North Carolina's Coastal University

The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) is a public university located along North Carolina's beautiful coastal region between Cape Fear and the Atlantic Ocean. UNCW is committed to providing affordable access to a scholarly community that improves the quality of life through its exploration of health, the arts, the economy, education, the environment, and marine and coastal issues.

UNCW is recognized for its commitment to innovative education, service learning, and global outreach. With over 7000 students contributing more than 70,000 hours of volunteer service, UNCW is regularly placed on the President's Higher Education Community Service honor roll. UNCW is ranked 25th in the nation among medium-sized schools in the number of Peace Corp volunteers it produces each year.

Top Rankings for the University of North Carolina Wilmington

The University of North Carolina Wilmington is regularly recognized as one of the top universities in the South.

The Princeton Review recognized UNCW among the Best in the Southeast.

UNCW ranked #14 on the U.S. News and World Report list of Best Regional Universities (South), up from #16 the previous year. The university ranked 6th among public universities and, for the first time in UNCW history, nearly 16,500 students are enrolled (precisely 16,487). This is nearly 2,000 more students than were enrolled in fall of 2014.

Leading consumer-information publication Consumers Digest named UNCW tenth in the country on their list of "Top 50 Values for Public Colleges and Universities."

Best Value Schools also included UNCW on its "30 Most Beautiful Coastal College Campuses" list. Taking location into consideration, the list also looks at the other awards and recognitions an institution has received and notable features like historical significance and environmental friendliness. UNCW placed 15th overall, citing the beautiful campus and for its role as a "well-known -- and well-respected -- coastal university."

UNCW is included in the 2018 updated edition of the Fiske Guide to Colleges. For more than 30 years, students, parents and guidance counselors have relied on the Fiske Guide to Colleges to deliver an insider's look at the academic climates and the social and extracurricular scenes of the "best and most interesting" schools not only in the U.S., but also Canada and Great Britain.

Academics at UNCW

The University of North Carolina Wilmington is divided into five academic units: the College of Arts and Sciences; the College of Health and Human Services; the Watson College of Education; the Cameron School of Business; and the UNCW Graduate School.

Through these institutions, the University of North Carolina Wilmington offers 55 in 49 undergraduate majors and 34 graduate programs.

UNCW provides Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree programs in the fields of anthropology, art, art history, athletic training, biology, marine biology, chemistry, biochemistry, clinical research, communication studies, computer science, creative writing, English, environmental studies, exercise science, film studies, foreign languages, foreign literatures, geography, geology, history, international studies, mathematics, statistics, music, philosophy, religion, physics, physical oceanography, pre-engineering, psychology, public and international affairs, sociology, criminology, theater, health, nursing, social work, accounting, business law, business, economics, finance, information systems, operations management, management, marketing, early childhood education, elementary education, middle school education, literacy, special education, educational leadership, instructional technology, and secondary education.

Research at UNCW

The University of North Carolina Wilmington distinguishes itself in the fields of biology, marine biology, chemistry, computer science, geography, geology, mathematics and statistics, public and international affairs, and psychology. UNCW receives approximately $10 million annually in research funding for its well-over 150 active research projects. UNCW faculty members are well-published and frequently-interviewed experts in their fields.

UNCW is home to many groundbreaking research facilities, centers, and institutes. CREST (Campus for Research, Entrepreneurship, Service and Teaching) Research Park is a public-private partnership fostering some of the most advanced biotechnology research along the East Coast.

For over three decades, the Center for Marine Science (CMS), now part of CREST, has been a leader in basic and applied research in the marine sciences including the study of marine biotechnology, biodiversity, natural products, oceanography, coastal ecology, estuarine and river ecology, coral reef ecology, fisheries biology, and marine mammals. The center is recognized as a national leader in environmental research, particularly noted for its contributions on harmful algal blooms.

Education Abroad

Undergraduate students may choose from over 500 education abroad opportunities in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, South America, or Oceania. UNCW offers summer and spring short-term faculty-member-led programs as well as semesters abroad.

