University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill vs Northwestern University
Chapel Hill, NC — Evanston, IL
| Metric | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC | Northwestern University Evanston, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Chapel Hill, NC | Evanston, IL |
| Type | Public | Private Nonprofit |
| Total Enrollment | 20,752 | 9,201 |
| Acceptance Rate | 15.3% | 7.7% |
| SAT Average | 1,439 | 1,533 |
| In-State Tuition | $8,994 | $68,322 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $41,203 | $68,322 |
| Avg Net Price | $11,655 | $29,167 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,000 | $15,000 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 91.6% | 95.5% |
| Retention Rate | 96.6% | 98.1% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $57,057 | $76,844 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $72,200 | $89,363 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 364700.0% | 204100.0% |
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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Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Northwestern 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. Northwestern University (Evanston, IL) has an acceptance rate of 7.7%, in-state tuition of $68,322, and median 10-year earnings of $89,363.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or Northwestern University?▼
Northwestern University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $89,363 vs $72,200. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or Northwestern 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 $29,167.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?▼
Northwestern University 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