University of South Alabama vs University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW)
When it comes to choosing the right university, it's essential to compare institutions to find the best fit. The University of South Alabama (USA) and the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) are two excellent options for higher education, but they offer distinct experiences. USA boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible choice, while UNCW has a slightly higher graduation rate. Both universities offer a diverse range of popular majors, including nursing, business, and engineering. However, UNCW has a larger student body, providing a more vibrant campus life. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table highlighting key differences between these two universities. Explore the table to discover which institution aligns best with your academic goals and personal preferences.
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![]() University of North Carolina Wilmington |
![]() University of South Alabama |
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Overview |
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Location | Wilmington, North Carolina | Mobile, Alabama |
Campus setting | City: Midsize | City: Midsize |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 83.0% | 71.0% |
![]() |
Yes | No |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 68.0% | 70.8% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$80
Graduate:
$75
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Undergraduate:
$35
Graduate:
$35
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SAT range | 1210 - 1330 | 985 - 1215 |
ACT range | 24 - 28 | 19 - 26 |
Students submitting SAT score | 8.0% | 7.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 19.0% | 86.0% |
Total number of applicants | 15,792 | 11,817 |
Total number of admissions given out | 10,736 | 8,364 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 2,435 | 1,778 |
Yield rate | 22.7% | 21.3% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Required | Not required |
High school transcript | Required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$25,855
Out of state:
$39,920
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In state:
$23,838
Out of state:
$32,094
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Average net price | $18,792 | $14,984 |
Tuition |
In state:
$4,443
Out of state:
$18,508
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In state:
$8,256
Out of state:
$16,512
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$6,926
Meal plan:
$4,420
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Room/dormitory:
$4,260
Meal plan:
$3,890
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
53.0%
Average amount $6,253 |
92.0%
Average amount $7,774 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
47.0%
Average amount $5,258 |
49.0%
Average amount $10,354 |
Students taking out private loans |
9.0%
Average amount $15,490 |
4.0%
Average amount $12,311 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
14,488
Men 35.0% Women 65.0% |
8,833
Men 38.7% Women 61.3% |
Graduate students |
3,542
Men 28.2% Women 71.8% |
5,159
Men 20.2% Women 79.8% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
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Low
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Out-of-state students | 17.4% | 24.3% |
International students | 2.0% | 1.5% |
Campus local/setting | City: Midsize | City: Midsize |
Dormitory capacity | 5,562 | 3,331 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | North Carolina Maryland Pennsylvania Virginia New Jersey | Alabama Mississippi Florida Illinois Louisiana |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 16:1 | 17:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 71.8% | 47.4% |
Dropout rate | 6.5% | 19.5% |
Transferred out | 20.7% | 29.5% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
Fine and Studio Arts (Master's Degrees)
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
Chemistry (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business/Managerial Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees)
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees)
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