Emory vs North carolina — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Emory is the more selective of the two (10.7% vs 15.3% acceptance). North carolina ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#101-150 vs #35). Emory graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($80K vs $72K). North carolina has lower sticker-price tuition ($41,203 vs $64,280 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Emory for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a larger aid package.
Choose North carolina for: a higher world ranking, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Emory is more selective (10.7% vs 15.3% acceptance); Emory has a higher median SAT (1520 vs 1439).
Emory graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($80K vs $72K); North carolina has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.2% vs 91.1%).
North carolina has lower sticker-price tuition ($41,203 vs $64,280); Emory offers a larger average aid package ($67,329 vs $20,705).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Emory | North carolina |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #35 |
| Rank · THE | — | #70 |
| Acceptance rate | 10.7% | 15.3% |
| Yield rate | 40.4% | 45.5% |
| Median SAT | 1520 | 1439 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | 4.50 |
| Number of applications | 34,614 | 66,535 |
| International students | 19% | 9% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $80K | $72K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $84K | $69K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $120K | $112K |
| Graduation rate | 91.1% | 91.2% |
| Retention rate | 96% | 96.6% |
| Median debt | $18,250 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $64,280 | $41,203 |
| Avg. aid package | $67,329 | $20,705 |
| % of need met | 99.9% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,562 | $20,382 |
| Application fee | $75 | $85 |
| Enrollment | 15,179 | 32,680 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Emory or North carolina?
It's harder to get into Emory. Emory accepts 10.7% of applicants, while North carolina accepts 15.3%.
Do Emory or North carolina graduates earn more?
Emory graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $80K vs $72K.
How much is tuition at Emory vs North carolina?
Sticker-price tuition is $64,280 per year at Emory and $41,203 per year at North carolina.
What SAT score do you need for Emory or North carolina?
The median admitted SAT score is 1520 at Emory and 1439 at North carolina; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Emory or North carolina?
North carolina ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Emory vs #35 for North carolina.
Which university offers more financial aid — Emory or North carolina?
The average aid package is $67,329 at Emory and $20,705 at North carolina.
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