared to $73,792 for Wisconsin-Madison graduates. Graduates from Wisconsin-Madison tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

UNC Chapel Hill is located in Chapel Hill, NC in a city: small setting. Wisconsin-Madison is located in Madison, WI in a city: large setting.