Public Institution

University of North Carolina Wilmington — Wilmington, North Carolina

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Annual Tuition $7,317

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 74%

Moderately Open

Enrollment 14,176

Active Students

Avg. Salary $54,967

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Wilmington, North Carolina

Institution type Public

Accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Founded 6/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"University of North Carolina Wilmington stands as a pillar of higher education in Wilmington, providing a robust academic foundation for 14,176 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does North Carolina Wilmington offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at University of North Carolina Wilmington. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Health Professions

26.6%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing

19.5%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences

7.2%

Enrollment Share

Psychology

6.7%

Enrollment Share

Social Sciences

5.6%

Enrollment Share

Parks & Recreation

5.3%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

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Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at University of North Carolina Wilmington provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

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Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at University of North Carolina Wilmington provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Parks & Recreation College

The Parks & Recreation program at University of North Carolina Wilmington provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at North Carolina Wilmington?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 74%

Difficulty Low

University of North Carolina Wilmington maintains an acceptance rate of 74%, reflecting its status as a moderately open institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 36%

Women Enrollment 64%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT

ACT

SAT Reading 620 - 690

SAT Mathematics 600 - 670

ACT English 23 - 28

ACT Mathematics 23 - 27

Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does North Carolina Wilmington cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $7,317

Out-of-State Tuition $22,985

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 23.8%

Median Student Debt $19,500

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $7,317, graduates see a median starting salary of $54,967, making it one of the most affordable pathways in North Carolina.

What salary can North Carolina Wilmington graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $54,967

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 70.7%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $19,472

Median Salary (6yr) $46,972

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at North Carolina Wilmington in Wilmington?

14,176 Students

Gender Comparison

36% Men

64% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

85%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.4%

Pacific Islander

0.1%

Asian

1.9%

Black

4.3%

White

78.9%

Unknown

1.2%

Hispanic

8.6%

Two or More Races

3.5%

International

1.2%

Campus Demographics

🎂

Avg. Age at Entry 22

🎓

First-Generation 25.9%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 53.1%

🎖️

Veterans 0.7%

💍

Married Students 10.6%

🔄

Retention (Part-time) 83.3%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$62,176
Average Family Income	$69,691
Median Family Income	$52,650

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

46.3%

53.7%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Wilmington Campus Environment

Located at 601 South College Road, University of North Carolina Wilmington offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of North Carolina. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

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How does University of North Carolina Wilmington compare?

Direct Comparison North Carolina Wilmington vs Cape Fear Community College →

Direct Comparison North Carolina Wilmington vs Miller-Motte College-Wilmington →

Direct Comparison North Carolina Wilmington vs College of Wilmington →

Common Questions about University of North Carolina Wilmington

Is University of North Carolina Wilmington a good college in Wilmington, North Carolina?

North Carolina Wilmington is a recognized institution in Wilmington with an enrollment of 14,176 students. It is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and offers a robust ROI for students in North Carolina based on Department of Education data.

Is University of North Carolina Wilmington worth attending in 2026?

Yes, North Carolina Wilmington offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $54,967. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.

How much does University of North Carolina Wilmington cost for North Carolina residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at North Carolina Wilmington is approximately $7,317. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $22,985. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of University of North Carolina Wilmington after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending North Carolina Wilmington for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 53.1% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is University of North Carolina Wilmington good for Health Professions and Business & Marketing programs?

North Carolina Wilmington is highly regarded for its Health Professions and Business & Marketing programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.

What career can I get after attending University of North Carolina Wilmington?

Graduates of North Carolina Wilmington often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Health Professions. With a median salary of $54,967, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for University of North Carolina Wilmington?

North Carolina Wilmington operates with a Moderately Open policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.

Does University of North Carolina Wilmington require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

No, North Carolina Wilmington follows a test-optional approach for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.

What salary can University of North Carolina Wilmington graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of North Carolina Wilmington earn a median salary of $54,967 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is University of North Carolina Wilmington a good investment compared to other NC colleges?

North Carolina Wilmington stands out as a high-value investment in North Carolina. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.

Where is University of North Carolina Wilmington located and what is the campus like?

North Carolina Wilmington is located at 601 South College Road in Wilmington, NC. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 14,176 learners.

Who typically attends University of North Carolina Wilmington in Wilmington, NC?

The student body at North Carolina Wilmington is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 25.9% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: North Carolina

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare University of North Carolina Wilmington with other leading institutions in North Carolina across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

Nursing

Business Administration