UNCW vs. Pfeiffer University

Comparable Facts

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

University of North Carolina Wilmington is larger than Pfeiffer University based on total student enrollment (18,848 students vs. 889 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of North Carolina Wilmington is located in Wilmington, NC (Midsize City setting); Pfeiffer University is in Misenheimer, NC (Distant Rural setting).
• University of North Carolina Wilmington is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Pfeiffer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of North Carolina Wilmington 17:1; Pfeiffer University 11:1.

UNCW vs. Pfeiffer University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UNCW or Pfeiffer University? 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 Pfeiffer University ($18,976 vs. $19,660).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pfeiffer University are 9.9% lower than at University of North Carolina Wilmington ($12,850 vs. $14,268).
• Pfeiffer University is 381.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than UNCW (about $27,793 more per year; $35,070.00 vs. $7,277.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 45.2% higher at Pfeiffer University than at University of North Carolina Wilmington (about $10,918 more per year; $35,070.00 vs. $24,152.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pfeiffer University than at University of North Carolina Wilmington (100% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pfeiffer University students is 288.8% larger than aid received by University of North Carolina Wilmington students ($25,951 vs. $6,674).

UNCW vs. Pfeiffer University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UNCW or Pfeiffer University? 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 Pfeiffer University and UNCW.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of North Carolina Wilmington (1290) is 260 points higher than at Pfeiffer University (1030).
• Incoming UNCW students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 21 at Pfeiffer University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of North Carolina Wilmington 1230/1340; Pfeiffer University 891/1165.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of North Carolina Wilmington 24/29; Pfeiffer University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UNCW - Test optional; Pfeiffer University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: UNCW Feb 1, 2027; Pfeiffer University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UNCW students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Pfeiffer University (3.18).
• Pfeiffer University has a higher acceptance rate (96%) than UNCW (64.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at UNCW vs. 13.7% at Pfeiffer University.

UNCW vs. Pfeiffer University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UNCW and Pfeiffer University? 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).

• University of North Carolina Wilmington's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than Pfeiffer University's (45%).
• Graduates from University of North Carolina Wilmington earn a median of about $3,600 more per year than Pfeiffer University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,700 vs. $41,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of North Carolina Wilmington graduates have a $1,899 lower median loan debt than Pfeiffer University graduates ($20,500 vs. $22,399).
• Among borrowers, UNCW graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Pfeiffer University graduates ($211 vs. $231).
• More UNCW graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Pfeiffer University students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 56%)

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.