UNIVERSITY · CDS 2023-2024
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)
Chapel Hill, NC 20,880 undergrad Updated 2026-04-22
Top PublicPublic Ivy
Accept
18.7%
Yield
43.4%
Test
Optional
Academic Profile · CDS C9 / C11
The numbers a parent will ask about first.
SAT Total (mid 50%, computed)
1370–1530
SAT EBRW (mid 50%)
680–750
SAT Math (mid 50%)
690–780
ACT Composite (mid 50%)
30–34
GPA
Not reported
METHODTotal SAT range is computed by summing the reported EBRW and Math mid-50% ranges from the school’s CDS (Section C9). Use as an approximation — a student’s actual total places them within, not at, the summed endpoints.
Decision Plans · CDS C1 / C21
When and how the school reads applicants.
| Plan | Deadline | Accept rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan details not yet recorded. | |||
Cost & Aid · CDS H Series
What it costs and what families actually pay.
Tuition
$39,228
Total COA
$54,922
Avg need-based aid
$14,839
Avg merit award
None
Net price after avg need aid
$40,083
UNC meets 1% of demonstrated need on average.
Named merit programs
Morehead-Cain Scholarship
Robertson Scholars Leadership Program
AP Impact Calculator
What the student's APs are actually worth here.
UNC's AP Policy
UNC awards credit for AP exams with scores of 3 or higher in most subjects. Credit is awarded as either a specific course equivalent or as general elective credit. There are limitations on the number of AP credits that can be applied to a major, minor, or general education requirements.
Min score
3
Credit cap
-1 credits
Mode
Credit + placement
Per-score grid
Exam-level
Add the student's APs
No APs selected. Click Add AP exam to start, or use the sample profile to see what a strong student might recover.
What They Value · CDS C7
Every CDS factor, weighted exactly as the admissions office files it.
- Rigor of secondary school recordVery Important
- Class rankImportant
- Academic GPAVery Important
- Standardized test scoresImportant
- Application EssayVery Important
- Recommendation(s)Important
Mission & Narrative
What this school says it is — in their own words.
Our mission is to serve as a center for research, scholarship, and creativity and to teach a diverse community of undergraduate, graduate, and professional students to become the next generation of leaders.
Distilled Themes
Public service and societal improvementResearch, scholarship, and creativityDiversity and leadership developmentAccess to learning and prosperity
The Coach's Read
What 'what they value' actually means at the table.
- 01UNC is a top public research university that values intellectual curiosity and a commitment to community. They want to see students who have challenged themselves academically and are eager to contribute to the campus and the world.
- 02While test scores are optional, strong scores can still be a significant plus, especially for out-of-state applicants. A holistic review means they are looking at the whole person, not just the numbers.
- 03Demonstrated interest is not a major factor, but a genuine and specific articulation of why UNC is the right fit will strengthen the application.
Application Targets
What a strong application here should signal.
- 01Highlight a rigorous academic record with challenging coursework, demonstrating a willingness to push beyond the minimum requirements.
- 02Showcase a deep and meaningful engagement in a few extracurricular activities, rather than a superficial involvement in many.
- 03Craft a compelling personal essay that reveals character, personality, and a unique perspective.
Quiet Disqualifiers
Things that hurt applicants here, even when they look fine on paper.
- A lack of academic rigor in high school coursework, even with a high GPA
- Generic or uninspired essays that don't show a genuine interest in UNC
- A record of disciplinary action or a lack of character and integrity
Signature Programs
Where this school is genuinely best-in-class.
Business Administration; Journalism and Media; Biology; Psychology; Computer Science; Public Health
Application calendar
Every date the family needs to know.
Deadlines & Decision Dates · 2025-2026
Family deadline matrix
Plan
Deadline
Decision release
Early Action
Non-binding
Decision release for NC residents is by 2025-12-20.
Oct 15, 2025
→ Feb 10, 2026
Regular Decision
Non-binding
Jan 15, 2026
→ Mar 31, 2026
Early Decision I
Not offered
—
Early Decision II
Not offered
—
Restrictive Early Action
Not offered
—
Rolling Admission
Not offered
—
See every school side-by-side on the Deadline Tracker →
CDS C7 · Level of applicant's interest
Does effort toward this school move the needle?
Demonstrated Interest·CDS C7 (2022-2023)
TrackedWeight: Considered
UNC's 2022-23 Common Data Set indicates interest is 'Considered', but their admissions office and website state it is not a factor in their review.
Coach action
Focus on strong essays and academics; demonstrated interest is officially 'Considered' but not emphasized publicly, so minimal effort is needed.
Provenance