University Of North Carolina Wilmington – Programs, Cost, Review

Nestled along the coastal shores of southeastern North Carolina, the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) stands as a premier public research institution. Established in 1947, initially as a junior college, UNCW has blossomed into a vibrant academic community that seamlessly blends a robust intellectual environment with the laidback charm of its beachside locale.

With an enrollment of over 17,000 students hailing from across the nation and globe, this comprehensive university offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its five colleges.

From its picturesque main campus, adorned with stately pines and sprawling live oaks to its cutting-edge marine science facilities, UNCW provides an enriching and dynamic atmosphere for scholarly pursuits across a multitude of disciplines.

Important Details & Links:

University Website: https://uncw.edu/

Location:  601 College Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403, United States

2024 Rankings: #201 in National Universities, #109 in Top Public Schools

Campus Size: 661 acres

History

The roots of UNCW can be traced back to 1947 when it was established as a co-educational institution of higher learning known as Wilmington College. Operating under the governance of the New Hanover County Board of Education, the fledgling college held its first classes in the vacated Isaac Bear Building with just 238 students and 13 faculty members.

As enrollment steadily grew over the next decade, Wilmington College was incorporated into the University of North Carolina system in 1963 and officially renamed the University of North Carolina at Wilmington four years later.

This pivotal transition paved the way for the university’s substantial expansion, both in its physical footprint with the acquisition of a stunning 600-acre land tract as well as its academic breadth through the introduction of additional degree programs.

Achieving university status allowed UNCW to blossom, firmly establishing itself as an educational vanguard for southeastern North Carolina.

Academic Programs:

UNCW is organized into eight colleges –

• Cameron School of Business,
• College of Health and Human Services,
• College of Arts and Sciences (formerly College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts),
• College of Science and Engineering,
• Watson College of Education,
• Graduate School,
• Honors College,
• University College.

The university offers a wide range of 55 undergraduate degree programs, 35 master’s degree programs, and 4 doctoral programs across these colleges.

Undergraduate Programs:

Undergraduates can choose from over 90 areas of study spanning fields like marine biology, film studies, computer science, entrepreneurship, criminal justice and more. Notable programs include marine biology which capitalizes on UNCW’s coastal location.

Graduate Programs:

For advanced studies, UNCW provides 35 master’s programs like business administration, elementary education, nursing, computer science, creative writing, and conflict management & resolution. The Cameron School of Business alone offers 9 MBA concentration areas.

Doctoral Programs:

At the doctoral level, UNCW has 4 programs including an esteemed PhD in Marine Biology as well as doctorates in educational leadership, nursing practice, and psychology & applied research.

Admissions:

The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) has a moderately selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 68%.

For students applying to UNCW, the average SAT score falls between 1210-1330, while the average ACT score ranges from 24-28.

The university looks for well-rounded applicants with a strong grade point average, challenging high school coursework, extracurricular involvement, and above-average standardized test scores.

Additionally, UNCW emphasizes individual evaluation during the admissions process, aiming to consider applicants as real individuals rather than just numbers.

The regular application deadline for UNCW is November 1st, and interested students can also apply for early action with the same deadline.

Overall, UNCW’s admissions criteria focus on academic performance, extracurricular engagement, and standardized test scores to select students who will thrive in the university’s academic environment.

Tuition Cost & Fees

The cost of attending the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) varies depending on whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student. For in-state students, the average net price is $17,946, with tuition and fees totaling $7,317 per year.

On the other hand, out-of-state students pay a higher average net price of $18,792, with tuition and fees amounting to $22,890 per year.

Additionally, UNCW offers financial aid options to help students cover the cost of attendance, with 72% of students receiving financial aid.

The university’s tuition rates have seen slight increases over the past few years, with in-state tuition growing at an average annual rate of 0.69% and out-of-state tuition increasing by about 0.23%.

Overall, while UNCW’s tuition for in-state students is relatively affordable compared to other options, out-of-state tuition is higher but still competitive when considering the quality of education and resources offered by the university.

Scholarships

UNCW offers a wide range of merit-based and need-based scholarship opportunities to assist students in funding their education. In 2022-23, the university awarded over $29 million in scholarships to more than 5,800 students.

Merit Scholarships: UNCW’s major merit awards include the prestigious Chancellor’s Achievement Scholarships, which provide up to $10,000 annually for four years. These are awarded to exceptional incoming freshmen based on academic performance.

Other notable merit programs are the Distinguished Scholars Award, Provost Scholars Award, and many departmental and talent-based scholarships recognizing outstanding students in areas like leadership, community service, arts, and athletics.

Need-Based Aid: In addition to federal and state grants, UNCW has its own need-based aid like the Seahawk Opportunity Scholarship. This covers tuition and fees for qualifying North Carolina residents with an expected family contribution below $8,000.

The university also partners with donors to offer scholarships supporting underrepresented minorities, first-generation college students, and those facing financial hardships.

Continuing students can apply for UNCW’s general scholarship each year by submitting the annual application. Departmental scholarships within each college provide additional opportunities.

UNCW’s scholarship office assists students in exploring all available funding sources. The average scholarship amount for 2022 freshmen was over $8,200. With substantial financial aid available, UNCW aims to ensure higher education is achievable regardless of economic background.

Notable Alumni

The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) has a notable list of alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields.

Some of the most notable alumni include Skeet Ulrich, an actor known for his role in the popular TV show “Riverdale,” and John Calipari, a renowned basketball coach who has led several teams to the NCAA Tournament.

Additionally, Anna Kooiman, a journalist and television host, and Scott Dawson, a professional baseball player, are also among the notable alumni of UNCW.

Other notable alumni include Bill Saffo, the Mayor of Wilmington, and Cody Stanley, a professional baseball player.

Reviews

The University of North Carolina Wilmington has received mixed reviews from students, with an overall rating of 3.78 out of 5 based on 1,984 reviews on Niche. Many students praise the university’s campus, which is described as gorgeous and walkable, with many food options and resources available. The campus is situated right in the middle of town, making it easy to access various amenities.

The university is also known for its small class sizes and opportunities for personal relationships with professors. Many students find the professors to be attentive, caring, and excellent in their teaching. The disability center, student health center, and writing lab are also highly regarded for their respectful staff and responsiveness.

However, some students have expressed concerns about the university’s administration, which does not leave a good reputation behind. Despite these criticisms, many students still value the education they have received at UNCW and appreciate the mentors they have met. The university’s location in a beach town is also a significant draw for many students, as it offers a unique blend of academic and leisure opportunities.