University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Getting in is the hard part. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill admitted 15.3% of applicants in its most recent reported class, one of the lowest rates in the country. Realistically it is a reach for every applicant, no matter how strong.

Admitted students cluster near the top of the testing range: the middle 50% score 1390–1530 on the SAT and 28–34 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention, but they do not decide it.

The real question is not your odds but your move. That is where Spike comes in: it reads your profile against what University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill actually rewards, and tells you what to do next.

Check your own numbers against this class →

• Next deadlineOctober 15, 2026 (EA)
• Regular decisionJanuary 15, 2027
• TestingRequired (2026 cycle)
• Recommendations1 letters
• Personal essayRequired
• ApplicationCommon App

Verified from https://www.unc.edu.

The sticker price is about $26,055, but that is not what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $11,655.

Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $72,200.

Verified from https://www.unc.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.

Is University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill test-optional?

No. For the 2026 application cycle, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill requires SAT or ACT scores from first-year applicants.

How hard is it to get into University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?

Very hard. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill admits 15.3% of applicants, and the middle 50% of admitted students score 1390 to 1530 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.

When is the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill application deadline?

The next deadline is October 15, 2026 (EA). Regular Decision closes January 15, 2027.

How much does University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill cost?

The list price is about $26,055, but the average price families actually pay after aid is $11,655.

Is University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill worth it?

Graduates earn a median of $72,200 ten years after enrolling, and 92% graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals, which is exactly what Spike helps you weigh.