Western Washington University (WWU) vs University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW)

Western Washington University and University of North Carolina Wilmington, both public universities with rich histories, offer distinct educational experiences. Western Washington, nestled in Bellingham, Washington, boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for students. In contrast, University of North Carolina Wilmington, located in Wilmington, North Carolina, has a lower acceptance rate, indicating a more selective admissions process. While Western Washington excels in fields like Psychology, Biology, and Business Administration, University of North Carolina Wilmington shines in programs such as Marine Biology, Nursing, and Business. Explore the detailed comparison table to delve into further differences, including student body demographics, graduation rates, and additional program offerings, to determine which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
University of North Carolina Wilmington logo

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Western Washington University logo

Western Washington University

Overview

Location Wilmington, North Carolina Bellingham, Washington
Campus setting City: Midsize City: Small
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Public
Calendar system Semester Quarter
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 83.0% 81.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 68.0% 96.1%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $80

Graduate: $75
Undergraduate: $65

Graduate: $100
SAT range 1210 - 1330 1090 - 1310
ACT range 24 - 28 22 - 29
Students submitting SAT score 8.0% 16.0%
Students submitting ACT score 19.0% 3.0%
Total number of applicants 15,792 10,580
Total number of admissions given out 10,736 10,167
Admitted students who chose to enroll 2,435 2,874
Yield rate 22.7% 28.3%
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

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $25,855

Out of state: $39,920
In state: $26,634

Out of state: $43,861
Average net price $18,792 $11,388
Tuition
In state: $4,443

Out of state: $18,508
In state: $7,572

Out of state: $24,799
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $6,926

Meal plan: $4,420
$13,079
Available payment plans
  • Guaranteed tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

53.0%
Average amount $6,253
82.0%
Average amount $7,112
Students receiving federal student loan 47.0%
Average amount $5,258
29.0%
Average amount $4,929
Students taking out private loans 9.0%
Average amount $15,490
3.0%
Average amount $15,435

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 14,488
Men 35.0% Women 65.0%
14,019
Men 42.6% Women 57.4%
Graduate students 3,542
Men 28.2% Women 71.8%
1,106
Men 36.4% Women 63.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Low
Out-of-state students 17.4% N/A
International students 2.0% 1.0%
Campus local/setting City: Midsize City: Small
Dormitory capacity 5,562 3,985
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 N/A

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Education
  • Kinesiology & Leisure Studies
  • Public Administration and Social Service
  • Education
  • Psychology
  • Business
  • Multidisciplinary Studies
  • Kinesiology & Leisure Studies
Students to faculty ratio 16:1 17:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Outcome

Graduation rate 71.8% 67.7%
Dropout rate 6.5% 30.6%
Transferred out 20.7% N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $86,377
  • Year 2: $92,124
  • Year 3: $103,988
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,601
  • Year 2: $65,486
  • Year 3: $79,923
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $68,987
  • Year 2: $71,015
  • Year 3: $73,712
Fine and Studio Arts (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $59,073
  • Year 2: $60,957
  • Year 3: $73,607
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $54,368
  • Year 2: $64,493
  • Year 3: $72,729
Chemistry (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $52,551
  • Year 2: $55,108
  • Year 3: $65,524
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,331
  • Year 2: $59,253
  • Year 3: $63,301
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $45,853
  • Year 2: $46,478
  • Year 3: $58,788
Business/Managerial Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $55,512
  • Year 3: $55,086
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $39,700
  • Year 2: $43,201
  • Year 3: $54,656
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $69,837
  • Year 2: $81,333
  • Year 3: $92,019
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $71,492
  • Year 2: $76,460
  • Year 3: $78,577
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $60,314
  • Year 2: $63,005
  • Year 3: $76,877
Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $52,624
  • Year 2: $57,318
  • Year 3: $71,599
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,592
  • Year 2: $60,920
  • Year 3: $64,540
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $60,325
  • Year 3: $64,302
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $46,243
  • Year 2: $49,572
  • Year 3: $60,999
Chemistry (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $34,788
  • Year 2: $37,748
  • Year 3: $58,090
Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $39,818
  • Year 2: $46,087
  • Year 3: $57,268
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $41,065
  • Year 2: $45,696
  • Year 3: $57,167

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