UNC-Chapel Hill ranks fifth among national public universities for 21st consecutive year Posted Sep 13, 2021 For the 21st consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report’s rankings list Carolina fifth for top public schools among national universities. UNC ranked 28th among public and private institutions. UNC also climbed to 10th in the rankings for best value schools. Carolina has held first place among public institutions in the best value category for 17 years. (UNC.edu)