Public

Large

Atlantic Coast Conference

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1400 to 1530

ACT Range28 to 34

Average GPA4.49

Acceptance Rate15.3%

UNC is test-optional, but the middle 50% score range shows that submitting a strong result can still be useful. With a 15.3% acceptance rate, aim toward the upper end: about a 1530 SAT or 34 ACT, paired with the kind of high GPA UNC students typically bring.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill facts and stats

Quick Facts

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill enrolls 21,075 undergraduates in a suburban campus setting. UNC has a 97% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 91% 6-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1.

Location

Chapel Hill, NC

Undergrad Enrollment21,075

Freshman Retention97%

SettingSuburban

Student to Faculty Ratio15:1

Graduation Rate91%

Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at UNC?

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Key The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

January 15

Early Action

October 15

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

March 1

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

If you choose to submit scores to UNC, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year so you can use the summer and early fall for superscore-focused retakes. For the October 15 Early Action deadline, the September ACT or August SAT is the last practical retake window.

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What you'll actually pay

UNC is a public Atlantic Coast Conference university, with in-state tuition of $7,020 and out-of-state tuition of $39,228. About 36% of students receive aid. The FAFSA priority deadline is March 1.

In-State Tuition$7,020

Out-of-State Tuition$39,228

Room and Board$13,804

Average Merit Award$8,400

Application Fee$85

Students on Aid36%

Average Aid Package$19,064

Average Debt at Grad$20,382

As a public university, UNC lists out-of-state tuition at $39,228, compared with $7,020 for in-state tuition, plus $13,804 for room and board. About 36% of students receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $19,064. Merit awards average $8,400 for recipients. Students graduate with an average debt of $20,382.