HomeUniversitiesUniversity of North Carolina Wilmington
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Public UniversityUnited StatesWorld #198

University of North Carolina Wilmington

United States

11,565/yr

Avg. tuition

40,999/yr

Living (Bachelors)

41,462/yr

Living (Masters)

86+programs

Courses

About

The University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW) is a public research university in Wilmington, North Carolina. It is part of the University of North Carolina System and enrols nearly 18,000 undergraduate and graduate students each year. It is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity".

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

University of North Carolina at Wilmington has an acceptance rate of 68% and a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1.

The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a comprehensive university offering 100+ degrees. The university is home to six colleges: Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Health and Human Services, Marine Science, and Professional Studies. The average annual tuition fee for international undergraduates at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington is $42,603 and $43,184 for international graduate degree seekers.

UNCW also has some research centres and institutes, including the Center for Marine Science, the Center for Coastal Studies, and the UNCW Institute for Emerging Issues. The campus is home to varied academic buildings, residence halls, athletic facilities, and cultural centres. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington's ranking in the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges is #202 among National Universities.

Top Reasons to Study in the University of North Carolina Wilmington

  • ACADEMICALLY REPUTED: University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a nationally recognized public university, ranked #96 in the U.S. News & World Report's Best National Universities ranking and #26 in the Best Online Bachelor's Programs ranking.
  • ATHLETICS: University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a member of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), and the university's athletic teams are known as the Seahawks. The Seahawks compete in 19 varsity sports, including men's and women's basketball, football, and baseball.
  • RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES: The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a research-intensive university with some active research centres and institutes, allowing students to participate in cutting-edge research projects under the guidance of world-renowned faculty.
  • DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY: the University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a diverse and inclusive community with students from everywhere, creating a vibrant and stimulating learning environment where students can learn from and grow with people from different backgrounds.
  • COASTAL LOCATION: University of North Carolina at Wilmington is located in Wilmington, North Carolina, a beautiful coastal city with a thriving arts and culture scene. The university is just a short walk from the beach, which provides students with plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Admissions

Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)

68%

Application Fee

$75 - $80


How to Apply at University of North Carolina Wilmington

UNDERGRADUATE

Here are the steps on how to apply to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW) for undergraduate studies as an international applicant:

  • Visit the UNCW admissions website and click on the "Apply" tab.
  • Choose the "UNCW Application" option: This is the application specifically for international applicants.
  • Complete the online application: Be sure to answer all of the questions and provide all of the required documents.
  • Submit your application fee of $80.
  • Submit your official high school transcript, translated into English and certified by an authorized translator.
  • Submit your English Language Proficiency test scores
  • Submit an essay or short answer: It should be about 500 words and discuss your academic goals, and extracurricular activities.
  • Submit your financial documents: If you are applying for financial aid, you will need to submit documents that show your financial resources.

POSTGRADUATE

Here are the steps on how to apply to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington for graduate studies as an international applicant:

  • Visit the UNCW Graduate School website and select the program you are interested in.
  • Review the program's admission requirements, which can be found on the program's website.
  • Submit the online application: The application fee is 80 USD.
  • Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended, translated into English if they are not originally in English.
  • Submit two letters of recommendation.
  • Submit a statement of purpose: This is your opportunity to explain your interest in the program and why you are a good fit.
  • Submit your English language proficiency test scores: The minimum score requirement varies by program.
  • Submit your financial documents: If you are applying for financial aid, you will need to submit documents that show your financial resources.
  • Submit your application by the deadline.

MASTER'S AND PhD

Here are the steps on how to apply to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW) for a master's or PhD as an international applicant:

  • Check the eligibility requirements: Make sure that you meet the eligibility requirements for admission to UNCW's graduate program. These requirements vary by program, so be sure to check the specific program's website.

Gather your application materials: You will need to submit the following application materials:

  • Completed online application form.
  • Non-refundable application fee (80 USD).
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
  • Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)
  • Two letters of recommendation.
  • Personal statement.
  • Resume or curriculum vitae.
  • Submit your application.
  • Track your application status: You can track your application status online through UNCW's admissions portal.

Documents Required to Apply to University of North Carolina Wilmington

UNDERGRADUATE

Documents needed to apply to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington for undergraduate studies as an international applicant:

  • Completed online application.
  • Application fee of $80.
  • Your official high school transcript.
  • English Language Proficiency test scores.
  • An essay or short answer.
  • Financial documents.

Additional:

  • Resume or CV.
  • Research proposal.
  • Work samples.

POSTGRADUATE

Documents needed to apply to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington for undergraduate studies as an international applicant:

  • Completed online application.
  • Application fee of $80.
  • Your official high school transcript.
  • English Language Proficiency test scores.
  • An essay or short answer.
  • Financial documents.

Additional:

  • Resume or CV.
  • Research proposal.
  • Work samples.

MASTER'S AND PhD

Documents needed to apply to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington for a master's or PhD as an international applicant:

  • Completed online application.
  • Application fee of $80.
  • Your official high school transcript.
  • English Language Proficiency test scores.
  • An essay or short answer.
  • Financial documents.

Additional:

  • Resume or CV.
  • Research proposal.
  • Work samples.

