Founded in 1789, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill holds the distinction of being America’s first public university. Today, its vibrant 729-acre campus pulses with groundbreaking research and a legacy of academic excellence that rivals the nation’s elite.

With 95 bachelor’s degrees, 104 master’s programs, 65 doctoral degrees, and 7 professional degrees, it offers unparalleled academic diversity.

Wondering about the UNC-Chapel Hill acceptance rate for transfers? Read on for key insights on rates, deadlines, and how Transfer Goat can help you join this academic powerhouse!

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Transfer Acceptance: Last 4 Years

With transfer acceptance rates ranging from 42% to 47% in recent years, UNC-Chapel Hill continues to be a welcoming option for students looking to join one of the nation’s top public universities.

Thinking about transferring? Here’s what the numbers say.

UNC-Chapel Hill 2023-2024 Transfer Acceptance Rate

UNC-Chapel Hill received 3,701 transfer applications and admitted 1,668 students, resulting in a 45% acceptance rate.

About 38% of enrolled transfers came from North Carolina community colleges. A GPA above 3.7 and solid major-specific coursework can help you stand out.

UNC-Chapel Hill 2022-2023 Transfer Acceptance Rate

In this cycle, UNC admitted 1,535 students out of 3,645 applicants, putting the acceptance rate at 42%.

Strong academic records and community college backgrounds were common among those accepted. Most had completed classes aligned with their intended major.

UNC-Chapel Hill 2021-2022 Transfer Acceptance Rate

UNC received 3,554 applications and admitted 1,666 students, making the acceptance rate 47%, the highest in this five-year stretch.

In-state applicants had a noticeable advantage. The university continued to emphasize a diverse and academically prepared transfer class.

UNC-Chapel Hill 2020-2021 Transfer Acceptance Rate

Even during the pandemic, UNC maintained strong transfer support. With about 3,600 applicants and 1,600 admits, the acceptance rate landed at 45%.

Most successful applicants had strong GPAs and came from North Carolina community colleges.

UNC Transfer Application Overview

To apply as a transfer student to UNC-Chapel Hill, you must complete the Common Application, meet academic requirements, and submit supplemental materials. The table below outlines the key components and eligibility criteria for a successful application.

Category	Requirement	Details
Application Components	Common Application	Submit via the Common Application portal by the priority deadline of February 15 for fall enrollment.
	Transcripts	Provide official college transcripts from all institutions attended and an official high school transcript or GED certificate.
	Letter of Recommendation	Submit one letter from a professor who knows you well academically.
	Application Fee	Pay the $85 fee or submit a fee waiver request.
	SAT/ACT Scores	Optional; if submitted, ensure scores are sent directly from the testing agency.
Academic Requirements	Unit Completion	Complete at least 30 transferable semester hours by the end of the term prior to enrollment.
	GPA Requirements	Minimum 2.0 GPA for North Carolina residents; 2.5 GPA for out-of-state applicants. Competitive applicants typically have well above a B+ average.
	Course Requirements	Complete transferable coursework in English, math, and other general education areas as outlined by UNC’s transfer guidelines.
Supplemental Materials	Common App Essay	Respond to one Common App essay prompt in 250–650 words. View prompts on the Common Application website.
	Short Answer Prompts	Choose two of four prompts; respond in 200–250 words each (see details below).
	Fill-in-the-Blank Responses	Complete five prompts in 25 words each (see details below).

UNC Transfer Supplemental Essay Requirements

UNC transfer applicants must submit supplemental essays to demonstrate their fit for UNC-Chapel Hill and their academic and personal readiness. Below is a guide to the required essays and responses.

Mandatory Essay

Prompt: Choose one Common App essay prompt to respond to in 250–650 words.
Purpose: Showcases your personal story, values, or experiences to help admissions officers understand your background and goals.
Details: Select a prompt that best highlights your strengths and aligns with UNC’s values. View prompts on the Common Application website.

Short Answer Prompts

Applicants must choose two of the following four prompts and respond in 200–250 words each:

Describe an aspect of your identity and how this has shaped your life experiences or impacted your daily interactions with others.
Describe a peer who is making a difference in your school or community. What actions has that peer taken? How has their work made a difference in your life?
If you could change one thing to better your community, what would it be? Please explain.
Former UNC-Chapel Hill employee, community service member, and civil rights activist Esphur Foster once said, “We are nothing without our history.” Her words are memorialized on the Northside Neighborhood Freedom Fighters monument. How does history shape who you are?

Purpose: These prompts allow you to reflect on your identity, community impact, or historical influences, aligning with UNC’s emphasis on diversity and engagement.

Fill-in-the-Blank Responses

Applicants must complete all five of the following prompts in 25 words each:

One family, friend, or school tradition I cherish:
If I had an extra hour in every day, I would spend it:
If I could travel anywhere, near or far, past, present, or future, I would go:
The last time I stepped outside my comfort zone, I:
People who meet me are most likely to notice, and least likely to notice:

Purpose: These brief responses provide insight into your personality, values, and aspirations in a concise format.

