Program Options at the University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina appears in our ranking of the 20 Best Online Schools for Doctorate Degrees.
Some of the most popular programs offered at the University of North Carolina include those in biology, business administration, psychology, media & journalism, and economics. Students also frequently choose to study nursing, political science, computer science, and chemistry. More students enroll in biology as their undergraduate degree than any other topic of study. The freshman retention rate for students at UNC is 97 percent, which is much higher than the national average.
There are two divisions at the University of North Carolina that include the Division of Academic Affairs and the Division of Health Affairs. Within these two divisions are several schools and colleges that include the College of Arts & Sciences, the Kenan-Flagler Business School, and the School of Education. Other schools include the Eshelman School of Pharmacy, the School of Nursing, and the Gillings School of Global Public Health.
The university has a few options for high school students who are interested in enrolling in college classes in advance of actually graduating from high school. The dual enrollment program at the University of North Carolina is known as Part-Time Classroom Studies, and high school students must meet several criteria to qualify, such as being enrolled in high school as a full-time student. High school students can also attend college during the summer session with a separate application.
For undergraduates, a selection of available programs of study includes archaeology, computer science, Greek, naval science, urban studies and planning, and statistics. Students focused on undergraduate research can also enroll in programs in sustainability, translation and interpreting, political science, mathematics, history, or Italian. Within each of these programs are opportunities for academic enrichment like study abroad options, the honors program, and scholarships for distinguished students.
For graduate students, a sampling of degrees includes a Master of Social Work, a Master of Arts in Journalism & Mass Communication, and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. Graduate students can also earn a Master of City and Regional Planning or a Master of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences. Many of the programs offered at the University of North Carolina are also available through UNC Online, which features programs delivered 100 percent online.
About University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina is a public university located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The school was established on December 11, 1789, and is considered one of the oldest public universities in the country. The first classes were offered at the university in 1795. Today, students can earn degrees in more than 70 different subjects. The university would start admitting women in 1877 and would undergo desegregation in 1951. The university’s official colors are Carolina blue and white.
The university’s campus covers 728 acres, and around 30,000 students attend the school. The university has produced several Rhodes Scholars, Nobel Prize laureates, and Pulitzer Prize winners. While enrolled, students can participate in more than 500 student-run organizations. The university’s newspaper, which is named “The Daily Tar Heel,” has won several national awards.
University of North Carolina Accreditation Details
The University of North Carolina is reaccredited every ten years by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC). The last time reaffirmation occurred was in 2017. The SACSCC is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as one of the nation’s regional accreditation agencies, and the commission oversees approvals in 11 different states across the American South.
Some programs offered by the university are additionally accredited by various agencies that are recognized by the Department of Education, as well as the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Approvals have been granted by the American Physical Therapy Association, the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, & Administration, The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
University of North Carolina Application Requirements
Students who want to apply to the University of North Carolina will need to complete the Coalition Application or the Common Application. Applicants will need to provide educational history, a list of extracurricular activities, and personal biographical information during the application process. The application process also requires that students submit their secondary school or high school transcripts, as well as any transcripts from any colleges attended.
Additional items required during the application process include a recommendation from a counselor or advisor, a letter of recommendation from a teacher, and standardized test scores. The university accepts results from the ACT or SAT. Non-citizens of the United States may need to take an English language test if their first language isn’t English. Some conditions exist where a student may have the English language test requirement waived.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Students pay tuition based on their level of program and residency status, and the total amount depends on the number of credits taken. For example, tuition for at least 12 units of an undergraduate program is $3,509.50 for North Carolina residents and is $4,490.06 when all fees are added. Tuition for non-residents is $17,099.00 for 12 units, and the total cost with fees added is $18,079.56.
The university also has an option for enrollment as a non-degree seeking student, and the cost for 12 or more units is $3,509.50 for tuition and $3,752.65 when fees are added. Students may also need to pay some additional fees when enrolling in certain classes or participating in some activities on campus. For example, students in the biomedical engineering program will add a $125 per-credit-hour fee to their tuition.
Financial aid for students at the University of North Carolina is disbursed by the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid, and students should submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for financial aid like grants, loans, and scholarships. Some students may even qualify for offers of student employment through the Federal Work-Study program. Financial aid is available to students who are first-year enrollees, as well as advanced students pursuing graduate degrees.
The University of North Carolina participates in a program known as the Carolina Covenant, which helps students attend and graduate from the university without any debt. Students from families with incomes of less than 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines may qualify to participate. Students with financial need or excellent academic records may also qualify for scholarships at the University of North Carolina, and no additional application for scholarship consideration is required.
