Head-to-head · 2026
Southwestern Community College vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Compare average net price ($5,207 at Southwestern Community College; $11,655 at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill), ROI score (16.39 vs 15.49), ten-year median earnings ($34,145 vs $72,200), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Southwestern Community College; 15.3% at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) using federal College Scorecard data. Southwestern Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Southwestern Community College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Southwestern Community College | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 16.39 ✓ | 15.49 |
| Avg net price | $5,207 ✓ | $11,655 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $34,145 | $72,200 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 15.3% |
| Graduation rate | 53.1% | 91.2% ✓ |
| Median debt | $10,500 ✓ | $14,000 |
| Enrollment | 1,249 | 20,752 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1439 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill costs $6,448 more per year than Southwestern Community College ($11,655 vs $5,207). University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduates report $38,055 higher median earnings after ten years ($72,200 vs $34,145). On EduGradify's model that puts Southwestern Community College ahead on projected ROI (16.39 vs 15.49, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Southwestern Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reports 15.3% acceptance; Southwestern Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Southwestern Community College vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Southwestern Community College or University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill the better value?
Southwestern Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (16.39 vs 15.49), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Southwestern Community College is cheaper — average net price $5,207 per year vs $11,655 at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The annual difference of $6,448 adds up to about $25,792 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $72,200 vs $34,145 at Southwestern Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $38,055.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Southwestern Community College reports a A+ value grade; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reports A.