About

About University of North Carolina Wilmington

doctoral research universityhealth sciences focustest optional admissionspublic university

University of North Carolina Wilmington is a public research university in Wilmington, NC, known for its doctoral research university, health sciences focus, and test optional admissions. With an acceptance rate of 69%, UNCW is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 2,370 students each year. UNCW is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1220–1370, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. UNCW offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $5,890 per year; the sticker price of $39,920 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

University of North Carolina Wilmington acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

69%
Overall Accept Rate
1295
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1220 – 1370 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to University of North Carolina Wilmington

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
UNCW has strong programs in marine biology, film studies, and creative writing, so if any of these fields connect to your interests, name them directly in your essays and explain why the specific faculty or facilities at UNCW drew you in.
Test Score Strategy
Since UNCW is test optional and your score falls below their middle range, leave it off your application and let your GPA and activities carry your file.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What University of North Carolina Wilmington actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$40k/yr$10.8k
30k-48k~$40k/yr$12.6k
48k-75k~$40k/yr$17.4k
75k-110k~$40k/yr$24.0k
110k+~$40k/yr$25.6k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

71%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$47k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
17:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
13,442
Undergrad Enrollment
University of North Carolina Wilmington Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch