Starting the journey to an MBA can feel like setting out on a big adventure, isn’t it?

It’s a time full of hopes and dreams as you think about what’s next for your career. While it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and nervousness, choosing the right program is a crucial step.

If you’re considering UNC-Chapel Hill, you’re looking at a fantastic opportunity. The Kenan-Flagler Business School at UNC is known for its strong academics and supportive environment, all at a more affordable cost compared to many other elite programs.

In the latest rankings by U.S. News & World Report, UNC-Chapel Hill shines brightly: ranked #22 among National Universities, #4 among Top Public Schools, and #14 in Best Value Schools. Its MBA program is highly respected, reflecting its quality and reputation.

Last year, the acceptance rate at UNC for its MBA program was quite competitive. But don’t let this discourage you—it’s a testament to the program’s strength and the level of interest it attracts from around the globe.

As you prepare your application, remember you’re not alone. Many other motivated candidates are in the same boat, working hard to make their mark. Emphasize what makes you unique and let your passion shine through. With thoughtful preparation, you’re well on your way to joining the ranks of successful UNC MBA graduates.

MBA House is with you every step of the way. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the key aspects of applying to UNC’s MBA program, offering tips and insights to help you navigate the process with confidence.

UNC-Chapel Hill Acceptance Rate: What You Need to Know

While the official acceptance rates for the Class of 2027 are not yet available, we can look at recent data for insight. For the students who entered UNC-Chapel Hill in Fall 2023, including both freshmen and transfer students, the university received 63,217 applications. Of those, 5,602 students were admitted, with 4,700 choosing to enroll as first-year students and 902 as transfer students.

Based on historical trends and the school’s yield rate, the acceptance rate for the UNC-Chapel Hill MBA program is estimated to remain between 16% and 19%.

Here’s a quick look at recent acceptance rates at UNC: 

Class Year	Applicants	Admits	Acceptance Rate
2026	57,221	9,640	16.80%
2025	53,766	10,347	19%
2024	44,382	10,446	24%
2023	42,466	9,608	23%

 

UNC-Chapel Hill In-State vs. Out-of-State Acceptance Rate

It’s significantly more challenging to gain admission to UNC-Chapel Hill as an out-of-state applicant. The university’s student body is composed of 82% in-state students, with the state government capping non-resident students at 18%.

Acceptance Rates for the Class of 2026:

• In-State Acceptance Rate: 43%
• Out-of-State Acceptance Rate: 8%

Early Action vs. Regular Decision

Applying early action can provide a slight advantage for applicants. The UNC Chapel Hill Early Action acceptance rate is generally higher than the Regular Decision rate. However, this can be attributed to special populations, such as recruited athletes, applying in the early round.

Key Dates:

• Early Action Deadline: October 15th
• Overall Early Action Acceptance Rate: Typically 13 points higher than the Regular Decision rate

GPA Requirements for UNC Chapel Hill

A high GPA is essential for admission. The average GPA for enrolled first-year students in 2022-2023 was 4.47.

GPA Breakdown:

• 95% of students had a GPA of 4.0 or above
• 3% had a GPA between 3.75 and 3.99
• 2% had a GPA between 3.25 and 3.74

Class Rank and Standardized Test Scores

Class rank and standardized test scores are also critical factors in the admissions process.

Class Rank of Enrolled Students (2023-24):

• Top 10%: 75%
• Top 20%: 92%

SAT/ACT Scores for the Class of 2027:

Applicant Type	SAT Mid-50% Range
In-State Students	1340-1500
Out-of-State Students	1400-1540

Trends and Applicant Demographics

Understanding the trends and demographics of incoming students can offer valuable insights into the competitive landscape.

Top 5 Majors for Incoming Students:

• Biology
• Business
• Computer Science
• Psychology & Neuroscience
• Economics

Additional Insights:

• 81% of the Class of 2027 plans to pursue an advanced degree
• 76% participated in community service during high school
• 20% are first-generation college students
• Students come from 93 different North Carolina counties, with 34% from rural areas

How UNC Chapel Hill Evaluates Applicants

UNC-Chapel Hill considers several factors as “very important” in the admissions process. These include:

Very Important Factors:

• Rigor of high school course load
• Essays
• Recommendation letters
• Extracurricular activities
• Talent/ability
• Character/personal qualities
• State residency (being from NC is a significant advantage)

Important Factors:

• GPA
• Class rank
• Volunteer work
• Paid work experience

Considered Factors:

• First-generation status
• Legacy status
• Standardized test scores (optional)
• Racial/ethnic status

Special Consideration:

• Recruited athletes are given a significant edge due to UNC-Chapel Hill’s emphasis on its 28 NCAA Division I sports teams.

UNC-Chapel Hill Transfer Acceptance Rate

If you’re considering transferring to UNC Chapel Hill, you’ll be pleased to know that the transfer acceptance rate is notably higher than the freshman acceptance rate. In the 2022-23 cycle, 1,535 students were accepted out of 3,645 applicants, yielding a 42% acceptance rate.

Past Transfer Acceptance Rates:

Year	Acceptance Rate
2021-22	47%
2020-21	45%
2019-20	49%

UNC-Chapel Hill Online MBA and Executive MBA Programs

For those interested in graduate programs, UNC Chapel Hill offers several highly regarded MBA options, including the UNC-Chapel Hill online MBA and the UNC Chapel Hill executive MBA programs.

Program Highlights:

• UNC-Chapel Hill MBA Ranking: Consistently ranked among the top business schools nationally and globally.
• UNC-Chapel Hill Online MBA Cost: Competitive and varies based on residency and program specifics.

The University of North Carolina MBA programs are designed for working professionals, providing flexibility without compromising on quality.

What You Need to Apply to UNC-Chapel Hill (2024-2025)

To apply to UNC-Chapel Hill, you need to complete several components that allow the admissions committee to assess your fit both quantitatively and qualitatively. Here is a simplified overview of the current requirements:

Required Components:

1. 1. Application Form: Complete either the Common Application or the Coalition Application.
   2. Application Fee: Pay the $85 application fee or request a fee waiver if eligible.
   3. Official Transcripts: Submit your high school transcripts.
   4. School Report: Include a school report from your high school.
   5. Letters of Recommendation: Two letters, one from a counselor and one from a teacher.
   6. Personal Essay: Write an essay of up to 650 words.
   7. Short Answer Questions: Respond to two out of four provided prompts.
   8. Activity List: Summarize your extracurricular activities.
   9. Midyear Report: Submit a report with your midyear grades.

Optional Components:

1. Test Scores: UNC-Chapel Hill is test-optional for the 2024-2025 cycle. You can submit SAT or ACT scores if you feel they reflect your academic abilities, but they are not required.
2. Additional Information: You may provide additional information through the MyCarolina portal.
3. Supplemental Materials: Depending on your chosen program, you might need to submit additional materials like a portfolio or attend an interview.
4. Global Opportunities: If interested in the Global Gap Year Fellowship or Carolina Global Launch, indicate your interest and submit two additional short answer responses.

Tips for Maximizing Your Chances:

• Challenging Courses: Take the most rigorous courses available to you, particularly in subjects related to your intended major.
• Extracurricular Activities: Demonstrate leadership and commitment in your extracurricular activities. Highlight any community service or unique talents.
• Personal Essays: Spend considerable time crafting compelling essays that showcase your personal experiences and reflections.
• Know the University: Familiarize yourself with UNC-Chapel Hill’s culture, programs, and facilities. This can help you tailor your application to align with what the university values.

Important Deadlines:

• • Early Action: October 15
  • Regular Decision: January 15

Final Thoughts

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” — Winston S. Churchill

Applying to business school is a big deal, and every detail matters. At MBA House, we get that. Our expert MBA admission consultants are here to help you with everything—from planning your strategy to perfecting your essays and nailing your interviews.

We’re committed to giving you the tools and support you need to make your dream of getting into a top B-School a reality. Join the many who’ve succeeded with our guidance.

Let MBA House be your partner in this journey. For more information on how we can help you reach your goals, email us at [email protected]. 

Let’s make your dream come true!

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FAQs related to UNC-Chapel Hill Acceptance

What GPA do you need to get to UNC?

For Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 Semesters:

• High School GPA: Minimum weighted GPA of 2.5.
• Standardized Test Scores: Not required.
• If your GPA is below 2.5, you can still qualify with an ACT score of 19 or a combined SAT score of 1010 (math + reading/writing).

For Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 Semesters:

• High School GPA: Minimum weighted GPA of 2.5.
• Standardized Test Scores: If your GPA is between 2.50 and 2.80, you need to submit an ACT or SAT score.

For Fall 2026 and Beyond:

• High School GPA: Minimum weighted GPA of 2.5.
• Standardized Test Scores: If your GPA is between 2.50 and 2.80, you need an ACT score of 17 or higher, or a SAT score of 930 or higher.

What ACT score is needed for UNC-Chapel Hill in 2024

For UNC-Chapel Hill in 2024, students with a weighted GPA below 2.8 on a 4.0 scale need an ACT score of 17 or higher, or an SAT score of 930 or higher.

Is a 3.7 GPA good for UNC?

A 3.7 GPA is generally considered good for UNC, especially since the average unweighted GPA for admitted students is around 3.7-4.0 on a 4.0 scale. However, keep in mind that UNC-Chapel Hill’s admitted students often have GPAs on the higher end of this range, and the average weighted GPA is around 4.3-4.7 on a 5.0 scale.