University of North Carolina Wilmington campus
University of North Carolina Wilmington logo

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Type 4 year, Public
Campus locale City: Midsize
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate
Calendar system Semester
Student body size Medium
Common app member Yes
Dormitory capacity 5,562
Student to faculty ratio 16 to 1
Acceptance rate 68%
Students retention rate 83%
On-time graduation rate 72%

Located in Wilmington, North Carolina, UNCW is a public, institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. The college operates on a semester-based calendar system, providing students with structured academic terms.

University of North Carolina Wilmington is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, ensuring that the institution meets certain standards of quality and effectiveness. This accreditation also allows students to transfer credits to other accredited institutions if they choose to continue their education elsewhere.

UNCW boasts an impressive student retention rate of 83% , indicating that the majority of students choose to continue their education at the institution. This number surpasses both the state and national averages of 80% and 72%, respectively.


  • Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  • The institution provides on-campus housing

Acceptance Rate

Fall 2021 admitted students

68%

In-State Tuition & Fees

$7,238

Cost of attendance at University of North Carolina Wilmington in 2022 for students from North Carolina.

See how the college's in-state sticker price compares to 4 year , public colleges in the state as well as nationally.

North Carolina's average $7,237
National average $8,573

Out-of-State Tuition & Fees

$21,303

Cost of attendance at University of North Carolina Wilmington in 2022 for the out-of-state and international students

See how the college's out-of-state sticker price compares to 4 year , public colleges in the state as well as nationally.

North Carolina's average $20,075
National average $18,862

Average Grant & Scholarships

In 2022, 53 of freshman students at University of North Carolina Wilmington received on average $6,253 in grant and scholarships from the college, the state and/or the federal government. Below is detail stats of the aid provided to full-time, freshman students.

$6,253
Students Receiving Aid Average Amount Total Amount
Pell Grant 427 21% $4,803 $2,050,947
Other Federal Grant 428 21% $4,991 $2,136,361
State Grant/Scholarships 409 20% $2,731 $1,117,071
Institutional Grant/Scholarships 939 47% $3,634 $3,412,346
Total Grant & Scholarships 1,066 53% $6,253 $6,665,778

Graduation Rate

The following chart shows the graduation rate of University of North Carolina Wilmington students who enrolled in 2015 and after. The stat covers all undergraduates registered as full-time students to study a 4-year bachelor's degree program for the first time.

The breakdown shows the graduation rate by race/ethnicity of US students. All international students are represented under one group.

As of August 31, 2021, the average graduation rate of University of North Carolina Wilmington students is 71.8%. Female students graduated at a rate of 74.4%, whereas male students graduated at a rate of 67.5%.

71.8%

  • asian 70.0% 42 students
  • African American 62.7% 47 students
  • white 72.5% 1,104 students
  • unknown 77.5% 86 students
  • hispanic 72.1% 101 students
  • International Students 50.0% 8 students
  • Mixed Race 67.1% 53 students

Sport Conferences

  • Baseball Colonial Athletic Association
  • Basketball Colonial Athletic Association
  • Track and Cross Country Colonial Athletic Association

Athletic Associations

  • NCAA
    National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Service Offerings

University of North Carolina Wilmington provides the following additional services to its students
  • Placement services for graduates
  • Academic/career counseling services
  • Employment services for students

Educational Offerings

University of North Carolina Wilmington offers educational programs in the following categories. Check the programs section to learn more about specific programs that you are interested in.
  • Academic

Special Learning Opportunities

  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification

Veteran Services

  • Member of Service-members Opportunity Colleges
  • Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military service-members, and their families
  • Recognized student veteran organization
  • Credit for military training
  • Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program)

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