
153A Country Club Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA


The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which authorizes the institution to award bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and professional degrees. This accreditation ensures that the university meets rigorous standards related to academic quality, institutional effectiveness, and continuous improvement.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill requires applicants to hold a high school diploma, explicitly excluding GED credentials. Prospective students must submit a comprehensive secondary school record along with letters of recommendation. Additionally, the university mandates the submission of TOEFL scores for non-native English speakers and recommends other standardized tests, though these are not compulsory. Preference is given to residents of North Carolina during the admission process, reflecting a state-oriented admission policy rather than an open admission system.
Applicants must have access to a computer, which can be leased if necessary, ensuring readiness for digital components of the application or coursework. While Advanced Placement credits and other forms of credit transfer are accepted, dual credit programs are not recognized.
The admissions process is highly competitive with an acceptance rate of just 19%, placing it in the bottom 5% nationwide for selectivity. The university sees a very high number of applications, totaling nearly 58,000 annually, positioning it among the top 5% of institutions in terms of applicant volume.
Standardized testing results from enrolled students indicate that the average SAT composite score is 1260, which ranks in the top 25% nationally. This includes an average SAT Math score of 635 and an SAT Writing score of 625, both also in high percentiles. The mean ACT score stands at 25, reflecting an average performance level and placing students around the 55th percentile overall.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill requires an application fee for prospective students submitting their applications. This fee helps cover the administrative costs associated with processing applications. However, the university recognizes that application fees can pose a financial barrier for some applicants and therefore offers fee waivers under specific circumstances.
Fee waivers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are available to eligible students who demonstrate financial need. These waivers aim to ensure that qualifying applicants are not deterred from applying due to the cost. Candidates can request a waiver by submitting appropriate documentation that proves their eligibility, such as participation in certain federal assistance programs or other indicators of economic hardship.
It is important for applicants to review the university's guidelines on how to apply for a fee waiver early in their application process. Proper documentation and timely requests can facilitate receiving a waiver, allowing students to complete their applications without the burden of the fee. This policy reflects the university's commitment to access and inclusion.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill hosts an ROTC branch unit on its campus, providing students the opportunity to engage in military leadership training while pursuing their academic degrees. This presence allows prospective students interested in military service to participate directly in ROTC programs integrated within the university environment.
Transfer applicants can apply for admission to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for the fall term. The institution admits students with a transfer background and has a reputation for being very difficult to enter due to its competitive admissions process. Prospective transfers should be aware that the university accepts transfer credits, including those earned through College Level Examination Program (CLEP) subject exams, which can facilitate their transition.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a variety of study abroad programs designed to accommodate diverse academic interests and schedules. Students can participate in semester-long programs, short-term options during the summer or winter breaks, and intensive faculty-led courses abroad. These programs cover numerous fields of study, promoting cross-cultural learning alongside academic enrichment.
Opportunities include exchanges with partner universities worldwide, where students can immerse themselves in local academic environments. Additionally, UNC Chapel Hill facilitates internships and research experiences across multiple international locations, enabling hands-on learning and professional development in global contexts.
The university provides comprehensive support services for students before, during, and after their time abroad, including advising on program selection, assistance with visas and travel arrangements, and workshops preparing students for cultural adjustment. Scholarships and financial aid options are also available to help make study abroad experiences more accessible.
Median composite SAT score
1260Median composite ACT score
25Percent of students submitting ACT scores
41%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
28%High school completions
High school diploma required and GED is not acceptedComputer required
YesComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
Data not availableSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
Data not availableRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
Data not availableAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedPreferential admissions consideration text
We give prference to North Carolina residentsOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
HardGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall