North carolina vs Houston — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
North carolina is the more selective of the two (15.3% vs 73.9% acceptance). North carolina ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#35 vs #201-300). North carolina graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($72K vs $62K). Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $41,203 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, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Houston for: lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
North carolina is more selective (15.3% vs 73.9% acceptance); North carolina has a higher median SAT (1439 vs 1250).
North carolina graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($72K vs $62K); North carolina has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.2% vs 64.6%).
Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $41,203); North carolina offers a larger average aid package ($20,705 vs $16,450).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | North carolina | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #35 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | #70 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 15.3% | 73.9% |
| Yield rate | 45.5% | 26.5% |
| Median SAT | 1439 | 1250 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.50 | 3.50 |
| Number of applications | 66,535 | 31,716 |
| International students | 9% | 16% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $72K | $62K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $69K | $61K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $112K | $93K |
| Graduation rate | 91.2% | 64.6% |
| Retention rate | 96.6% | 87% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $18,194 |
| Tuition · year | $41,203 | $22,547 |
| Avg. aid package | $20,705 | $16,450 |
| % of need met | 100% | 55.1% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $20,382 | $21,819 |
| Application fee | $85 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 32,680 | 47,980 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into North carolina or Houston?
It's harder to get into North carolina. North carolina accepts 15.3% of applicants, while Houston accepts 73.9%.
Do North carolina or Houston graduates earn more?
North carolina graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $72K vs $62K.
How much is tuition at North carolina vs Houston?
Sticker-price tuition is $41,203 per year at North carolina and $22,547 per year at Houston.
What SAT score do you need for North carolina or Houston?
The median admitted SAT score is 1439 at North carolina and 1250 at Houston; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — North carolina or Houston?
North carolina ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #35 for North carolina vs #201-300 for Houston.
Which university offers more financial aid — North carolina or Houston?
The average aid package is $20,705 at North carolina and $16,450 at Houston.
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