HPU vs. UNCW

Comparable Facts

Compare High Point University in High Point, NC with University of North Carolina Wilmington in Wilmington, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of North Carolina Wilmington is larger than HPU based on total student enrollment (18,848 students vs. 6,331 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• High Point University is located in High Point, NC (Midsize City setting); University of North Carolina Wilmington is in Wilmington, NC (Midsize City setting).
• High Point University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of North Carolina Wilmington is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: High Point University 21:1; University of North Carolina Wilmington 17:1.

HPU vs. UNCW Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, HPU or UNCW? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of North Carolina Wilmington than HPU ($18,976 vs. $43,086).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of North Carolina Wilmington are 24.6% lower than at High Point University ($14,268 vs. $18,924).
• High Point University is 522.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than UNCW (about $38,035 more per year; $45,312.00 vs. $7,277.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 87.6% higher at HPU than at University of North Carolina Wilmington (about $21,160 more per year; $45,312.00 vs. $24,152.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at High Point University than at University of North Carolina Wilmington (95% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by High Point University students is 239.6% larger than aid received by University of North Carolina Wilmington students ($22,664 vs. $6,674).

HPU vs. UNCW Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, HPU or UNCW? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between UNCW and HPU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of North Carolina Wilmington (1290) is 70 points higher than at HPU (1220).
• Incoming HPU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at UNCW).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: High Point University 1110/1320; University of North Carolina Wilmington 1230/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: High Point University 24/33; University of North Carolina Wilmington 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: HPU - Test optional; UNCW - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: HPU Mar 1, 2027; UNCW Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UNCW students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at HPU (3.4).
• HPU has a higher acceptance rate (75.3%) than UNCW (64.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at HPU vs. 21% at UNCW.

HPU vs. UNCW Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for HPU and UNCW? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Graduates from University of North Carolina Wilmington earn a median of about $2,700 more per year than HPU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,700 vs. $42,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of North Carolina Wilmington graduates have a $1,921 lower median loan debt than HPU graduates ($20,500 vs. $22,421).
• Among borrowers, UNCW graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than HPU graduates ($211 vs. $231).
• More HPU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UNCW students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 64%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.