[UPDATED 2025] UNC Chapel Hill Acceptance Rate & Admission Guide
Acceptance Rate Trend
| Year | Acceptance Rate (%) |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 28.5% |
| 2016 | 30.5% |
| 2017 | 26.9% |
| 2018 | 24.4% |
| 2019 | 22.7% |
| 2020 | 22.6% |
| 2021 | 25.0% |
| 2022 | 16.8% |
| 2023 | 17.1% |
| 2024 | 16.8% |
| 2025 | 15.6% |
UNC Chapel Hill Acceptance Rate (Latest)
UNC Chapel Hill is one of the most selective public universities in the U.S., with a significant difference between in-state and out-of-state admission rates.
16.8%
Overall Acceptance Rate (Class of 2028)
57,902
Total Applicants (2024 cycle)
10,852
Admitted
4,699
Enrolled
43%
In-State Acceptance Rate
8%
Out-of-State Acceptance Rate
ℹ️ North Carolina law caps out-of-state enrollment at 18%.
Academic Profile of Admitted Students
4.49
Average Weighted GPA
1400–1530
Middle 50% SAT (submitted)
28–34
Middle 50% ACT (submitted)
77%
Top 10% of HS Class
97%
Top 25% of HS Class
ℹ️ Test-optional policy in effect; 41% submitted SAT, 28% submitted ACT (2024).
Early Action vs Regular Decision
UNC Chapel Hill offers a non-restrictive Early Action (EA) option, meaning you can apply to other colleges via EA and you're not bound to attend if accepted.
| Application Type | Acceptance Rate | Avg GPA | Avg SAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Action | Higher than RD (exact rate not published) | 4.49 | 1400–1530 |
| Regular Decision | Lower than EA (exact rate not published) | 4.49 | 1400–1530 |
Tip: EA deadline: October 15. Regular Decision deadline: January 15.
Acceptance Rate by School or Major
| School/Major | Acceptance Rate | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| College of Arts & Sciences | Not published | Students may enter as an undecided major. |
| Kenan-Flagler Business School (Undergrad) | Not published | Application AFTER enrolling at UNC |
| Other Professional Schools | Not published | Admission after general enrollment |
Acceptance Rate by Residency Status
UNC Chapel Hill has a significant difference in acceptance rates for in-state and out-of-state applicants due to a legal cap on out-of-state enrollment.
| Residency | Acceptance Rate | Class of 2028 % |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Residents | 43% | 82% |
| Out-of-State/International | 8% | 18% |
Tip: State law limits out-of-state enrollment to 18% of each entering class.
How Does UNC Chapel Hill Compare?
UNC Chapel Hill is among the most selective public universities nationally, with a lower acceptance rate than most public flagships.
| School | Acceptance Rate | Avg SAT | Avg GPA |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNC Chapel Hill | 16.8% | 1400–1530 | 4.49 |
| UCLA | 8.6% | 1340–1540 | 4.4 |
| UC Berkeley | 11% | 1415 | 3.9 |
| University of Virginia | 16% | 1390–1530 | 4.31 |
How to Strengthen Your UNC Chapel Hill Application
- Take the most rigorous courses your school offers (AP, IB, honors) in core subjects like English, math, science, and history, and aim for top grades to show academic readiness.
- Use your essays to show personal growth, maturity, and purpose. Reflect on experiences that changed your thinking or pushed you to act.
- Demonstrate leadership and sustained impact in a few key activities rather than listing many. UNC values depth and community contribution.
- Highlight unique talents or projects you've used to help others like mentoring, coding, or organizing events. Focus on service and initiative.
- If you're a North Carolina resident, ensure your in-state status is documented and tie your experiences back to your NC community.
- If submitting test scores, reach for the upper end of the middle 50% (e.g., SAT 1450+ or ACT 32+), but remember GPA, essays, and activities matter more.
UNC Chapel Hill Admissions FAQs
Q. Is it harder to get into UNC Chapel Hill as an out-of-state applicant?
A. Yes. State law caps out-of-state enrollment at 18%, making out-of-state admission much more competitive.
Q. What GPA do I need to get into UNC Chapel Hill?
A. The average weighted GPA for enrolled students is 4.49. Over 93% of admitted students have a 4.0 or higher.
Q. Is UNC Chapel Hill test-optional?
A. Yes, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is test-optional for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 academic years.
Q. Does UNC Chapel Hill admit by major?
A. No, UNC Chapel Hill does not admit students by major. According to their admissions website, your intended major is not a factor in the admissions decision.
Q. Does UNC Chapel Hill offer Early Action?
A. Yes. The Early Action deadline is October 15.
Q. What percentage of UNC Chapel Hill students are from North Carolina?
A. About 82% of undergraduates are in-state students.
Q. What are the minimum requirements to apply to UNC Chapel Hill?
A. The UNC System requires a minimum weighted high school GPA of 2.5 and completion of specific high school courses. However, admitted students typically have much higher GPAs and stronger records. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission.
Q. What are the required high school courses for admission?
A. Applicants must complete 4 units of English, 4 units of mathematics, 3 units of science, 2 units of social studies (including U.S. history), and 2 units of a language other than English.
Q. Does UNC Chapel Hill require recommendation letters?
A. At least one teacher recommendation is required for first-year applicants.
Q. Are interviews part of the admissions process?
A. No, interviews are not offered or considered in the undergraduate admissions process.