About University of North Carolina at Pembroke
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke was originally founded in 1887 to serve the Lumbee Native American community and has evolved into a full public university known for its diverse student body and strong teacher education programs. With 5,386 students on a campus in rural Pembroke, it maintains the close-knit feel of a smaller institution. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personalized attention that larger universities often can't provide. UNCP has built a reputation for serving first-generation college students and those from underrepresented backgrounds.
The financial picture tells a compelling story for North Carolina families. In-state students pay just $3,571 in tuition, and the average net price after aid is $9,918. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $7,922 net. Graduates earn a median of $43,407 ten years after graduation with typical debt of $25,000. The monthly loan payment of $265 represents a manageable burden relative to earning potential.
The student body reflects the university's inclusive mission. Women make up 61.73% of enrollment, while 27.39% of students are Black and 35.28% are white. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, indicating the university's commitment to economic accessibility. The 89.74% acceptance rate means qualified students have a strong chance of admission.
The financial picture tells a compelling story for North Carolina families. In-state students pay just $3,571 in tuition, and the average net price after aid is $9,918. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $7,922 net. Graduates earn a median of $43,407 ten years after graduation with typical debt of $25,000. The monthly loan payment of $265 represents a manageable burden relative to earning potential.
The student body reflects the university's inclusive mission. Women make up 61.73% of enrollment, while 27.39% of students are Black and 35.28% are white. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, indicating the university's commitment to economic accessibility. The 89.74% acceptance rate means qualified students have a strong chance of admission.
Academics & Faculty
UNC Pembroke built its reputation on teacher education and continues to be a go-to choice for future educators across North Carolina. The university serves a remarkably diverse student body where 35% of students are white, 27% are Black, and 11% are Hispanic. Originally founded to serve the Lumbee Native American community, the school now offers full undergraduate and graduate programs. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, professors can provide personalized attention that many larger universities cannot match. However, the 45% six-year graduation rate suggests students face significant challenges completing their degrees. The university particularly excels in education, nursing, and criminal justice programs that prepare graduates for public service careers.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 72.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 44.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 44.5%
- Retention Rate
- 70.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,407
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,149 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $52,464 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $49,683 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $49,019 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $46,321 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $45,221 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $43,674 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $42,998 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $42,868 |
| Social Work. | Master | $41,087 |
Campus Life
UNC Pembroke sits in rural southeastern North Carolina, about 90 minutes from Fayetteville and two hours from the coast. With housing for 1,848 students and total enrollment of 5,386, roughly one-third of students live on campus in this tight-knit community. The humid subtropical climate means you'll need both sunscreen for hot summers and a jacket for mild winters, though snow is rare.
The school maintains strong ties to its founding as a institution for the Lumbee tribe, creating a unique campus culture that celebrates Native American heritage alongside its growing diversity. Women make up 61.73% of the student body, while 91.34% of students are from North Carolina. With 12 varsity sports and 444 total athletes competing in NCAA Division II, Braves athletics provide weekend entertainment and school spirit. The small-town setting means campus life centers around residence halls, student organizations, and outdoor activities. Students often head to nearby Lumber River for kayaking or make weekend trips to Myrtle Beach or Charlotte when they want big-city experiences.
The school maintains strong ties to its founding as a institution for the Lumbee tribe, creating a unique campus culture that celebrates Native American heritage alongside its growing diversity. Women make up 61.73% of the student body, while 91.34% of students are from North Carolina. With 12 varsity sports and 444 total athletes competing in NCAA Division II, Braves athletics provide weekend entertainment and school spirit. The small-town setting means campus life centers around residence halls, student organizations, and outdoor activities. Students often head to nearby Lumber River for kayaking or make weekend trips to Myrtle Beach or Charlotte when they want big-city experiences.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 1,848 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1887
Campus Safety (2023)
115 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 37 | 13 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 12 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 13 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 9 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 35°–54°F
- July Avg
- 72°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 42.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.4"
Student Demographics
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke draws overwhelmingly from within North Carolina, with 91% of students calling the state home. This reflects the university's deep roots in serving the local Lumbee community and surrounding rural counties. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body, a pattern that aligns with UNC Pembroke's reputation as a top teacher preparation institution. The campus brings together a diverse mix of students, with significant representation from Black, Hispanic, and Native American communities. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, underscoring the university's mission to provide accessible higher education to first-generation college students and working families across eastern North Carolina.
- Men
- 38.3%
- Women
- 61.7%
- White
- 35.3%
- Black
- 27.4%
- Hispanic
- 10.6%
- Asian
- 1.0%
- In-State Students
- 91.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 47.6%
Location
University of North Carolina at Pembroke sits in Pembroke, North Carolina, about 30 miles southwest of Fayetteville and roughly 90 miles from Charlotte. The campus serves 5,386 students in a small town setting within the rural southeastern part of the state. Pembroke lies in the heart of Robeson County, an area rich in Lumbee Native American heritage that reflects the university's founding mission in 1887. The town-distant setting means students experience a close-knit community atmosphere while still having access to larger cities. With 91.34% of students coming from in-state, the campus maintains strong North Carolina roots. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare University of North Carolina at Pembroke with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Pembroke, North Carolina 28372-1510
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,407
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $46,705
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $28,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 44.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of North Carolina at Pembroke?
The acceptance rate is 89.74%, making it accessible to most students who apply. This public university was originally founded in 1887 to serve the Lumbee Native American community and continues its mission of educational opportunity today.
How much does University of North Carolina at Pembroke cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $9,918 annually, with in-state tuition at just $3,571. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average net price of only $7,922, reflecting the school's commitment to affordability for working families in rural North Carolina.
What is the student-faculty ratio at University of North Carolina at Pembroke?
The student-faculty ratio is 14:1 among the 5,386 enrolled students. The university is particularly known for its strong teacher education programs, which benefit from these smaller class sizes and personalized attention.
What are the graduation and employment outcomes at University of North Carolina at Pembroke?
The 6-year graduation rate is 44.50%, while graduates achieve a 92.9% employment rate. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $43,407 with typical monthly loan payments of $265.
Where is University of North Carolina at Pembroke located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Pembroke, a small town in southeastern North Carolina, with housing capacity for 1,848 students. The Braves compete in 12 NCAA Division II sports with 444 total athletes, creating a close-knit athletic community within the diverse student body.
How diverse is the student body at University of North Carolina at Pembroke?
The student body is 35.28% White, 27.39% Black, and 10.58% Hispanic, reflecting the university's historic mission and ongoing commitment to diversity. Women make up 61.73% of students, and 91.34% come from within North Carolina, maintaining strong ties to the local community.
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