University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill vs Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Chapel Hill, NC — Blacksburg, VA

Metric
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA
Location Chapel Hill, NC Blacksburg, VA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 20,752 30,923
Acceptance Rate 15.3% 54.8%
SAT Average 1,439 1,364
In-State Tuition $8,994 $15,948
Out-of-State Tuition $41,203 $37,764
Avg Net Price $11,655 $24,953
Median Debt at Graduation $14,000 $21,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 91.6% 86.3%
Retention Rate 96.6% 93.1%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $57,057 $67,377
Median Earnings (10 yr) $72,200 $81,698
Loan Repayment Rate 364700.0% 661700.0%

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
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA
View full college profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State 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. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Blacksburg, VA) has an acceptance rate of 54.8%, in-state tuition of $15,948, and median 10-year earnings of $81,698.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $81,698 vs $72,200. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State 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 $24,953.
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 86.3%.

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