Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Wilmington, North Carolina |
| Online | uncw.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Midsize City |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Located along the southeastern coast of North Carolina, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington sits on a 661-acre campus five miles from downtown Wilmington and nearby beaches. Established in 1947 as Wilmington College before joining the UNC system in 1969, UNCW operates from a traditional campus featuring Georgian-style architecture and extensive green spaces. The university maintains selective admission standards as part of the UNC system and offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs, with particular strengths in marine biology, business, nursing, and film studies, leveraging its coastal location for marine research opportunities. UNCW provides on-campus housing primarily for first-year students in traditional residence halls and suite-style buildings, while the Seahawks compete in NCAA Division I athletics as members of the Colonial Athletic Association.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
UNCW is rated within the top 40% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for University of North Carolina at Wilmington within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#390 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#108 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#10 in Best Colleges in North Carolina
#4 in Best Public Colleges in North Carolina
#518 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#13 in Best Value Colleges in North Carolina
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1220/1360 |
| ACT | 24/28 |
| Estimated GPA | 3.56 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Feb 1, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Low |
| Application Fee | $80 |
Annual Cost to Attend
North Carolina Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,130 |
| Other Fees | $2,874 |
| Room and Board | $12,605 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $5,978 |
| Total One Year Cost | $27,030 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,130 |
| Other Fees | $2,874 |
| Room and Board | $12,605 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $5,978 |
| Total One Year Cost | $42,698 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 22% |
| Social Sciences | 10% |
| Education | 9% |
| Psychology | 8% |
| Biology | 8% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering UNCW are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=199218 IPEDS survey data for University of North Carolina at Wilmington.
Current students may use the University of North Carolina at Wilmington GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025