Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

UNC Chapel Hill vs Wake Forest University

Chapel Hill, NC · Winston-Salem, NC · Source: IPEDS federal database

UNC Chapel HillWake Forest University
Acceptance Rate18.7%21.6%
In-State Tuition$8,989$64,758
Out-of-State Tuition$39,330$64,758
Average Net Price$11,140$18,681
Graduation Rate92.0%91.0%

GradFax Analysis

UNC Chapel Hill accepts 18.7% of applicants. Wake Forest University accepts 21.6%. UNC Chapel Hill's in-state tuition is $8,989. Wake Forest University's is $64,758. That's a $55,769 difference per year. Six-year graduation rates are close: 92% at UNC Chapel Hill, 91% at Wake Forest University.

Bottom Line

UNC Chapel Hill is public; Wake Forest University is private. If you're an in-state student, UNC Chapel Hill will cost significantly less. Check the net price numbers above before deciding.

Source: IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →UNC Chapel Hill profileWake Forest University profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, UNC Chapel Hill or Wake Forest University?

UNC Chapel Hill. It accepts 18.7% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is UNC Chapel Hill or Wake Forest University more affordable?

UNC Chapel Hill has lower published tuition: $8,989 versus $64,758. Financial aid can flip this, so compare your actual award letters.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

Nearly the same. UNC Chapel Hill is at 92%; Wake Forest University is at 91%.

Source: IPEDS

Data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), a federal database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Figures represent the most recent available academic year.

UNC Chapel Hill vs Wake Forest University: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax