About University of North Carolina Wilmington
The University of North Carolina Wilmington draws 14,176 students to its coastal campus just miles from North Carolina's beaches. This public research university has built a reputation for strong marine science programs that take advantage of its seaside setting. Notable graduates include basketball legend Michael Jordan and former NFL quarterback Roman Gabriel. The midsize city location offers both academic opportunities and beach town culture.
Students pay an average net price of $19,472 after financial aid, making UNCW relatively affordable for a quality education. Graduates earn a median of $54,967 ten years after graduation, while carrying manageable debt loads of $19,500. The return on investment looks solid, with 96.2% of graduates finding employment. In-state students benefit most, paying just $7,317 in tuition compared to $22,985 for out-of-state students.
Women outnumber men at 64% to 36%, creating a distinct campus active. The student body remains predominantly in-state at 85.83%, giving UNCW a strong North Carolina identity. With 16 Division I sports teams competing as the Seahawks, athletic life adds energy to campus. The 72.54% four-year graduation rate suggests most students complete their degrees on time.
Students pay an average net price of $19,472 after financial aid, making UNCW relatively affordable for a quality education. Graduates earn a median of $54,967 ten years after graduation, while carrying manageable debt loads of $19,500. The return on investment looks solid, with 96.2% of graduates finding employment. In-state students benefit most, paying just $7,317 in tuition compared to $22,985 for out-of-state students.
Women outnumber men at 64% to 36%, creating a distinct campus active. The student body remains predominantly in-state at 85.83%, giving UNCW a strong North Carolina identity. With 16 Division I sports teams competing as the Seahawks, athletic life adds energy to campus. The 72.54% four-year graduation rate suggests most students complete their degrees on time.
Academics & Faculty
UNC Wilmington operates as a full public research university with particularly strong marine and coastal science programs that take advantage of its seaside location. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to professors, though not as intimate as smaller liberal arts colleges. With a 72.54% four-year graduation rate, most students finish on schedule with adequate academic support. The university has built a reputation for environmental science, business, and education programs. Marine biology students benefit from proximity to both ocean and coastal ecosystems for hands-on research. The school attracts students seeking a balance between serious academics and beach culture, with research opportunities that complement its coastal setting.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 71.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 72.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 70.7%
- Retention Rate
- 85.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,967
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $92,124 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $84,653 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $71,015 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $65,486 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $64,493 |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Master | $63,997 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Master | $60,957 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $59,253 |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | Bachelor | $55,512 |
| Chemistry. | Master | $55,108 |
Campus Life
Campus life at UNC Wilmington revolves around its coastal setting just 10 miles from Wrightsville Beach. With housing capacity for 5,173 students and total enrollment of 14,176, about 36% live on campus in a close-knit community. The mild coastal climate means you'll need sunscreen more than winter coats, with students spending weekends at nearby beaches or exploring downtown Wilmington's historic riverfront.
The 64% female student body creates a different active than most universities. Students embrace the Seahawks identity through 16 varsity sports competing in Division I. The marine science program draws students to the coastal research opportunities, while the compact midsize city setting keeps everything walkable. With 85% of students from North Carolina, there's a strong sense of state pride mixed with beach culture. Weekend activities center on water sports, beach volleyball, and the active downtown scene. The 85% retention rate reflects how students connect with both the academic programs and the laid-back coastal lifestyle that defines campus culture.
The 64% female student body creates a different active than most universities. Students embrace the Seahawks identity through 16 varsity sports competing in Division I. The marine science program draws students to the coastal research opportunities, while the compact midsize city setting keeps everything walkable. With 85% of students from North Carolina, there's a strong sense of state pride mixed with beach culture. Weekend activities center on water sports, beach volleyball, and the active downtown scene. The 85% retention rate reflects how students connect with both the academic programs and the laid-back coastal lifestyle that defines campus culture.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 5,173 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1947
Campus Safety (2023)
69 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 12 | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 11 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| Stalking | 12 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 36°–57°F
- July Avg
- 73°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 60.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.9"
Student Demographics
UNCW draws heavily from North Carolina, with 86% of students coming from in-state. This reflects the university's strong regional reputation and affordable tuition of $7,317 for residents. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body, drawn to popular programs in education, nursing, and marine science. The campus serves a middle-class population, with 24% receiving Pell Grants. The strong in-state presence creates a tight-knit community where students often stay connected to coastal North Carolina after graduation, many pursuing careers in the region's growing healthcare and marine industries.
- Men
- 36.0%
- Women
- 64.0%
- White
- 78.9%
- Black
- 4.3%
- Hispanic
- 8.6%
- Asian
- 1.9%
- In-State Students
- 85.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 23.8%
Location
Wilmington sits on North Carolina's southeastern coast, about 125 miles from Charlotte and 120 miles from Raleigh. The city of 123,000 residents offers a unique blend of historic charm and coastal living just minutes from Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach. Students benefit from year-round mild weather and easy access to both the Cape Fear River and Atlantic Ocean. The area maintains a distinct coastal culture with a thriving downtown historic district featuring antebellum architecture and waterfront dining. Wilmington also serves as a major film production center, earning the nickname "Hollywood of the East." Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare University of North Carolina Wilmington with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Wilmington, North Carolina 28403-5963
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,967
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $54,234
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $36,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 62.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $207/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $19,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of North Carolina Wilmington?
UNC Wilmington accepts 68.83% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1295. The school draws heavily from North Carolina, with 85.83% of students coming from in-state.
How much does University of North Carolina Wilmington cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $19,472, though only 23.81% of students receive financial aid. In-state students pay just $7,317 in tuition, making it affordable for North Carolina residents.
What is University of North Carolina Wilmington known for academically?
UNCW is well-known for its marine science programs, taking advantage of its coastal location near Wilmington's beaches. The student-faculty ratio of 17:1 provides decent access to professors across its research-focused curriculum.
What are the career outcomes at University of North Carolina Wilmington?
Graduates earn a median salary of $54,967 ten years after graduation with an employment rate of 96.2%. The 70.70% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's solid but not exceptional completion rates.
Where do students live at University of North Carolina Wilmington?
The campus houses 5,173 students with room and board costing $12,605 annually. With total enrollment at 14,176, many students live off-campus in the mid-size city of Wilmington.
Does University of North Carolina Wilmington have notable alumni?
The school's most famous graduate is basketball legend Michael Jordan, along with former NFL quarterback Roman Gabriel. Founded in 1947, UNCW has built a reputation that extends well beyond its 16 Division I athletic programs.