Exams Accepted By University of North Carolina Wilmington

Following are the English language proficiency tests scores accepted by the University of Carolina at Wilmington:

  • TOEFL iBT - 71
  • IELTS - 6.0 on the academic module.
  • DET - 95
  • PTE - 54
  • iTEP Academic - 3.7

Campus Life

Number of campuses the university has
1

Campus locations
North Carolina

View on Google Earth


Transportation in the city

Wilmington, North Carolina has varied transportation options available to its residents and visitors, including:

  • Public transportation: Wave Transit is the city's public transportation system, offering bus, shuttle, and trolley services. Buses run throughout the city, while shuttles provide service to some of the more popular destinations, such as the airport and the beaches. The trolley is a free service that makes stops throughout downtown.
  • Taxis: Several taxi companies are operating in Wilmington, which can be hailed on the street or called for pickup.
  • Ride-hailing services: Uber and Lyft are two popular ride-hailing services that operate in Wilmington, allowing you to request a ride from your smartphone and be picked up within minutes.

Services offered by the university

The University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW) offers ranging services to its students, including:

  • Academic advising: University of North Carolina at Wilmington's academic advising office provides students with personalized help in choosing courses, planning their degree programs, and transitioning to college.
  • Career counselling: University of North Carolina at Wilmington's career counselling office helps students develop their career goals, find internships and jobs, and prepare for interviews.
  • Financial aid: University of North Carolina at Wilmington's financial aid office helps students apply for financial aid, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study.
  • Health services: UNCW's health services office provides students with medical, dental, and mental health care.
  • Technology services: UNCW's technology services office provides students with access to computers, printers, software, and the internet.

Student life at University of North Carolina Wilmington

  • Join a student organization: There are 300+ student organizations on campus, so you are sure to find one that interests you. From sports teams to academic clubs to fraternities and sororities, there is something for everyone.
  • Attend sporting events: UNCW is a member of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), so you can cheer on the Seahawks in basketball, football, baseball, softball, and more.
  • Explore Wilmington: Wilmington is a beautiful city with a lot to offer students. There are plenty of beaches, restaurants, and bars within walking distance of campus. And if you are looking for something to do on the weekends, there are always concerts, festivals, and sporting events happening in the area.
  • Go to the beach: UNCW is located just a few miles from the beach, so you can easily take a day trip to the sand and surf.

On campus accomodation at University of North Carolina Wilmington

The University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW) offers varied on-campus housing options for students of all years, including:

  • Traditional residence halls offer varied room types, including single rooms, double rooms, and triple. Some halls also have suite-style accommodations, which offer private bathrooms for each resident. All residence halls have common areas where students can study, relax, and socialize.
  • Apartment-Style Housing: University of North Carolina at Wilmington offers apartment-style housing for upperclassmen, with fully furnished kitchens and living rooms, and also some private bedrooms. Apartment-style housing is located in two separate complexes: Student Village and The Pointe.
  • Living Learning Communities: the University of North Carolina at Wilmington offers students housing with shared interests, offering a unique opportunity for students to live and learn together with others who share their passions.

Faculty

University Faculty:Student Ratio

1:17

University Faculty Stats

Some faculty facts about the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW):

  • There are over 1,200 full-time faculty members at UNCW, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 17 to 1.
  • The faculty at UNCW are highly accomplished scholars and researchers. Over 90% of the faculty have earned their doctorates, and many have received national and international honours for their work.
  • The faculty are committed to teaching and mentoring students. They are involved in all aspects of the student experience, from advising and mentoring to teaching and research.
  • The faculty are passionate about their disciplines and are dedicated to providing students with a high-quality education.

Career Opportunities

University Endowments Value

149845776

Internship opportunities at University of North Carolina Wilmington

Some internship and part-time job opportunities available at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington are:

Internships: The University of North Carolina at Wilmington offers varied internships in ranging fields, including business, engineering, education, the arts, and more. Some internship opportunities available at UNCW include:

  • Marketing Intern
  • Human Resources Intern
  • Education Intern
  • Arts Intern
  • Research Intern

Part-time jobs: The University of North Carolina at Wilmington offers varied part-time jobs for students, helping them earn money to pay for tuition, books, and other expenses. They can also help you gain valuable work experience. Some of the part-time jobs available at UNCW include:

  • Research Assistant
  • Resident Assistant
  • Dining Services Worker
  • Retail Worker
  • Office Assistant

Placement of University of North Carolina Wilmington

Placement: According to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington's Career Center, 92% of UNCW graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. The most popular majors for UNCW graduates are nursing, business, psychology, biology, kinesiology and exercise science.

Hiring Companies: Some of the top hiring employers for University of North Carolina at Wilmington graduates include:

  • Bank of America
  • GEICO
  • Pepsi
  • PNC Bank
  • Walmart
  • Lowe's
  • New Hanover Regional Medical Center
  • PPD
  • Chemours
  • Cape Fear Community College

Salaries: The average starting salary for University of North Carolina at Wilmington graduates is $45,000. However, the average starting salary for nursing graduates is $60,000, while the average starting salary for business graduates is $40,000.

Popular Courses · 86

Last updated August 14, 2026

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University of North Carolina Wilmington: Admission 2025-26, Rankings, Fees & Acceptance Rate at UNCW