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