The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill) was the first state university to open its doors to students, in 1795. With its reputation for providing high-quality education at an affordable price, the school is consistently ranked one of the nation's very best public universities. The 689-acre central campus, with its 200-year-old trees and stately colonial brick buildings, is among the most beautiful in the country. Of the approximately 27,700 students enrolled in fall 2006, around 10,353 were graduate and professional students.

Chapel Hill (population approximately 49,919) is a scenic college town located in the heart of North Carolina, where small-town charm mixes with a cosmopolitan atmosphere to provide students with a rich and varied living experience. The town and the surrounding area offer many cultural advantages, including excellent theater and music, museums, and a planetarium. There are also many opportunities to watch and to participate in sports. The Carolina beaches, Outer Banks, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Blue Ridge Mountains are only a few hours' drive away.