Head-to-head comparison
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill vs Chamberlain University-North Carolina: which has better ROI?
Option A Chapel Hill, NC
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Net price / year
- $11,655
- Earnings, 10 years
- $72,200
- Payback
- 2 yrs
Option B Charlotte, NC
Chamberlain University-North Carolina
- Net price / year
- $38,436
- Earnings, 10 years
- $92,405
- Payback
- 3.5 yrs
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $46,620 in 2 years versus 3.5 years at Chamberlain University-North Carolina, on median earnings of $72,200 vs $92,405 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Chamberlain University-North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $11,655 | $38,436 |
| Total net cost | $46,620 | $153,744 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $72,200 | $92,405 |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $20,919 |
| Payback | 2 yrs | 3.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $430,180 | $727,156 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
The short answer
Which is cheaper, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or Chamberlain University-North Carolina?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, at $11,655 a year after aid versus $38,436 — a gap of $26,781 a year, or $107,124 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
The short answer
Do University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or Chamberlain University-North Carolina graduates earn more?
Chamberlain University-North Carolina graduates report a median $92,405 ten years after entry, $20,205 more than the $72,200 at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
The short answer
Which leaves students with less debt, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or Chamberlain University-North Carolina?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: its completers carry a median $14,000 in federal loans versus $20,919 at Chamberlain University-North Carolina, a difference of $6,919. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.