Degree Dividend
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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill vs Chamberlain University-North Carolina: which has better ROI?

Public, Chapel Hill NC · vs · Private for-profit, Charlotte NC

The verdict

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.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChamberlain 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
Payback2 yrs3.5 yrs
20-year net return$430,180$727,156

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

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.

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.

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.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill vs Chamberlain University-North Carolina: frequently asked questions

Is University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or Chamberlain University-North Carolina a better value?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It clears its $46,620 net cost in about 2 years versus 3.5 years at Chamberlain University-North Carolina, on median earnings of $72,200 vs $92,405 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or Chamberlain University-North Carolina?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: $11,655/yr net price after aid versus $38,436/yr at Chamberlain University-North Carolina — a difference of $26,781 a year, or about $107,124 over four years.
Do University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or Chamberlain University-North Carolina graduates earn more?
Chamberlain University-North Carolina graduates earn a median $92,405 ten years after entry, versus $72,200 at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — a $20,205 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.