Student Life on A Beautiful Coastal Campus

With its neo-Georgian buildings set among attractive landscaping, UNCW enjoys one of the most beautiful campuses in the South. UNCW is home to the 108-acre Ev-Henwood nature preserve and the Herbert Bluethenthal Memorial Wildflower Preserve.

The campus is home to numerous residential housing communities, such as Seahawk Landing which features two and four bedroom apartments, coffee shops, food markets, a workout facility, and a large outdoor swimming pool.

UNCW is home to an active student life. Every year, the university hosts an Involvement Carnival, during which students visit the booths of local businesses and community service organizations to learn about volunteer activities. Midnight Madness is the annual kickoff for the UNCW Seahawks' men's and women's basketball season. The event feature a 3-point and dunk contest, dance performances, player introductions, and team scrimmages.

Prior to final exams, students can relieve stress by participating in an oozeball mudslinging extravaganza in which teams of six to eight players compete for the Oozeball title. Over 600 students participate in this event annually.

• Biological/life sciences
• Biology/Biological Sciences
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Business/marketing
• Business Administration and Management
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Communication/Journalism
• Speech Communication and Rhetoric
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Computer and information sciences
• Computer Science
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Information Technology
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Education
• Elementary Education
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Kindergarten/Preschool Education
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Middle School Education
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Music Teacher Education
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Special Education
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Special Education&-Individuals with Multiple Disabilities
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• English
• Creative Writing
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• English
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Foreign languages and literature
• French
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• German
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Spanish
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Health professions and related sciences
• Athletic Training
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Health Professions Related
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Public Health Education and Promotion
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Therapeutic Recreation
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• History
• History
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Interdisciplinary studies
• International/Global Studies
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Mathematics and statistics
• Mathematics
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Statistics
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Natural resources/environmental science
• Environmental Science
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Environmental Studies
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Parks and recreation
• Health and Physical Education/Fitness
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Kinesiology and Exercise Science
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Philosophy and religious studies
• Philosophy and Religious Studies Related
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Physical sciences
• Chemistry
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Geology/Earth Science
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Oceanography (Chemical and Physical)
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Physics
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Psychology
• Psychology
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Public administration and social services
• Social Work
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Social sciences
• Anthropology
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Criminology
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Economics
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Geography
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Political Science and Government
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Sociology
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Visual and performing arts
• Art History, Criticism and Conservation
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Cinematography and Film/Video Production
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Dramatic/Theater Arts
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Fine/Studio Arts
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Music
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.

• Acceptance Rate
• Applied11,677
• Accepted7,767
• Acceptance Rate66%
• Enrolled14,502
• Female Applicants7,559
• Females Accepted5,048
• Female Acceptance Rate66%
• Male Applicants4,118
• Males Accepted2,719
• Male Acceptance Rate66%
• Applying
• Application Fee $80
• Required for All Essay or personal statement
  Transcript of high school record
  Letter(s) of recommendation
  
• Required for Some
• Average high school GPA for first-year freshman4.18
• Application Deadlines
• Type Application Closing Notification Date Rolling Admissions
• Fall freshmen February 1st April 1st --
• Out-of-state Fall freshmen Not Reported
• Early decision plan Not Reported
• Other early decision plan Not Reported
• Transfer March 1st --
• Test Scores Accepted
• Test Average School Accepted 25th Percentile* 75th Percentile*
• SAT Critical Reading 600 660
• SAT Math 580 650
• SAT Writing
• ACT Composite 25 23 27
• * 25th and 75th percentile is the score that 25/75 percent of students score at or below.

