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Head to head · North Carolina

East Carolina University vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Which of these costs less depends on what you earn. At $75–110k and below, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the cheaper of the two; from over $110k up, East Carolina University is. Sticker price shows none of this.

What each actually costs, by household income

Household incomeEast Carolina UniversityUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillDifference
Under $30k$10,046$2,004$8,042 · University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
$30–48k$11,699$3,918$7,781 · University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
$48–75k$14,904$8,538$6,366 · University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
$75–110k$20,417$16,415$4,002 · University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Over $110k$23,028$24,396$1,368 · East Carolina University

Green marks the cheaper of the two at that income. "Net price" is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education — not a calculator's estimate. Public-school figures reflect in-state families; out-of-state families typically pay more.

Four years, at $75–110k

East Carolina University$86,058
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill$69,189
Difference over four years$16,868

Each year's reported net price grown 3.5% — the same method College Compass uses inside a family's plan.

Getting in

Published acceptance rate89% · 15%
Average SAT1180 · 1439

Listed East Carolina University first, then University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Acceptance rate is the school's overall published figure — your student's own odds depend on their transcript, scores, and high school.

After graduation — federal data

Median earnings, 10 yrs out$55,146 · $72,200
Graduate in four years43% · 84%
Typical graduate's own federal debt$22,750 · $14,000

Again East Carolina University first. The four-year graduation rate matters more than it looks: a fifth year is a fifth year of paying.

These are averages. Your family isn't average.
College Compass runs both schools against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — admit odds with the math shown, merit likelihood, and what four years would really cost you. First three schools free.

Compare them for your student →

Go deeper on either school

East Carolina University — every income band · University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — every income band · All North Carolina public colleges