Tar Heels have just earned some major bragging points.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ranked third among all public universities nationwide by the 2020 Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings.

Carolina also ranked 33rd among both public and private universities, putting it in the top 10% of all colleges across the United States.

The rankings reflect an academic reputation that reaches every corner of the country, as well as a vibrant student experience and a strong financial future for graduates.

Carolina earned particularly high marks for student outcomes, measured by graduation rate, value added to graduate salary, reputation and debt after graduation. It was rated the fifth best value among public schools in the U.S., and its graduates have financial prospects in the top 10% of all graduating students nationwide.

Of all students surveyed by the WSJ/THE, Carolina students were also among the most likely to say their college experience was worth the investment and that they would choose it again.

The scores reflect Carolina’s commitment to making a high-quality education accessible and affordable to students of all backgrounds and preparing them for success in their lives and careers.

“As the nation’s first public university, Carolina is widely recognized as a leader in U.S. public higher education for its commitment to accessibility and affordability,” Interim Chancellor Kevin M. Guskiewicz said.

“Providing a superb and affordable education to students of all backgrounds, without fear of overwhelming debt, is just one of the ways that we fulfill our mission of serving the people of North Carolina and the world. We strive every day to ensure that all our students have the resources and the encouragement they need to achieve their goals and are proud of all they accomplish.”