North carolina vs Emory — 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 (#35 vs #101-150). 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 North carolina for: a higher world ranking, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
Choose Emory for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a larger aid package.
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 | North carolina | Emory |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #35 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | #70 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 15.3% | 10.7% |
| Yield rate | 45.5% | 40.4% |
| Median SAT | 1439 | 1520 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.50 | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 66,535 | 34,614 |
| International students | 9% | 19% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $72K | $80K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $69K | $84K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $112K | $120K |
| Graduation rate | 91.2% | 91.1% |
| Retention rate | 96.6% | 96% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $18,250 |
| Tuition · year | $41,203 | $64,280 |
| Avg. aid package | $20,705 | $67,329 |
| % of need met | 100% | 99.9% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $20,382 | $24,562 |
| Application fee | $85 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 32,680 | 15,179 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into North carolina or Emory?
It's harder to get into Emory. North carolina accepts 15.3% of applicants, while Emory accepts 10.7%.
Do North carolina or Emory graduates earn more?
Emory graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $80K vs $72K.
How much is tuition at North carolina vs Emory?
Sticker-price tuition is $41,203 per year at North carolina and $64,280 per year at Emory.
What SAT score do you need for North carolina or Emory?
The median admitted SAT score is 1439 at North carolina and 1520 at Emory; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — North carolina or Emory?
North carolina ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #35 for North carolina vs #101-150 for Emory.
Which university offers more financial aid — North carolina or Emory?
The average aid package is $20,705 at North carolina and $67,329 at Emory.
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