UNC Chapel Hill GPA Requirements: Complete Admission Guide
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, established in 1789, stands as the nation's first public university and one of the most prestigious institutions in the United States. Known for its historic campus, academic excellence, and legendary athletics program, UNC Chapel Hill consistently ranks among the top public universities nationally and maintains highly selective admission standards.
Quick Answer: UNC Chapel Hill typically admits students with an unweighted GPA of 3.9+ and a weighted GPA of 4.6+. The middle 50% have GPAs between 4.39-4.83 (weighted).
UNC Chapel Hill GPA Requirements
Official GPA Statistics
Average Unweighted GPA
3.92
4.0 scale
Average Weighted GPA
4.61
Weighted scale
Middle 50% Range
4.39 - 4.83
Weighted GPA
Acceptance Rate
16.8%
Highly selective
GPA Requirements by School
| School/Program | Average GPA | Minimum Competitive |
|---|---|---|
| College of Arts & Sciences | 4.65 | 4.3 |
| Kenan-Flagler Business School | 4.72 | 4.5 |
| School of Education | 4.58 | 4.2 |
| Hussman School of Journalism | 4.68 | 4.4 |
| School of Nursing | 4.55 | 4.1 |
| Gillings School of Public Health | 4.62 | 4.3 |
Academic Preparation Requirements
Minimum Course Requirements (UNC System):
- English: 4 units (strong emphasis on writing and literature)
- Mathematics: 4 units (including Algebra II and higher)
- Science: 3 units (at least 1 physical science, 1 life/biological science)
- Social Studies: 2 units (including 1 unit US History)
- Health/Physical Education: 1 unit
- Electives: 6 additional units from approved courses
- Foreign Language: 2+ units strongly recommended
UNC Chapel Hill Admission Statistics
Fall 2024 Admission Data
- Applications Received: 60,577
- Students Admitted: 10,177
- Acceptance Rate: 16.8%
- Enrolled Students: 4,689
- Yield Rate: 46.1%
Academic Profile
- Average SAT: 1470
- Average ACT: 33
- Top 10% of Class: 78%
- Top 25% of Class: 96%
- National Merit Scholars: 8%
In-State vs Out-of-State Admission
UNC Chapel Hill's Legacy & Excellence
National Rankings:
- Public Universities: #5
- Best Value Public: #4
- Business: #11
- Medicine: #22
- Law School: #23
- Education: #12
Notable Programs:
- Journalism: #1
- Public Health: #2
- Pharmacy: #1
- Dentistry: #3
- Library Science: #1
- Social Work: #8
Carolina's Research Excellence
R1 Research University: UNC-Chapel Hill ranks among the top public research universities with over $1 billion in annual research expenditures.
Research Areas:
- Biomedical Research
- Environmental Sciences
- Information Technology
- Social & Behavioral Sciences
- Materials Science
Research Centers:
- Lineberger Cancer Center
- Carolina Population Center
- Renaissance Computing Institute
- Institute for the Environment
- Carolina Digital Repository
GPA Analysis for UNC Chapel Hill
What GPA Do You Need?
In-State Students: Weighted GPA of 4.3+ competitive for consideration
Out-of-State Students: Weighted GPA of 4.6+ required for competitiveness
Honors Carolina: Weighted GPA of 4.8+ with exceptional achievements
Robertson Scholarship: Perfect stats plus extraordinary leadership
GPA Distribution of Admitted Students
Carolina's Culture & Traditions
Tar Heel Spirit:
- Old Well & South Building traditions
- Dean Smith Center & Basketball legacy
- Franklin Street campus life
- Honor Code & student self-governance
- Carolina Blue school pride
- Public Ivy academic excellence
Notable Alumni:
- Michael Jordan (Basketball Legend)
- James K. Polk (11th US President)
- Thomas Wolfe (Author)
- Andy Griffith (Actor/Producer)
- Stuart Scott (ESPN Sportscaster)
- Davis Love III (Professional Golfer)
Application Strategies for UNC Chapel Hill
Special Programs and Scholarships
Premier Programs at UNC Chapel Hill:
- Robertson Scholars: Full-ride scholarship with Duke partnership
- Morehead-Cain Scholarship: Full merit scholarship program
- Honors Carolina: Enhanced curriculum and research opportunities
- Carolina Covenant: Debt-free graduation for low-income students
- First-Year Seminars: Small-group learning experiences
- Undergraduate Research: SURF program opportunities
Personal Statement Strategy
UNC Chapel Hill Values:
UNC Chapel Hill seeks students who embody:
- Excellence: Academic achievement and intellectual curiosity
- Service: Commitment to improving communities
- Leadership: Taking initiative and inspiring positive change
- Diversity: Contributing unique perspectives and experiences
- Integrity: Upholding the Honor Code and ethical standards
- Tradition: Appreciating Carolina's rich history and culture
If Your GPA is Below 4.5
- Outstanding Test Scores: SAT 1500+ or ACT 34+ for out-of-state
- Exceptional Essays: Compelling personal narratives and "Why Carolina"
- Strong Recommendations: Detailed endorsements from teachers/counselors
- Leadership Experience: Significant impact in school or community
- Unique Talents: Special skills, achievements, or background
- Early Action: Higher acceptance rates for EA applicants
UNC-Specific Application Tips
- Carolina Connection: Show deep understanding of UNC culture and values
- "Why Carolina" Essay: Research specific programs, professors, opportunities
- North Carolina Ties: Highlight connections to state or region
- Service Leadership: Demonstrate commitment to helping others
- Research Interest: Connect with faculty or programs in your field
- Tar Heel Pride: Show appreciation for traditions and community
Top Public Universities Comparison
| University | Average GPA | Acceptance Rate | Average SAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| UC Berkeley | 4.15 | 11% | 1510 |
| UCLA | 4.18 | 9% | 1520 |
| University of Virginia | 4.32 | 19% | 1490 |
| UNC Chapel Hill | 4.61 | 16.8% | 1470 |
| University of Michigan | 4.25 | 18% | 1480 |
GPA Calculator Tools
Use these calculators to calculate your GPA and assess your UNC Chapel Hill chances:
Conclusion
UNC Chapel Hill represents the pinnacle of public higher education, combining academic excellence with rich traditions and vibrant campus life in the heart of the Research Triangle. With a 16.8% acceptance rate and exceptional academic standards, Carolina seeks students who demonstrate not only outstanding academic achievement but also strong character, leadership potential, and commitment to service.
Success in UNC admission requires exceptional preparation with a weighted GPA of 4.6+ (especially for out-of-state students) and strong performance across all application components. Focus on rigorous coursework, meaningful extracurricular involvement, and crafting compelling essays that showcase your fit with Carolina's values and culture. Remember: being a Tar Heel means joining a community committed to excellence, service, and making a positive impact on the world.