University of North Carolina Wilmington
About University of North Carolina Wilmington
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
UNCW is a public university in Wilmington, North Carolina, near the Atlantic coast. It offers strong programs in marine biology, film studies, nursing, and business with a campus close to Wrightsville Beach.
Founded
1947
Location
Wilmington, North Carolina
Students
18,516
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
64.2%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
70.6%
Near national average
In-State Tuition
$7,277
Out-of-state: $24,152
Avg Net Price
$20,109
After financial aid
SAT Average
1287
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$54,967
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
64.2 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$80
Early
N/A
Deadline
Feb 1
University of North Carolina Wilmington accepts 64.2% of applicants and doesn't require standardized tests. Focus on your grades and personal statement, and you have a solid chance.
SAT Scores
1287/ 1600
ACT Scores
26/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
70.6% complete their degree within six years
Retention
88.2%
4-Year Grad
56%
6-Year Grad
72%
Teaching Quality
17:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
72.1%
$/Student
$10.8K
Class Size
Medium
While 56% finish in 4 years, 88.2% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$7,277
In-State
$24,152
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$14,268
Books & Supplies
$860
Total Cost of Attendance
$26,547
After Financial Aid
$20,109
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$10,778
Receive Grants
24%
Take Loans
36.1%
The full cost of attendance is about $26,547/yr for in-state students, including $14,268 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $20,109. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $24,152.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at University of North Carolina Wilmington fund their education.
While in School
24%
Get Grants
Free money
36.1%
Take Loans
Must repay
$52,650
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$19,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$207/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 36.1% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $19,500. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends University of North Carolina Wilmington.
Gender
63.3%
Female
37%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
14,922
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
3,594
Graduates
25.9%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
14.8%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 63% of the student body. 25.9% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
14,922
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R2 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
University of North Carolina Wilmington fields 10 varsity teams with 412 student athletes, about 3% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I without football
Conference
Colonial
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
10
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
412
3% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
42% / 58%
175
Men
237
Women
7
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of University of North Carolina Wilmingtonearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$54,967
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$74K
789 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$48K
729 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$29K
261 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$33K
184 grads
1yr Earnings
Communication and Media Studies
$37K
175 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
—
165 grads
Graduates earn about $47K six years out, growing to $55K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about University of North Carolina Wilmington
What is the acceptance rate at University of North Carolina Wilmington?▾
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Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.