45 Interesting Facts about University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Dan April 3, 2023

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill) is a public research university located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States. It is one of the oldest public universities in the United States and is considered one of the prestigious “Public Ivy” universities. Founded in 1789, the university has a rich history and has produced many notable alumni, including 9 Nobel laureates, 38 Rhodes Scholars, and numerous political and business leaders.

UNC-Chapel Hill offers over 70 bachelor’s degree programs, more than 100 master’s programs, and over 70 doctoral programs. The university is known for its strong liberal arts and science programs, as well as its professional schools in business, law, medicine, and journalism. The university’s faculty includes many distinguished scholars and researchers, and the campus has state-of-the-art facilities and resources for research and learning.

UNC-Chapel Hill is also known for its vibrant student life, with over 800 student organizations on campus. The university is a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference and has a strong tradition in sports, with 27 varsity teams and numerous championship titles. The campus is located in a vibrant college town with a rich cultural scene, including music, art, and theater performances, and a variety of restaurants and shops.

As a public university, UNC-Chapel Hill is committed to providing access to higher education for all students. The university offers a range of need-based and merit-based financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and loans, and is dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive campus community for all students, regardless of background or identity.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Wikimedia)

It’s surely a good idea to look at these 45 interesting facts about the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to know more about this public research university.

1. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill) is the oldest public university in the United States.
2. The university was founded in 1789 and opened its doors in 1795.
3. UNC-Chapel Hill is often referred to as “Carolina” or “UNC.”
4. The university is one of the original eight Public Ivies.
5. UNC-Chapel Hill has a total enrollment of approximately 30,000 students.
6. The university has produced 9 Nobel laureates, 38 Rhodes Scholars, and numerous political and business leaders.
7. UNC-Chapel Hill has a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1.
8. The university is home to the Morehead-Cain Scholars Program, one of the most prestigious undergraduate scholarship programs in the country.
9. UNC-Chapel Hill is one of the few universities in the country to have all of its professional schools ranked in the top 20.
10. The university’s School of Medicine is one of the top medical schools in the country.
11. UNC-Chapel Hill has a beautiful campus that spans over 729 acres.
12. The university’s mascot is Rameses, a live ram who attends many of the school’s athletic events.
13. UNC-Chapel Hill is home to the largest collection of printed materials in the South.
14. The university’s libraries hold more than 9 million volumes.
15. UNC-Chapel Hill has a large and active Greek community, with over 60 fraternities and sororities.
16. The university has a strong tradition in sports, with 27 varsity teams and numerous championship titles.
17. UNC-Chapel Hill is a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference.
18. The university’s men’s basketball team has won 6 national championships.
19. UNC-Chapel Hill has produced many famous athletes, including Michael Jordan and Mia Hamm.
20. The university is located in Chapel Hill, a vibrant college town with a rich cultural scene.
21. UNC-Chapel Hill is also home to the North Carolina Botanical Garden, which features over 700 acres of natural areas and display gardens.
22. The university has a long-standing rivalry with Duke University, located just 8 miles away.
23. UNC-Chapel Hill has one of the largest study abroad programs in the country.
24. The university offers over 300 study abroad programs in more than 70 countries.
25. UNC-Chapel Hill is a leader in sustainability and has a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
26. The university’s Kenan-Flagler Business School is one of the top business schools in the country.
27. UNC-Chapel Hill is home to the Ackland Art Museum, which has a collection of over 18,000 works of art.
28. The university has a strong commitment to public service and civic engagement.
29. UNC-Chapel Hill has a Center for Public Service, which offers opportunities for students to engage in service projects and community-based research.
30. The university is also home to the Carolina Center for Jewish Studies, which is one of the few centers of its kind in the South.
31. UNC-Chapel Hill has a long history of promoting diversity and inclusion on campus.
32. The university was the first public university in the South to admit African American students.
33. UNC-Chapel Hill is home to the Carolina Covenant, a program that provides low-income students with the opportunity to graduate debt-free.
34. The university has a strong commitment to research, with over $1 billion in annual research expenditures.
35. UNC-Chapel Hill is home to the renowned Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.
36. The university is also home to the Gillings School of Global Public Health, which is consistently ranked as one of the top public health schools in the country.
37. UNC-Chapel Hill has a large and active student body, with over 800 student organizations on campus.
38. The university has a strong commitment to the arts and humanities, with a wide range of programs and initiatives to support these disciplines.
39. UNC-Chapel Hill is home to the PlayMakers Repertory Company, which is one of the largest professional theater companies in the state.
40. The university is also home to the Southern Historical Collection, which is one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of Southern history and culture in the country.
41. UNC-Chapel Hill is a leader in interdisciplinary research, with numerous centers and institutes that bring together scholars from a wide range of disciplines.
42. The university’s School of Information and Library Science is one of the top information science programs in the country.
43. UNC-Chapel Hill is a leader in digital humanities, with a number of programs and initiatives that explore the intersection of technology and the humanities.
44. The university has a strong commitment to international education and has partnerships with universities around the world.
45. UNC-Chapel Hill has a strong commitment to sustainability and has a number of programs and initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.

UNC-Chapel Hill is a world-renowned institution that has made significant contributions to education, research, and society as a whole. With its top-ranked programs, talented faculty and students, and commitment to excellence, it continues to be a leader in higher education. Its beautiful campus, rich history, and strong traditions create a unique and dynamic community that has inspired generations of scholars, innovators, and leaders. Whether you are interested in the arts, humanities, sciences, or professional fields, UNC-Chapel Hill offers a diverse and exciting educational experience that prepares students for success in all aspects of life.