• Tuition
• In-state tuition *$4,400
• Out-of-state tuition *$18,416
• In-district tuitionNot Reported
• * Tuition costs are based on a full academic year typically extending from September to June.
• Fees
• Full-time student fees$2,648
• Room and board *$9,736
• Room only *$6,056
• * Room and board charges vary according to board plan selected (i.e., 12-meal plan, 19-meal plan, etc.) and student level (freshman, sophomore, etc.)
• Other Payment Considerations
• Guaranteed tuition plan offeredNo
• Tuition pre-payment planNo
• Tuition payment plans offeredInstallments
• Student groups that qualify for full or partial waiver of tuitionEmployees or children of employees

• Average Financial Aid Package:$9,398
• Average Freshman Financial Aid Package:$8,348
• Average International Student Financial Aid Package:$1,470
• Average Loan Aid:$4,622
• Average Grant Aid:$3,096
• Average Scholarship and/or Grant Aid Awarded:$6,020
• Percentage of Students with Need who Receive Financial Aid:96%
• Percentage of Students Who Had Their Need Fully Met: 14%

• Gender
• Total Undergraduate Students14,502
• Male Student Percentage38%
• Female Student Percentage62%
• Race/Ethnicity
• Hispanic/Latino6.89%
• Black or African American4.48%
• White or Caucasian77.86%
• American Indian or Alaska Native.46%
• Asian1.88%
• Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander.1%
• Two or more races3.63%
• Unknown or International Student3.17%
• Other Student Statistics
• International Breakout1.53% representing 53 other countries
• Out-of-state Students12% out-of-state student

• Housing
• College-owned housing available Yes
• Housing Requirements None
• Housing options Coed housing , Special housing for disabled
• Percentage of undergraduate students who live in college-owned housing 22%
• Student Activities
• Student-run campus newspaper Yes
• Drama / theater group Yes
• Student-run radio station Yes
• Student-run television station No
• Marching band No
• Choral groups Yes
• Student Services
• Legal services No
• Health clinic Yes
• Personal / psychological counseling Yes
• Women's center Yes
• Student Organizations
• Greek fraternities Yes
• Greek sororities Yes
• Local fraternities No
• Local sororities No
• Other organizations No
• Most popular organizations Student Government Association, Association of Campus Entertainment, Residence Hall Association, Sports Club Council, Graduate Student Association
• Campus Security and Safety
• 24-hour emergency telephone / alarm services Yes
• 24-hour patrols by trained officers Yes
• Students patrols Not Reported
• Late-night transport / escort services Yes
• Electronically-operated dormitory entrances Yes
• Other Not Reported

• Men's Sports
• Sport Intramural Intercollegiate Scholarship
• Badminton Yes No No
• Baseball Yes Division 1 Yes
• Basketball Yes Division 1 Yes
• Cheerleading No Division 1 No
• Crew Yes No No
• Cross-country running No Division 1 Yes
• Equestrian sports No No No
• Field hockey No No No
• Football Yes No No
• Golf Yes Division 1 Yes
• Gymnastics Yes No No
• Ice hockey Yes No No
• Lacrosse Yes No No
• Racquetball Yes No No
• Rugby Yes No No
• Sailing Yes No No
• Soccer Yes Division 1 Yes
• Softball Yes No No
• Swimming Yes Division 1 Yes
• Tennis Yes Division 1 Yes
• Track No Division 1 Yes
• Ultimate Frisbee Yes No No
• Volleyball Yes No No
• Water polo Yes No No
• Women's Sports
• Sport Intramural Intercollegiate Scholarship
• Badminton Yes No No
• Baseball No No No
• Basketball Yes Division 1 Yes
• Cheerleading No Division 1 No
• Crew Yes No No
• Cross-country running No Division 1 Yes
• Equestrian sports Yes No No
• Field hockey Yes No No
• Football Yes No No
• Golf Yes Division 1 Yes
• Gymnastics Yes No No
• Ice hockey No No No
• Lacrosse Yes No No
• Racquetball Yes No No
• Rugby Yes No No
• Sailing Yes No No
• Soccer Yes Division 1 Yes
• Softball Yes Division 1 Yes
• Swimming Yes Division 1 Yes
• Tennis Yes Division 1 Yes
• Track No Division 1 Yes
• Ultimate Frisbee Yes No No
• Volleyball Yes Division 1 Yes
• Water polo Yes No No

• Faculty Breakdown
• Total Faculty1,067
• Full-time Percentage61%
• Part-time Percentage39%
• Female Percentage54%
• Male Percentage46%
• Student:Faculty Ratio18:1 or 14,296 students to 787 faculty