Yale University vs University of North Carolina

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Choosing the right college can be a challenging and important decision for many students. In this article, we will be comparing two prestigious universities: Yale University (School 1) and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) (School 2). We will provide overviews of each institution and delve into various aspects such as tuition costs, admissions, academics, diversity, student life, and more. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of the key differences and similarities between these two schools, which should help you make a well-informed decision.

CollegeRanker is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Yale University Overview

Yale University, founded in 1701, is a private Ivy League research university located in New Haven, Connecticut. It is renowned for its strong focus on liberal arts education, world-class faculty, and extensive research facilities. Yale is consistently ranked among the top universities, both nationally and globally, and is known for its rigorous academic programs, competitive admissions process, and robust financial aid offerings.

Yale Costs & Tuition

For the 2021-2022 academic year, Yale’s tuition is $59,950, with additional fees for room, board, and miscellaneous expenses bringing the total cost of attendance to approximately $79,000 per year. However, Yale is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, and more than 50% of Yale students receive financial aid. The average need-based scholarship is around $53,000 per year.

Yale Admissions

Yale is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 6.1% for the Class of 2025. Successful applicants typically have strong academic records, impressive extracurricular achievements, and well-rounded personal qualities. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1460 and 1560 on the SAT, and between 33 and 35 on the ACT.

Yale Degrees Offered

Yale offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its 14 schools, including the Yale College (undergraduate), the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and 12 professional schools. There are over 80 undergraduate majors and numerous interdisciplinary programs available for students to choose from.

Yale Academics

Yale is known for its rigorous academic programs and strong emphasis on undergraduate teaching. The student-to-faculty ratio is 6:1, and more than 70% of undergraduate classes have fewer than 20 students, allowing for personalized attention and close interaction with professors. Yale’s most popular majors include Social Sciences, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, and History.

Yale Diversity

Yale is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse campus community. In the Class of 2025, 42% of students identify as White, 19% as Asian, 13% as Hispanic, 7% as Black, and 9% as multiracial. Additionally, 12% of incoming students are international, representing more than 60 countries.

Yale Students

Yale has a total undergraduate enrollment of approximately 6,000 students. The campus is residential, with students grouped into 14 residential colleges, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among students. Yale is known for its active student life, with over 500 student organizations and a strong emphasis on extracurricular activities, community service, and athletics.

Yale Campus

Yale’s campus is located in New Haven, Connecticut, spanning around 340 acres. The university is known for its beautiful campus, featuring stunning Gothic architecture and picturesque landscapes. The campus also houses several world-class museums, libraries, and research facilities.

Yale Alumni

Yale boasts an impressive list of alumni, including several U.S. Presidents, Supreme Court Justices, and Nobel laureates. Some notable Yale alumni include George H.W. Bush, Meryl Streep, and Paul Krugman.

Yale Rankings

Yale is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world. In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Yale is ranked 4th among National Universities. It is also ranked 11th in the 2021 QS World University Rankings.

Yale Outcomes

Yale graduates have a strong record of success in various fields, both in academia and the professional world. According to data from the class of 2020, 93% of Yale graduates were employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation.

UNC Overview

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) is a public research university founded in 1789. It is the flagship institution of the University of North Carolina system and is located in the vibrant and diverse city of Chapel Hill. UNC is known for its strong academic programs, particularly in fields such as business, public health, and journalism.

UNC Costs & Tuition

For the 2021-2022 academic year, tuition for in-state students at UNC is $9,018, while out-of-state students pay $36,000. The total cost of attendance, including room, board, and miscellaneous expenses, is approximately $27,000 for in-state students and $54,000 for out-of-state students. UNC offers need-based financial aid, with 44% of undergraduate students receiving some form of financial assistance.

UNC Admissions

UNC is selective, with an acceptance rate of 22.6% for the Class of 2025. Admitted students typically have strong academic records, with the middle 50% scoring between 1300 and 1440 on the SAT, and between 29 and 33 on the ACT.

UNC Degrees Offered

UNC offers more than 70 undergraduate majors and over 100 minors through its 14 colleges and schools. Graduate programs are also offered through the UNC Graduate School and professional schools.

UNC Academics

UNC is known for its strong emphasis on undergraduate teaching and research opportunities. The student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1, and 38.5% of undergraduate classes have fewer than 20 students. Popular majors at UNC include Social Sciences, Business, and Health Professions.

UNC Diversity

In the Class of 2025, 60% of students identify as White, 12% as Asian, 10% as Hispanic, 6% as Black, and 5% as multiracial. Approximately 6% of incoming students are international. UNC is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse campus community.

UNC Students

UNC has a total undergraduate enrollment of around 19,000 students. The campus is residential, with a strong emphasis on student life, extracurricular activities, and sports. There are over 800 student organizations on campus, providing numerous opportunities for students to get involved.

UNC Campus

UNC’s campus is located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, spanning around 729 acres. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, surrounded by the vibrant and diverse city of Chapel Hill, which offers numerous cultural, entertainment, and social opportunities for students.

UNC Alumni

Notable UNC alumni include Michael Jordan, James K. Polk, and Thomas Wolfe.

UNC Rankings

In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, UNC is ranked 28th among National Universities and 5th among public universities. It is also ranked 95th in the 2021 QS World University Rankings.

UNC Outcomes

UNC graduates have a strong record of success in various fields, both in academia and the professional world. According to data from the class of 2020, 92% of UNC graduates were employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation.

Yale vs UNC Cost Comparison

Both Yale and UNC offer financial aid to eligible students, but the costs associated with attending these institutions are significantly different. Yale’s total cost of attendance is approximately $79,000 per year, while UNC’s total cost of attendance is about $27,000 for in-state students and $54,000 for out-of-state students. The average need-based scholarship at Yale is around $53,000, while 44% of undergraduate students at UNC receive some form of financial assistance. Although both universities provide support for students in need, it’s important to consider your personal financial circumstances when deciding between these two institutions.

Yale vs UNC Admissions Difficulty

Yale is considerably more selective than UNC, with an acceptance rate of 6.1% compared to UNC’s 22.6%. However, both universities have competitive admissions processes, with successful applicants typically possessing strong academic records and outstanding personal qualities. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1460 and 1560 on the SAT and between 33 and 35 on the ACT at Yale, while the middle 50% at UNC scored between 1300 and 1440 on the SAT and between 29 and 33 on the ACT.

Yale vs UNC Academic Difficulty

Both Yale and UNC are known for their rigorous academic programs and strong emphasis on undergraduate teaching. Yale has a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, and more than 70% of undergraduate classes have fewer than 20 students. In comparison, UNC has a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1, and 38.5% of undergraduate classes have fewer than 20 students. While both institutions provide top-notch education, Yale’s smaller class sizes and lower student-to-faculty ratio may offer more personalized attention and closer interaction with professors.

Yale vs UNC Outcome Comparison

Graduates from both Yale and UNC have a strong record of success in various fields, with 93% of Yale graduates and 92% of UNC graduates being employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. Both universities have impressive alumni networks and strong reputations in the job market, providing their graduates with a wealth of opportunities and resources for career development.

In conclusion, both Yale University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offer exceptional education and opportunities for their students. When deciding between these two institutions, it’s essential to consider factors such as cost, selectivity, academic rigor, and personal preferences.