<p>Here's a link from their site, which includes history of the school, rankings, etc. (all under "facts"). As far as opinions, well . . . they're always going to be subjective, but maybe some current students can help there. Difficult to compare all these schools-- all the top public ones you mention, with the exception of UVA, are much larger in undergraduate population than is UNC. They're all excellent schools, and also all more expensive than UNC (which is true for the private schools you mention as well). I think you have to look more at your individual academic interests, as well as fit. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.unc.edu/news/compendium.shtml%5B/url%5D">http://www.unc.edu/news/compendium.shtml</a></p>