Wilmington, NC Overview
University of North Carolina Wilmington is a public 4-year college located in Wilmington, North Carolina. There are currently 13,960 undergraduates at UNCW and the school’s acceptance rate is 69%. The tuition at UNCW is $7,238 for in-state students and $21,858 for out-of-state.
City
Student Body
Undergraduate Students
13,960
Pell Grant 25%
Undergrad Students Over 25 18%
Part-Time Undergrad Students 16%
Percent Male / Female 35% / 65%
Ethnic Diversity at UNCW
79% White
8% Hispanic
4% Black
3% Multiracial
2% Asian / Pacific Islander
2% Unknown
1% International / Non-Citizen
Academics Snapshot
Student/Faculty Ratio
17:1
Graduation Rate
74%
Popular Majors
Percent of Students
Health Professions & Related Programs
26%
26% of graduates
Business, Management, & Marketing
18%
18% of graduates
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
7%
7% of graduates
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies
7%
7% of graduates
Psychology
6%
6% of graduates
Communications & Journalism
5%
5% of graduates
Social Sciences
5%
5% of graduates
Education
4%
4% of graduates
Visual & Performing Arts
4%
4% of graduates
Computer & Information Sciences
4%
4% of graduates
Natural Resources & Conservation
2%
2% of graduates
English Language & Literature
2%
2% of graduates
Public Administration & Social Services
2%
2% of graduates
Physical Sciences
2%
2% of graduates
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies.
2%
2% of graduates
History
2%
2% of graduates
Languages & Literatures
1%
1% of graduates
Mathematics
1%
1% of graduates
Scholarships & Financial Aid Snapshot
$26,466
$21,644
$19,442
Cost Breakdown
In-State
In-State Estimated Cost:
$26,466for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
Out-of-State
Out-Of-State Estimated Cost:
$41,086for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
Since UNCW is a public university, there are different costs for in-state students and out-of-state students. The sticker price at UNCW is $26,466 for in-state students in NC, and $41,086 for out-of-state students. This sticker price includes costs for tuition, books and supplies, room and board, and other miscellaneous expenses.
It’s also important to note that the cost of attendance can vary from year to year and typically it will rise over your four years in college. With that said, your financial aid will also be recalculated every year to take any price increases, as well as any changes in your financial situation, into account.
College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at UNCW would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.
Using State Grants at UNCW
If you're a North Carolina resident with demonstrated financial need, be sure to look into state grants to help pay for UNCW. The state offers two major need-based grants: The NC Need-Based Scholarship for Private College Students and the NC Scholarship. Both are reserved for needy students, and the former is reserved for those attending private schools. Unlike scholarships, these do not involve selection committees or essays. If you meet the requirements and the funds have not been exhausted, you will receive the money.
Apply to these scholarships due soon
See more North Carolina scholarships
University of North Carolina Wilmington Financial Aid
Students who are applying for financial aid at University of North Carolina Wilmington need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA). The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year which means that you don’t need to wait for the year to end and can use last year’s financial information.
The FAFSA code for University of North Carolina Wilmington is 002984.
If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA, check out our How to Complete the FAFSA Guide.
Pell Grants at University of North Carolina Wilmington
22% of students at University of North Carolina Wilmington receive Pell Grants, which are awarded to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need (students who have a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible). Pell Grants are awarded by the federal government and do not need to be repaid. To apply for a Pell Grant, students will need to submit their FAFSA. If you are awarded a Pell Grant, you’ll see it listed in your financial aid award letter if you are accepted to University of North Carolina Wilmington.
You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
UNCW students can also apply for outside scholarships to fund their education. Outside scholarships are awards that are offered by private and non-profit organizations. If you want to see what outside scholarships you are eligible for, check out these resources:
Admissions Snapshot
69%
26
1235 is the median SAT score and 26 is the median ACT score for admitted students at UNCW. A score that is close to this median value indicates that you have a good chance of admission to the institution. However, it’s important to remember that colleges judge applications holistically. If the rest of your application is strong, it’s possible to make up for lower test scores.
Is UNCW test-optional?
University of North Carolina Wilmington is test-optional, which means that it does not require applicants to submit their SAT or ACT scores. That means that some students will submit their test scores and others will not. If you choose not to submit your ACT or SAT score, the admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you are not sure whether you should submit your standardized test scores, our guide on submitting scores to test-optional schools can help.
What SAT/ACT score do you need to get into University of North Carolina Wilmington?
Colleges use standardized tests like the SAT and ACT as one of many factors to determine their admissions decisions. A high score on one of these tests does not guarantee admission to a college, and a low score does not guarantee rejection. However, the majority of accepted applicants to University of North Carolina Wilmington receive between a 24 and a 29 on their ACT, or a 1170 and a 1335 on their SAT.
Early Action
Regular Decision
What is the application deadline at UNCW?
Students must apply by February 1 to enroll at UNCW during the fall semester. Remember that college applications involve many pieces, including essays, a transcript, letters of recommendation, and more. Be sure to start your application as soon as you can to make sure you have enough time to make it as compelling as possible.
And if you’re considering applying Early Action at UNCW, remember that the deadline is November 1.
Should I apply Early Action at UNCW?
Early Action is a great option for students who want to hear back from a college before the Regular Decision admissions are released. At some colleges, applying Early Action can also help your admissions chances. However, this varies on a college-by-college basis, so it will not always give you a boost.
Be on the lookout for Single Choice Early Action or Restricted Early Action options. These are not the same as Early Action, and although they can be great options for some students, they are not a good fit for everyone. If you’re considering applying for Single Choice Early Action or Restricted Early Action, be sure to read the college’s admissions website carefully. Make sure that these restrictions fit with your college admissions plan.
Student Outcomes Snapshot
Graduate Income
$54,967
Median Debt $19,500
Debt 10 years after graduation $207
Graduation Rate 74%
What is the graduation rate at University of North Carolina Wilmington?
74% of students who start at University of North Carolina Wilmington end up finishing their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 16% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.
How much do graduates of University of North Carolina Wilmington go on to earn?
10 years after starting school at University of North Carolina Wilmington, the median earnings among students who received federal financial aid was $54,967. This is $4,576 more than the national median.
Earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Your major and career path can cause substantial changes in your income down the line. For more information, check out our article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at UNCW take out in loans?
Graduates of UNCW have to take out a median of $19,500 in federal student loans. This is $6,000 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, it’s important to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Our guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.
Data Sources
We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.
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