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.
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![]() University of North Carolina Wilmington |
![]() Western Washington University |
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Overview |
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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% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 68.0% | 96.1% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$80
Graduate:
$75
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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 |
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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:
$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 |
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Financial Aid |
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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 |
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Students and Campus |
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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
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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 |
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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 | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
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Outcome |
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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)
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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Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees)
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Chemistry (Bachelor's Degrees)
Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degrees)
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
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