University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill vs University of California-San Diego

Chapel Hill, NC — La Jolla, CA

Metric
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC
University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA
Location Chapel Hill, NC La Jolla, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 20,752 34,948
Acceptance Rate 15.3% 26.7%
SAT Average 1,439
In-State Tuition $8,994 $16,758
Out-of-State Tuition $41,203 $50,958
Avg Net Price $11,655 $12,470
Median Debt at Graduation $14,000 $15,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 91.6% 86.8%
Retention Rate 96.6% 94.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $57,057 $65,669
Median Earnings (10 yr) $72,200 $84,943
Loan Repayment Rate 364700.0% 802100.0%

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

Full Profile
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC
View full college profile →
Full Profile
University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA
View full college profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and University of California-San Diego 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. University of California-San Diego (La Jolla, CA) has an acceptance rate of 26.7%, in-state tuition of $16,758, and median 10-year earnings of $84,943.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or University of California-San Diego?
University of California-San Diego graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $84,943 vs $72,200. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or University of California-San Diego?
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 $12,470.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 91.6% vs 86.8%.

More Comparisons

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