University of North Carolina--Chapel Hill

“The nation's first public university, where groundbreaking research meets an unmatched tradition of excellence and service.”

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill holds a singular distinction: it is the oldest public university in the United States, having been chartered in 1789 and opened its doors in 1795. Nestled in the vibrant college town of Chapel Hill, Carolina has grown into one of the nation's premier research institutions while preserving the intimate, community-driven ethos that has defined it for more than two centuries. As a flagship member of the UNC System, it attracts students from across North Carolina, every U.S. state, and more than 100 countries, combining an elite academic environment with an extraordinarily welcoming campus culture that Tar Heels refer to simply as the Carolina Way. Academically, UNC Chapel Hill is a powerhouse with exceptional depth across the sciences, social sciences, humanities, and professional disciplines. Its Gillings School of Global Public Health is ranked No. 1 among public schools of public health in the country, while the Eshelman School of Pharmacy claims the top pharmacy ranking nationally. Kenan-Flagler Business School is consistently cited among the top business programs in the nation, and the Hussman School of Journalism and Media has trained generations of leading reporters, editors, and media executives. The College of Arts and Sciences anchors undergraduate education across more than 70 majors, and the university's 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures genuine access to world-class scholars and researchers even in undergraduate years. Beyond academics, life at Carolina is shaped by deep tradition, spirited community, and a campus that feels as alive as the town surrounding it. Franklin Street — the tree-lined avenue at the heart of Chapel Hill — buzzes with restaurants, coffee shops, and bookstores frequented by students and professors alike. The legendary rivalry with Duke University, just four miles away, fuels one of the most passionate basketball cultures in collegiate sports. With more than 800 student organizations, a celebrated performing arts scene, and a commitment to public service woven into the school's founding mission, UNC Chapel Hill offers an undergraduate experience that is at once academically serious and genuinely joyful.