Flagler College vs University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW)

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the main differences between Flagler College and UNC Wilmington?

  Flagler College is a private, liberal arts college located in the historic city of St. Augustine, Florida, known for its stunning architecture and small class sizes. UNC Wilmington (UNCW) is a public university in Wilmington, North Carolina, offering a broader range of programs and a larger student body. Flagler emphasizes a close-knit community and personalized attention, while UNCW provides more diverse academic and extracurricular opportunities due to its size.

• How do the campus environments compare?

  Flagler College boasts a unique and picturesque campus centered around the historic Ponce de Leon Hall, creating a very intimate and visually appealing atmosphere. UNCW's campus is more modern and spread out, offering a wider variety of facilities and green spaces. Flagler's location in downtown St. Augustine provides immediate access to historical sites, shops, and restaurants, while UNCW's location offers a more traditional college town feel with proximity to beaches.

• What is the typical class size and student-to-faculty ratio at each school?

  Flagler College prides itself on small class sizes, typically around 20 students, and a low student-to-faculty ratio of about 16:1. This allows for more individualized attention from professors. UNCW has larger class sizes, especially in introductory courses, and a student-to-faculty ratio of approximately 18:1. While UNCW's ratio is slightly higher, it still allows for meaningful interaction with faculty.

• What academic programs are offered at Flagler College and UNC Wilmington?

  Flagler College excels in programs like Business Administration, Communication, Education, and History, with a strong emphasis on liberal arts. UNCW offers a wider array of undergraduate and graduate programs, including marine biology, nursing, business, education, and film studies. If you're looking for specialized programs or graduate-level studies, UNCW might be a better fit. Flagler is excellent for focused undergraduate studies in specific liberal arts fields.

• How do the costs of attending Flagler College and UNC Wilmington compare?

  Flagler College, as a private institution, generally has a higher tuition cost than UNCW, which is a public university, especially for in-state students. However, financial aid and scholarships can significantly impact the actual cost of attendance. It's crucial to compare the net cost (tuition minus financial aid) for both schools based on your individual financial situation. Out-of-state tuition at UNCW will be higher than in-state tuition.

• What are the opportunities for student involvement and extracurricular activities?

  Both Flagler College and UNCW offer a variety of clubs, organizations, and activities. Flagler's smaller size fosters a close-knit community, making it easier to get involved in campus life. UNCW, with its larger student body, provides a broader range of options, including Greek life, intramural sports, and numerous student organizations catering to diverse interests. UNCW's proximity to the coast also offers unique opportunities for marine-related activities.

• What are the career services and internship opportunities like at each school?

  Both Flagler College and UNCW provide career services to assist students with internships, job searching, and career planning. UNCW, due to its larger size and broader alumni network, may offer a wider range of internship opportunities, particularly in fields like marine biology and healthcare. Flagler's location in St. Augustine provides internship opportunities in tourism, hospitality, and historical preservation. Both schools actively work to connect students with relevant professional experiences.

• What is the surrounding area like for each college?

  Flagler College is located in the heart of historic St. Augustine, Florida, offering students immediate access to historical sites, beaches, restaurants, and a vibrant tourist scene. UNCW is situated in Wilmington, North Carolina, a larger city with a more diverse economy and a mix of urban and coastal environments. Wilmington offers access to beaches, a riverfront, and a growing arts and culture scene. The choice depends on whether you prefer a smaller, historical setting or a larger, more modern city.

• How does the admissions process differ between Flagler College and UNC Wilmington?

  Both Flagler College and UNCW consider factors like GPA, standardized test scores (though many schools are test-optional now), essays, and extracurricular activities. UNCW, as a public university, may place a greater emphasis on academic metrics, while Flagler College, as a private liberal arts college, may give more weight to essays and demonstrated interest. Check each school's admissions website for the most up-to-date requirements and deadlines.

• What kind of student typically thrives at Flagler College versus UNC Wilmington?

  Flagler College is a great fit for students who thrive in a close-knit community, appreciate historical settings, and prefer smaller class sizes with personalized attention from professors. UNCW is well-suited for students who desire a wider range of academic programs, a more diverse student body, and a traditional college town experience with access to coastal activities. Consider your learning style, academic interests, and preferred campus environment when making your decision.