University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill vs Harvard University

Chapel Hill, NC — Cambridge, MA

Metric
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
Location Chapel Hill, NC Cambridge, MA
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 20,752 7,601
Acceptance Rate 15.3% 3.6%
SAT Average 1,439 1,553
In-State Tuition $8,994 $61,676
Out-of-State Tuition $41,203 $61,676
Avg Net Price $11,655 $19,066
Median Debt at Graduation $14,000 $14,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 91.6% 97.5%
Retention Rate 96.6% 98.3%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $57,057 $99,572
Median Earnings (10 yr) $72,200 $101,817
Loan Repayment Rate 364700.0% 42000.0%

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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Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Harvard University 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. Harvard University (Cambridge, MA) has an acceptance rate of 3.6%, in-state tuition of $61,676, and median 10-year earnings of $101,817.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or Harvard University?
Harvard University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $101,817 vs $72,200. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or Harvard University?
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 $19,066.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Harvard University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 97.5% 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