PublicUrbanUniversity of North Carolina Wilmington
UNCW
Wilmington, North Carolina 28403-5963
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for health sciences
University of North Carolina Wilmington is a public institution in Wilmington with particular strength in health sciences and business. With an average SAT of 1262, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A large campus of 14.2K undergraduates with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
71% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $54,967 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $19,472.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Seahawks
History & Fun Facts
- •History Main entrance on South College Road UNCW opened its doors on September 4, 1947, as Wilmington College.
- •Further accreditation came in 1952 from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
- •Wilmington College became a four-year liberal arts college on July 1, 1963, when the North Carolina General Assembly passed legislation allowing it to award bachelor's degrees.
- •Six years later, July 1, 1969, the college was elevated to university status under its present name, becoming the fifth campus of the University of North Carolina system.
- •On August 22, 1977, UNCW was authorized to offer its first graduate programs at the master's level.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1262
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
64.0%
Median Debt at Grad
$15,178
Programs (120)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
85%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
108
Peer Average
92
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from NC state average + city premium