UNC vs University of Michigan-Ann Arbor: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
UNC vs University of Michigan-Ann Arbor at a glance
UNC admits 15.3% of applicants and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 15.6% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $11,305 at UNC and $14,362 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Six-year graduation rates are 91.1% and 93.2%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- UNC admits 15.3% of applicants and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 15.6%, so both are about equally selective.
- The average net price after grants is $11,305 a year at UNC and $14,362 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor; UNC costs $3,057 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $2,212 at UNC and $3,155 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
- 91.1% of students graduate within six years at UNC, against 93.2% at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $81,094 for UNC and $92,832 for University of Michigan-Ann Arbor; University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is $11,738 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $12,086 at UNC and $18,515 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
- UNC enrolls 20,752 students (small city) and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 34,177 (midsize city).
Side by side
UNC and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 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 | UNC | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 15.3% | 15.6% |
| Applicants | 50,729 | 79,743 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1390–1530 | 1360–1530 |
| ACT middle 50% | 28–34 | 31–34 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $11,305 | $14,362 |
| Tuition, in state | $9,095 | $18,346 |
| Tuition, out of state | $45,228 | $63,962 |
| Cost of attendance | $26,949 | $36,613 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $2,212 | $3,155 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $2,989 | $3,372 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $6,761 | $5,768 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $12,883 | $13,888 |
| Over $110,000 | $24,276 | $28,625 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 91.1% | 93.2% |
| First-year retention | 96.6% | 97.5% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $81,094 | $92,832 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $12,086 | $18,515 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $137 | $210 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 20,752 | 34,177 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Small | City: Midsize |
| Location | Chapel Hill, NC | Ann Arbor, MI |
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
UNC reports 51 bachelor's programs and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 89; 38 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
- Economics
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Biology, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Political Science and Government
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
Questions about UNC vs University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into UNC or University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
UNC is harder to get into by acceptance rate: UNC admits 15.3% of applicants and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor admits 15.6%. Middle 50% SAT scores: UNC 1390–1530; University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 1360–1530.
Which is cheaper, UNC or University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
UNC has the lower average net price after grants: $11,305 a year at UNC against $14,362 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $2,212 and $3,155. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do UNC or University of Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates earn more?
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates earn more at the median: $81,094 ten years after entry for UNC and $92,832 for University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Median federal debt at graduation is $12,086 and $18,515.
Which has a higher graduation rate, UNC or University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor does: 91.1% of UNC students graduate within six years, against 93.2% at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
How big are UNC and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
UNC has 20,752 students in Chapel Hill, NC and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor has 34,177 students in Ann Arbor, MI.