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#4 Best Public Universities in North Carolina

University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Wilmington, North Carolina

 5 Reviews

Overview

Enrollment

17,843
University of North Carolina at Wilmington overview
Location Wilmington, North Carolina
Online uncw.edu
School Type Public 4 Year
Setting Midsize City
University of North Carolina at Wilmington overview
Size Mid-size
Status Non-profit
On Campus Housing Yes
Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate
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The University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW), nestled between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean in southeastern North Carolina, offers a scenic coastal setting just minutes from downtown Wilmington. Founded in 1947, UNCW has grown to encompass an array of architecturally diverse buildings spread across a 661-acre main campus, fostering a vibrant academic environment. This public institution is known for a moderately selective admissions process and boasts strong programs in marine biology, business, nursing, and education, reflecting a comprehensive academic profile that serves both undergraduate and graduate students. UNCW provides on-campus housing options, including residence halls and apartment-style living arrangements, to accommodate a portion of its student body. While UNCW prides itself on academic pursuits, it also fields competitive NCAA Division I athletic teams known as the Seahawks, notably recognized in men's basketball and baseball.

In the most recent statistical year 16,860 prospective students applied, and 11,605 were granted admission.  Of those admitted 2,370 enrolled in the school.  13,561 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 4,282 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $4,443 plus fees of $2,795. UNCW is ranked 377 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.

Ratings

7/10

Overall

8/10

Academics

4/10

Resources

7/10

Outcomes

4/10

Value

UNCW is rated within the top 40% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated

Rankings

Rankings for University of North Carolina at Wilmington within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.

Getting In

Admission Standards

Difficult
University of North Carolina at Wilmington overview
SAT 1220/1370
ACT 24/29
Estimated GPA 3.56

Applications Accepted

68.8% 
University of North Carolina at Wilmington overview
Applications Due Feb 1, 2025
Applicant Competition Low
Application Fee $80

Explore admissions requirements

Annual Cost to Attend

North Carolina Resident Tuition

$4,443
In State Costs for University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Fee Cost
Books and Supplies$1,130
Other Fees$2,795
Room and Board $12,120
Budget for Other Expenses$5,978
Total One Year Cost$26,466

Out of State Resident Tuition

$19,063
Out of State Costs for University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Fee Cost
Books and Supplies$1,130
Other Fees$2,795
Room and Board $12,120
Budget for Other Expenses$5,978
Total One Year Cost$41,086

Tuition and financial aid details

Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$44,700 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

67% within 6 years

Explore Post Graduation Outcomes

Popular Areas of Study

Popular subjects studied by University of North Carolina at Wilmington students
Subject Percent of Class
Business 22%
Social Sciences 10%
Education 9%
Psychology 8%
Biology 8%

View All 55 Majors

Other Colleges to Consider 

Students considering UNCW are frequently interested in these similar colleges.

Questions and Answers

CollegeSimply Advisor posts about University of North Carolina at Wilmington.

Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=199218 IPEDS survey data for University of North Carolina at Wilmington.

Current students may use the University of North Carolina at Wilmington GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.

Last updated February 24, 2024