Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
Penn State
$208,552
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UNC
$204,304
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Penn State = $157,872 | UNC = $130,824. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
Penn State Top Majors
EngineeringBusinessBiologyKinesiologyInformation SciencesUNC Top Majors
BiologyBusinessComputer ScienceEconomicsPsychology
Need Help Choosing Between Penn State & UNC?
Get free personalized guidance from college admissions experts. Application strategy, essay reviews, and financial aid help.
Get Free College Guidance →
✓ 100% free consultation
✓ Expert admissions advisors
✓ No obligation
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Penn State or UNC harder to get into?+
UNC is more selective with an acceptance rate of 16.8% compared to 54.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Penn State or UNC?+
At sticker price, UNC costs less over 4 years ($204,304 vs $208,552). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Penn State offers an average of $12,670/year in aid while UNC offers $18,370/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Penn State and UNC?+
The average SAT score at Penn State is 1300 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 Penn State or UNC graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Penn State have a higher average starting salary ($65,400 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?+
Penn State 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 Penn State and UNC compare for campus life?+
Penn State is located in State College, Pennsylvania (rural setting) with a 5,000-acre campus. UNC is in Chapel Hill, North Carolina (suburban setting) with 729 acres. Penn State competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UNC in NCAA D1.