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
More Comparisons
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Explore by Location
UNC Chapel Hill is in Chapel Hill, NC
Wisconsin is in Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
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.