UNC Transfer Deadlines and Decision Date

Meeting deadlines is critical for a successful UNC transfer application. The table below outlines key dates and requirements for submitting materials, along with considerations to strengthen your application.

Requirement	Deadline	Details
Common Application Submission	February 15 (Priority)	Submit by February 15 for fall enrollment via the Common Application portal. Applications open in early January.
Official Transcripts	March 15	Submit official college and high school transcripts (or GED certificate). Ensure all transferable coursework is included.
Letter of Recommendation	March 15	Ensure your professor submits the letter by the deadline via the Common Application portal.
Application Fee/Fee Waiver	February 15	Submit the $85 fee or a fee waiver request with your application.
SAT/ACT Scores (Optional)	March 15	If submitting, ensure scores are sent directly from the testing agency.
Transfer Decision Release	April 30	UNC releases transfer decisions on April 30. Check the application portal and email for updates.

Who’s Not Eligible to Transfer?

Before applying to UNCl as a transfer student, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. UNC restricts certain applicants from transfer admission. You are not eligible if you:

Hold a Bachelor’s Degree: A completed bachelor’s degree disqualifies you from undergraduate transfer admission.
Attend a Non-Accredited Institution: Coursework from non-regionally accredited schools is not accepted for transfer credit.
Enrolled in Vocational/Technical Programs: Credits from vocational or technical training programs are typically non-transferable.
Take Only Extension or Non-Degree Courses: Courses taken through continuing education or non-degree programs do not qualify unless part of a degree-granting program.

Note: UNC requires transfer applicants to have at least 30 transferable semester hours by the end of the term prior to enrollment. While applicants with more than two years of college credit may apply, they must complete at least two years of full-time enrollment at UNC-Chapel Hill to earn their degree, regardless of prior credits.

Expert Support for Your UNC Transfer Application

With a transfer acceptance rate of approximately 35–45% and a competitive GPA typically above 3.5, UNC’s transfer process is selective.

Beyond strong academics, applicants need compelling essays, a strong letter of recommendation, and alignment with UNC’s academic and community values. Navigating these requirements without guidance can undermine even the most qualified applications.

Transfer Goat provides tailored support to maximize your chances of success. Our services include:

Extracurricular Development: Build activities that showcase your leadership, community involvement, and distinctive strengths.
Unlimited Essay Editing: Polish your Common App essay and UNC-specific short answers to reflect UNC’s emphasis on diversity, history, and impact.
Individualized Coaching Sessions: Benefit from one-on-one advice from consultants who have successfully transferred to elite universities.
Holistic Application Guidance: From ensuring course transferability to obtaining a compelling recommendation letter, we support you through every stage until submission.

Book a Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is UNC-Chapel Hill’s transfer acceptance rate?

UNC transfer acceptance rate for Chapel Hill is approximately 35–45%. For fall 2024, UNC received 3,701 applications and accepted 1,668 students (45%). Acceptance rates may vary annually due to application volume.

When do UNC transfer decisions come out?

UNC’s transfer decision date is typically April 30 for fall enrollment. Applicants are notified via email and should check their application portal regularly. For 2025, decisions may be delayed to late April due to increased application volume.

How many transfer students does UNC accept?

UNC accepts around 1,600 transfer students each year. For fall 2023, 1,668 students were admitted, with about 38% of enrolled transfers coming from North Carolina community colleges.

When is UNC’s transfer application due?

The priority deadline for fall enrollment is February 15. Supporting materials, such as transcripts and recommendation letters, are due by March 15. Some programs (e.g., nursing) have earlier deadlines, like December 17.

What GPA do you need to transfer to UNC?

UNC requires a minimum 2.0 GPA for North Carolina residents and 2.5 for out-of-state applicants. Competitive applicants typically have a GPA above 3.7, with this being the recommended threshold for standing out in the admissions process.

Are SAT or ACT scores required for transfer applicants?

For the 2025–2026 cycle, students with a weighted GPA of 2.8 or above are not required to submit SAT/ACT scores. Those with a GPA below 2.8 must submit an ACT score of 17+ or an SAT score of 930+. Junior transfers are exempt from this requirement.

Can I transfer to UNC as a sophomore or junior?

Yes, both sophomore and junior transfers are accepted. You need at least 30 transferable semester hours by the term prior to enrollment. UNC-Chapel Hill’s transfer acceptance rate is higher for in-state students from community colleges than it is for out-of-state applicants, though all eligible applicants are considered.

What financial aid is available for transfer students?

Transfer students can apply for need-based aid by submitting the FAFSA and CSS Profile by March 15. North Carolina residents with an adjusted gross income of $80,000 or less may qualify for Carolina Covenant, covering tuition and fees.