College Costs in Chapel Hill, NC 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 5 colleges in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$8,998
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$44,970
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,186
per month
Colleges & Universities
5
institutions
Chapel Hill Overview
Population
61,960
Student Population
17,348 (28.0%)
Cost of Living Index
96 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
65/100
Transit Score
25/100
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
College Cost Calculator for Chapel Hill
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$73,820
Total After Financial Aid
$73,820
Annual Cost
$18,455
Annual After Aid
$18,455
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $73,820 |
| Monthly Payment | $838 |
| Total Interest | $26,765 |
| Total Loan Cost | $100,585 |
Universities in Chapel Hill
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Public | $8,998 |
| Durham Technical Community College | Community | $2,864 |
Chapel Hill has 5 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Chapel Hill vs. National Average
| Category | Chapel Hill | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $8,998 | $10,940 | -$1,942 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,186 | $1,050 | +$136 |
| Cost of Living Index | 96 | 100 | -4 |
Chapel Hill's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Chapel Hill
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
17,348 students
Chapel Hill has a total population of 61,960, with approximately 17,348 college students (28.0% of the population). As a major college town, Chapel Hill offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Chapel Hill
$46,001
Starting Salary
4.2%
Unemployment Rate
60%
Graduation Rate
~7 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Chapel Hill earn a median starting salary of $46,001, which is $11,001 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $73,820 (including room and board), it would take approximately 7 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $16,437 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in North Carolina
Charlotte
39 colleges · Avg tuition $7,092
Raleigh
21 colleges · Avg tuition $9,101
Greensboro
17 colleges · Avg tuition $7,000
Durham
25 colleges · Avg tuition $6,477
Winston-Salem
26 colleges · Avg tuition $6,432
Fayetteville
15 colleges · Avg tuition $5,925
Wilmington
5 colleges · Avg tuition $7,287
Asheville
4 colleges · Avg tuition $7,361
Boone
3 colleges · Avg tuition $7,657
Cullowhee
4 colleges · Avg tuition $7,428
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