University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill vs Columbia University in the City of New York

Chapel Hill, NC — New York, NY

Metric
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY
Location Chapel Hill, NC New York, NY
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 20,752 8,973
Acceptance Rate 15.3% 4.0%
SAT Average 1,439 1,553
In-State Tuition $8,994 $71,845
Out-of-State Tuition $41,203 $71,845
Avg Net Price $11,655 $21,590
Median Debt at Graduation $14,000 $21,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 91.6% 95.5%
Retention Rate 96.6% 98.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $57,057 $88,535
Median Earnings (10 yr) $72,200 $102,491
Loan Repayment Rate 364700.0% 185800.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC
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Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Columbia University in the City of New York compare?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC) has an acceptance rate of 15.3%, in-state tuition of $8,994, and median 10-year earnings of $72,200. Columbia University in the City of New York (New York, NY) has an acceptance rate of 4.0%, in-state tuition of $71,845, and median 10-year earnings of $102,491.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or Columbia University in the City of New York?
Columbia University in the City of New York graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $102,491 vs $72,200. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or Columbia University in the City of New York?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the more affordable option at $11,655 per year versus $21,590.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Columbia University in the City of New York has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 95.5% vs 91.6%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025