North carolina vs Virginia — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
North carolina is the more selective of the two (15.3% vs 16.8% acceptance). North carolina ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#35 vs #201-300). Virginia graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($87K vs $72K). North carolina has lower sticker-price tuition ($41,203 vs $59,512 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, lower tuition.
Choose Virginia for: higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
North carolina is more selective (15.3% vs 16.8% acceptance); Virginia has a higher median SAT (1480 vs 1439).
Virginia graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($87K vs $72K); Virginia has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.6% vs 91.2%).
North carolina has lower sticker-price tuition ($41,203 vs $59,512); Virginia offers a larger average aid package ($37,123 vs $20,705).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | North carolina | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #35 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | #70 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 15.3% | 16.8% |
| Yield rate | 45.5% | 40% |
| Median SAT | 1439 | 1480 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.50 | — |
| Number of applications | 66,535 | 58,951 |
| International students | 9% | 12% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $72K | $87K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $69K | $79K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $112K | $130K |
| Graduation rate | 91.2% | 95.6% |
| Retention rate | 96.6% | 97.9% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $41,203 | $59,512 |
| Avg. aid package | $20,705 | $37,123 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $20,382 | $25,137 |
| Application fee | $85 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 32,680 | 26,470 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into North carolina or Virginia?
It's harder to get into North carolina. North carolina accepts 15.3% of applicants, while Virginia accepts 16.8%.
Do North carolina or Virginia graduates earn more?
Virginia graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $87K vs $72K.
How much is tuition at North carolina vs Virginia?
Sticker-price tuition is $41,203 per year at North carolina and $59,512 per year at Virginia.
What SAT score do you need for North carolina or Virginia?
The median admitted SAT score is 1439 at North carolina and 1480 at Virginia; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — North carolina or Virginia?
North carolina ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #35 for North carolina vs #201-300 for Virginia.
Which university offers more financial aid — North carolina or Virginia?
The average aid package is $20,705 at North carolina and $37,123 at Virginia.
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