University of Florida vs UNC: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Florida and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
University of Florida vs UNC at a glance
University of Florida admits 24.2% of applicants and UNC 15.3% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $5,969 at University of Florida and $11,305 at UNC. Six-year graduation rates are 92.1% and 91.1%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- University of Florida admits 24.2% of applicants and UNC 15.3%, so UNC is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $5,969 a year at University of Florida and $11,305 at UNC; University of Florida costs $5,336 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $1,968 at University of Florida and $2,212 at UNC.
- 92.1% of students graduate within six years at University of Florida, against 91.1% at UNC.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $78,456 for University of Florida and $81,094 for UNC; UNC is $2,638 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $13,496 at University of Florida and $12,086 at UNC.
- University of Florida enrolls 35,629 students (midsize city) and UNC 20,752 (small city).
Side by side
University of Florida and UNC in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | University of Florida | UNC |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 24.2% | 15.3% |
| Applicants | 51,207 | 50,729 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1320–1480 | 1390–1530 |
| ACT middle 50% | 29–33 | 28–34 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $5,969 | $11,305 |
| Tuition, in state | $6,381 | $9,095 |
| Tuition, out of state | $30,886 | $45,228 |
| Cost of attendance | $23,197 | $26,949 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $1,968 | $2,212 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $1,809 | $2,989 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $5,221 | $6,761 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $10,235 | $12,883 |
| Over $110,000 | $16,609 | $24,276 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 92.1% | 91.1% |
| First-year retention | 97.7% | 96.6% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $78,456 | $81,094 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $13,496 | $12,086 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $153 | $137 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 35,629 | 20,752 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Midsize | City: Small |
| Location | Gainesville, FL | Chapel Hill, NC |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
University of Florida reports 92 bachelor's programs and UNC 51; 33 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about University of Florida vs UNC
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into University of Florida or UNC?
UNC is harder to get into by acceptance rate: University of Florida admits 24.2% of applicants and UNC admits 15.3%. Middle 50% SAT scores: University of Florida 1320–1480; UNC 1390–1530.
Which is cheaper, University of Florida or UNC?
University of Florida has the lower average net price after grants: $5,969 a year at University of Florida against $11,305 at UNC. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $1,968 and $2,212. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do University of Florida or UNC graduates earn more?
UNC graduates earn more at the median: $78,456 ten years after entry for University of Florida and $81,094 for UNC. Median federal debt at graduation is $13,496 and $12,086.
Which has a higher graduation rate, University of Florida or UNC?
University of Florida does: 92.1% of University of Florida students graduate within six years, against 91.1% at UNC.
How big are University of Florida and UNC?
University of Florida has 35,629 students in Gainesville, FL and UNC has 20,752 students in Chapel Hill, NC.