University of North Carolina at Greensboro

91.9%Acceptance

$7,593Tuition

13,848Students

58%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$48,160Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of North Carolina at Greensboro

UNC Greensboro serves 13,848 students who come primarily for its acclaimed education, nursing, and performing arts programs. The university has built its reputation around strong undergraduate teaching rather than research prestige. NBA superstar Stephen Curry and former U.S. Senator Richard Burr both walked these halls. The campus sits in North Carolina's third-largest city, giving students access to internships and cultural opportunities. With a 92% acceptance rate, UNCG welcomes students who might struggle to gain admission elsewhere but are ready to work hard.

The financial picture looks promising for most families. Students pay an average net price of $10,170 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $48,160 ten years after leaving. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving first-generation and low-income students. Graduates typically leave with $22,858 in debt and monthly loan payments of $242. The math works: most students can comfortably afford their loans on typical graduate salaries.

Women make up 66% of the student body, creating a campus culture focused on collaboration over competition. The 76% retention rate suggests students find their academic home here, even if the 58% graduation rate indicates some struggle to finish. Nearly 95% of students come from North Carolina, fostering strong in-state connections.

Academics & Faculty

UNCG operates as a public research university with deep roots in teacher preparation and the liberal arts, having evolved from the Woman's College of the University of North Carolina. The school maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to professors despite its size. However, the 58% six-year graduation rate suggests many students face challenges completing their degrees. UNCG has built particularly strong reputations in education, nursing, and the performing arts, drawing students who want quality programs without the intensity of flagship research institutions. The university emphasizes undergraduate teaching over research prestige, making it attractive to students seeking supportive faculty relationships rather than modern laboratories.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 76.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 57.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 57.9%
Retention Rate: 75.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $48,160
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral University (R2)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$139,500
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Doctoral	$94,408
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications.	Certificate	$82,440
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications.	Master	$68,666
Computer Science.	Bachelor	$68,443
Education, General.	Doctoral	$67,101
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$64,121
Business/Managerial Economics.	Master	$63,749
Accounting and Related Services.	Master	$59,253
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$58,823

View all 190 programs →

Campus Life

With 13,848 students spread across a large city campus, UNCG offers the energy of a major university without feeling overwhelming. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio keeps classes manageable while you're surrounded by the buzz of Division I athletics and a thriving arts scene. About 40% of undergraduates live on campus in residence halls that house 5,600 students, creating a residential feel despite the urban setting.

Greensboro sits in North Carolina's Piedmont region, meaning you'll need both winter coats for chilly January mornings and shorts for humid August days. The city provides internship opportunities and off-campus entertainment, while you're just 90 minutes from Charlotte and three hours from the mountains or coast. Women make up 66% of the student body, contributing to UNCG's reputation as a nurturing environment for future teachers and nurses. Weekend life revolves around Spartan athletics, downtown Greensboro's music venues, and the campus's strong performing arts programs that regularly showcase student talent.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 5,600 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1891

Campus Safety (2023)

157 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Dating Violence	30	19	0	0
Stalking	28	9	0	0
Burglary	12	8	1	0
Rape	11	9	0	0
Fondling	10	7	0	0
Domestic Violence	2	2	0	2
Motor Vehicle Theft	4	0	0	0
Aggravated Assault	2	0	0	0
Robbery	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 29°–50°F
July Avg: 70°–88°F
Annual Precipitation: 45.9"
Annual Snowfall: 7.1"

Student Demographics

Women make up two-thirds of the student body, reflecting UNCG's strength in education, nursing, and social work programs that traditionally attract more female students. The school draws heavily from North Carolina with 94% of students coming from in-state, signaling strong regional ties and reputation within the state. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, showing UNCG's commitment to serving working-class families seeking affordable higher education. The diverse racial composition, with significant Black and Hispanic populations alongside white students, mirrors the changing demographics of the Piedmont Triad region where the university anchors the community.

Men: 33.6%
Women: 66.4%
White: 39.0%
Black: 30.7%
Hispanic: 16.6%
Asian: 5.8%
In-State Students: 94.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 47.1%

Location

Greensboro sits in central North Carolina's Piedmont region, about 90 miles northwest of Charlotte and 80 miles west of Raleigh. The city houses 299,000 residents and serves as a regional center for the Triad area. Greensboro blends urban amenities with a college-town atmosphere, hosting five universities within its boundaries. The city's textile and furniture manufacturing heritage has evolved into a diverse economy centered on healthcare, education, and logistics. Downtown Greensboro features a revitalized arts district, while the surrounding Piedmont offers rolling hills and moderate seasons. With 94% of students coming from in-state, UNCG draws heavily from North Carolina's urban centers. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare UNCG with similar schools in the region.

Address: Greensboro, North Carolina 27402-6170

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $48,160
Median Earnings (5 years): $48,436
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $33,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 54.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $242/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $22,858

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of North Carolina at Greensboro?

UNCG accepts 91.94% of applicants, making it highly accessible to North Carolina students seeking quality public education. The middle 50% of students score between 1110-1280 on the SAT. This open admission philosophy aligns with the university's mission to serve the diverse Piedmont Triad region.

How much does University of North Carolina at Greensboro cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $10,170 annually, with in-state tuition at just $7,593. Nearly half of students (47.10%) receive Pell Grants, reflecting UNCG's commitment to educating first-generation and low-income students. Graduates typically leave with $22,858 in debt and monthly loan payments of $242.

What is University of North Carolina at Greensboro known for academically?

UNCG built its reputation on strong teacher preparation, nursing, and performing arts programs. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio supports the university's focus on undergraduate teaching rather than research. Women comprise 66.43% of enrollment, partly reflecting the school's historical strengths in education and health sciences.

What are the graduation rates at University of North Carolina at Greensboro?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 57.90%, with graduates earning a median of $48,160 ten years after enrollment. The 75.79% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the transition to college life. However, 94.5% of graduates find employment, and the university's practical programs prepare students for steady careers in teaching, healthcare, and public service.

Where do students live at University of North Carolina at Greensboro?

Housing capacity reaches 5,600 students on the large city campus in Greensboro. Room and board costs $10,534, keeping total attendance costs reasonable at $18,977 annually. The urban setting provides internship and job opportunities while maintaining an affordable cost of living compared to larger North Carolina cities.

Does University of North Carolina at Greensboro have notable alumni?

UNCG's most famous graduate is NBA superstar Stephen Curry, who transferred here to develop his basketball skills and leadership. Other distinguished alumni include former U.S. Senator Richard Burr and acclaimed poet Randall Jarrell. The university's 13 Division I sports teams compete in the Southern Conference, with 238 student-athletes receiving $2,978,073 in athletic scholarships.