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Georgia Tech vs University of North Carolina

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

16.0% Georgia Tech acceptance
16.8% UNC acceptance
$18,560 Georgia Tech cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Georgia Tech
Atlanta, Georgia
Public
Founded
1885
Enrollment
47,285
Setting
Urban
UNC
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Public
Founded
1789
Enrollment
32,852
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition Georgia Tech saves $4,262
Georgia Tech
$33,794
UNC
$38,056
Acceptance Rate Georgia Tech more selective
Georgia Tech
16.0%
UNC
16.8%
Graduation Rate UNC higher
Georgia Tech
90%
UNC
91%
Avg SAT Score Georgia Tech higher
Georgia Tech
1450
UNC
1400
Starting Salary Georgia Tech higher
Georgia Tech
$83,600
UNC
$64,800

Detailed Comparison

Metric Georgia Tech UNC Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$33,794$38,056Georgia Tech
Tuition (In-State)$12,682$8,998UNC
Room & Board$12,642$13,020Georgia Tech
Acceptance Rate16.0%16.8%Georgia Tech
Graduation Rate90%91%UNC
Average SAT14501400Georgia Tech
Student-Faculty Ratio15:113:1UNC
Enrollment47,28532,852-
Avg Financial Aid$16,280$18,370UNC
Starting Salary$83,600$64,800Georgia Tech
Endowment$4.2B$5.3BUNC
Campus Size400 acres729 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Georgia Tech
$185,744
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UNC
$204,304
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Georgia Tech = $120,624 | UNC = $130,824. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Georgia Tech Top Majors

Computer ScienceEngineeringBusinessIndustrial EngineeringBiology

UNC Top Majors

BiologyBusinessComputer ScienceEconomicsPsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
Georgia TechUrban
UNCSuburban
Campus Size
Georgia Tech400 ac
UNC729 ac
Athletics
Georgia TechNCAA D1
UNCNCAA D1
Region
Georgia TechSouth
UNCSouth
Founded
Georgia Tech1885
UNC1789
Enrollment
Georgia Tech47,285
UNC32,852

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Georgia Tech or UNC harder to get into?+
Georgia Tech is more selective with an acceptance rate of 16.0% compared to 16.8%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Georgia Tech or UNC?+
At sticker price, Georgia Tech costs less over 4 years ($185,744 vs $204,304). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Georgia Tech offers an average of $16,280/year in aid while UNC offers $18,370/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Georgia Tech and UNC?+
The average SAT score at Georgia Tech is 1450 and at UNC it is 1400. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do Georgia Tech or UNC graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Georgia Tech have a higher average starting salary ($83,600 vs $64,800). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
Georgia Tech has a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio while UNC has 13:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Georgia Tech and UNC compare for campus life?+
Georgia Tech is located in Atlanta, Georgia (urban setting) with a 400-acre campus. UNC is in Chapel Hill, North Carolina (suburban setting) with 729 acres. Georgia Tech competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UNC in NCAA D1.