AdmissionsOS University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill vs Wake Forest University
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Wake Forest University | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate lower = more selective | 15.3% | 22% |
| SAT range (mid 50%) | 1,390-1,530 | 1,410-1,520 |
| ACT range (mid 50%) | 28-34 | 32-34 |
| Average net price what students actually pay after aid | $11,655 | $28,719 |
| Sticker cost of attendance | $26,055 | $87,499 |
| Graduation rate | 91% | 89% |
| Retention rate | 97% | 93% |
| Undergraduates | 20,752 | 5,485 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 15:1 | 10:1 |
| Setting | Chapel Hill, NC | Winston-Salem, NC |
| Type | Public | Private nonprofit |
| Application fee | $85 | $85 |
| Test policy | Required for some | Test-optional |
Highlighted values mark the stronger figure on cost and outcomes. Verified for the 2025-2026 cycle.
Compare these in the interactive toolCommon questions
Is University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or Wake Forest University harder to get into?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is more selective, with a 15.3% acceptance rate versus 22% at Wake Forest University. Both should be treated as reaches unless your stats sit at or above the mid-50% range shown above.
Which is cheaper, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or Wake Forest University?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has the lower average net price ($11,655 versus $28,719). Net price is what families actually pay after grants and scholarships, so it is a truer comparison than sticker price. Run each school's net price calculator for your own income.