University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill vs Wake Forest University
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is highly selective with a 18.7% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Wake Forest University (21.6%). Graduates of Wake Forest University earn $13,053 more per year at the 10-year mark ($74,968 vs $61,915). For families earning $48k–$75k, Wake Forest University is more affordable at $10,228 net price vs $11,619. Students at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduate with less debt ($14,500 vs $21,226).
Admissions & Outcomes
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has a higher yield rate (43.3%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Both schools have similar median SAT scores around 1470, so standardized test scores alone won't differentiate applicants.
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is more affordable at $3,753 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $22,881 vs $52,236.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (20%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- 1 Business Administration, Management and Operations$73,823
- 2 Computer Science$72,083
- 3 Applied Mathematics$67,660
- 4 Information Science/Studies$53,984
- 5 Health and Medical Administrative Services$52,107
Wake Forest University
- 1 Finance and Financial Management Services$80,510
- 2 Computer Science$71,015
- 3 Mathematics$70,456
- 4 Business/Commerce, General$66,653
- 5 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods$63,005
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- 1 Biology, General
- 2 Behavioral Sciences
- 3 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 4 Communication and Media Studies
- 5 Computer Science
Wake Forest University
- 1 Finance and Financial Management Services
- 2 Political Science and Government
- 3 Psychology, General
- 4 Communication and Media Studies
- 5 Economics
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- International students8%
- Tuition (international)$34,198
- Est. total cost/year$47,899
- School typePublic
Wake Forest University
- International students8%
- Tuition (international)$56,722
- Est. total cost/year$73,280
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
Get a Personalized College Comparison
We're building custom comparison reports with ROI analysis. Be the first to get yours.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or Wake Forest University?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is more selective with a 18.7% acceptance rate, compared to 21.6%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or Wake Forest University?
Wake Forest University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $74,968 compared to $61,915. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or Wake Forest University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Wake Forest University has a lower net price at $10,228 per year vs $11,619. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill vs Wake Forest University?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 90.7%, compared to 88.7%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or Wake Forest University?
Wake Forest University has a larger international student population at 8% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Wake Forest University?
At University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates earn a median of $73,823 within two years. At Wake Forest University, the top-earning major is Finance and Financial Management Services at $80,510. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.