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    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Computer Science

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Chapel Hill, USMSIn-person2 years
    STEM-OPT
    $39,421.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    12%
    Acceptance
    of applicants
    30
    Credits
    $95.00
    App fee

    Computer Science at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a 30-credit, 2-year, in-person MS program based in Chapel Hill, US. Tuition is $39,421 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    The program covers design and application of real computer systems with supporting theory. Research areas include theory, software engineering, security, robotics, real-time systems, networking, natural language processing, medical image analysis, machine learning, human-computer interaction, high-performance computing, geometric computing, deep learning, data science, cyber-physical systems, computer vision, computer graphics, computer architecture, cloud computing, bioinformatics, and computational biology.

    Focus: both
    101–125 | #27 (tie) US News Best Computer Science Schools

    Your fit

    Match

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    Admissions

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    GPA thresholds, GRE/TOEFL/IELTS minimums, essay counts, recommendation letters, prerequisites, admissions contacts, and country-specific requirements like APS certification, portfolio submissions, or GATE scores.

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    Deadlines

    Fall 2027
    Mar 10, 2027

    Standardized tests

    GRE
    optional
    Min Taking the GRE is not required but is recommended. There is no recommended minimum GRE score on any section of the GRE.
    TOEFL
    required
    Min The required minimum total score on the internet-based TOEFL exam: TOEFL tests taken prior to January 26, 2026 = 90; TOEFL tests taken on or after January 26, 2026 = 5. Some programs may have their own minimal score requirements which are higher than those stated above.
    IELTS
    required
    Min No minimum score specified; required for international applicants (Graduate School minimums apply, program-specific not stated)

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    36 months OPT (US)

    $90,293.00
    Avg starting salary
    $21,000.00
    Annual living cost

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    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Computer Science at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Computer Science at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is $39,421 across 30 required credits.
    Is Computer Science at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill online or in-person?
    Computer Science at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is offered in-person.
    How long does Computer Science at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill take to complete?
    Computer Science at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is structured around 2 years and 30 credits.
    What GPA is required for Computer Science at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
    Per the program's published guidance: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
    Is Computer Science at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Computer Science at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.