North carolina vs Texas at austin — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
North carolina is the more selective of the two (15.3% vs 26.6% acceptance). North carolina ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#35 vs #45). Texas at austin graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($75K vs $72K). North carolina has lower sticker-price tuition ($41,203 vs $44,908 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, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Texas at austin for: higher graduate earnings, higher retention, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
North carolina is more selective (15.3% vs 26.6% acceptance); North carolina has a higher median SAT (1439 vs 1395).
Texas at austin graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($75K vs $72K); North carolina has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.2% vs 88.9%).
North carolina has lower sticker-price tuition ($41,203 vs $44,908); North carolina offers a larger average aid package ($20,705 vs $20,219).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | North carolina | Texas at austin |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #35 | #45 |
| Rank · THE | #70 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 15.3% | 26.6% |
| Yield rate | 45.5% | 47.4% |
| Median SAT | 1439 | 1395 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.50 | — |
| Number of applications | 66,535 | 72,885 |
| International students | 9% | 9% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $72K | $75K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $69K | $74K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $112K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 91.2% | 88.9% |
| Retention rate | 96.6% | 96.7% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $20,500 |
| Tuition · year | $41,203 | $44,908 |
| Avg. aid package | $20,705 | $20,219 |
| % of need met | 100% | 75% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $20,382 | $19,919 |
| Application fee | $85 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 32,680 | 53,864 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into North carolina or Texas at austin?
It's harder to get into North carolina. North carolina accepts 15.3% of applicants, while Texas at austin accepts 26.6%.
Do North carolina or Texas at austin graduates earn more?
Texas at austin graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $75K vs $72K.
How much is tuition at North carolina vs Texas at austin?
Sticker-price tuition is $41,203 per year at North carolina and $44,908 per year at Texas at austin.
What SAT score do you need for North carolina or Texas at austin?
The median admitted SAT score is 1439 at North carolina and 1395 at Texas at austin; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — North carolina or Texas at austin?
North carolina ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #35 for North carolina vs #45 for Texas at austin.
Which university offers more financial aid — North carolina or Texas at austin?
The average aid package is $20,705 at North carolina and $20,219 at Texas at austin.
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