University of North Carolina School of the Arts
Acceptance rate
30.0%
2025
Peer median 62.9%
Out-of-state tuition
$27,211
In-state $9,477
Peer median $40,069
Undergraduates
946
Student-faculty ratio 6:1
Peer median 9 : 1
Graduation rate
80.7%
4-year; 6-year rate 81.6%
Peer median 52.9%
“Peers” are all 55 art, music and design schools in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
The University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) is a distinguished institution dedicated to the arts, located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Established in 1963, it is the first public university in the United States specifically designed for the education of artists. UNCSA offers a unique blend of rigorous academic training and hands-on experience in various artistic disciplines, including dance, music, drama, filmmaking, and visual arts. The school's commitment to fostering creativity and innovation is reflected in its motto, "Through the arts, we are transformed," which emphasizes the transformative power of the arts in personal and societal contexts.
UNCSA boasts state-of-the-art facilities that enhance the learning experience for its students. The campus features performance spaces, film studios, and practice rooms equipped with the latest technology, providing students with an environment that stimulates artistic exploration and collaboration. The faculty at UNCSA comprises accomplished artists and educators who are dedicated to mentoring the next generation of creative professionals. This supportive and vibrant cultural environment encourages students to engage with their peers, collaborate on projects, and participate in community outreach. Additionally, the school's strong network of alumni, many of whom have achieved great success in their respective fields, showcases the quality of education and training that UNCSA provides, further solidifying its reputation as a leading institution for the arts.
Analysis of Key Indicators at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts
The University of North Carolina School of the Arts has shown noteworthy trends in several key indicators over recent years, particularly in tuition costs, graduation rates, student retention, and gender ratios among students.
Firstly, tuition costs have steadily increased for both in-state and out-of-state students. For instance, the in-state undergraduate tuition rose from $8,271 in 2014 to $9,477 in 2024, representing an increase of approximately 14.5%. Out-of-state tuition saw a more significant rise, climbing from $21,416 to $27,211, which is around 27.0% over the same period. This upward trajectory in tuition may raise concerns about accessibility and affordability for prospective students, particularly in the context of rising student debt levels across the country.
In contrast, the graduation rates have shown a positive trend. The four-year graduation rate was approximately 51.4% in 2013, which increased to 70.8% by 2023. This improvement suggests effective academic support and resources that have enhanced student success, indicating that the institution is fostering a more conducive environment for completing degrees in a timely manner.
Student retention rates have also improved, rising from 84.9% in 2013 to 93.3% in 2023. This significant increase suggests that students are finding their experience at the university satisfactory and are more likely to continue their education there. High retention rates often correlate with strong student satisfaction and effective academic advising, both of which are crucial for long-term success.
Lastly, the gender ratios among undergraduates have shifted over the years, with female students increasing their representation from 41.4% in 2014 to 60.7% in 2023. This shift reflects broader societal changes regarding gender representation in higher education and may indicate a more inclusive environment for female students in the arts.
In summary, while tuition costs are on the rise, reflecting a national trend in higher education, the university has made commendable progress in improving graduation and retention rates, alongside fostering a more gender-diverse student body. These factors collectively contribute to a more positive outlook for the institution's future and its students.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Large city
- Nearest major city
- In Winston-Salem
- Nearest international airport
- Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO), about 15 mi
- Also known as
- UNCSA
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Brian Cole (Chancellor)
- Phone
- 3367703399
- Address
- 1533 South Main St., Winston Salem, NC 27127-2738
Rankings & Admission
Peer median 62.9% · all 55 art, music and design schools in the U.S.
Acceptance rate by gender, 2025
In 2020: men 28.0%, women 29.4%.
Data insights
Analysis of Admission Trends at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts
The data from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts reveals significant trends in admission rates and enrollment over the years. Notably, there has been a fluctuation in the acceptance rates for both male and female applicants, with male acceptance rates peaking at approximately 57% in 2017 and dropping to around 28% by 2022. Conversely, the female acceptance rates have seen less dramatic changes, although they too reflect a downward trend, especially evident in recent years.
The number of enrolled students has varied, with a notable peak of 243 enrollments in 2019. However, this was followed by a sharp decline to 208 enrollments in 2022, aligning with a larger trend of increasing denial rates. The data indicates that in 2020, the denial count surged to 1,092, suggesting a highly competitive environment that year, likely influenced by external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected many educational institutions.
Furthermore, the number of students deferred has also shown variability, with a high of 216 deferrals recorded in 2021. This could imply that applicants are increasingly choosing to delay their admission, perhaps due to uncertain circumstances or the pursuit of better options.
Overall, these statistics paint a picture of an increasingly selective admissions process at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, reflective of broader trends in higher education where competition for spots is intensifying, and applicants are faced with a myriad of challenges in the current landscape. As institutions strive to maintain quality while accommodating a diverse student body, the dynamics of acceptance and enrollment will continue to evolve.
School and Program Rankings
U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking
Graduate Rankings · 2026 edition
Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition
Test Scores
2025 admitted students, 25th–75th percentile · 11% submitted SAT, 12% submitted ACT · SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted
Data insights
Trends in Admission Scores at University of North Carolina School of the Arts
The admission data for the University of North Carolina School of the Arts over the years reveals a notable trend regarding standardized test scores and submission rates. From 2007 to 2023, there has been a gradual increase in the score ranges for both SAT reading and math components, culminating in a 25% score at 590 and a 75% score at 690 in 2023. This upward trend in scores indicates that the institution may be raising its academic standards, potentially reflecting a more competitive applicant pool.
However, alongside this increasing score range, the percentage of applicants submitting test scores has seen a significant decline. In 2007, 81% of admitted students submitted SAT scores, while this percentage dropped to just 13% by 2022 and 2023. This decline could be attributed to a broader trend in higher education where institutions are moving towards test-optional or test-blind admissions policies, recognizing that standardized tests may not fully capture a student's potential or diverse abilities.
The combination of higher score requirements and lower submission rates suggests a shift in how admissions decisions are made. It raises a critical discussion about the role of standardized testing in evaluating student readiness and the potential biases these tests may introduce. As universities continue to evolve their admissions processes, it will be essential to balance the pursuit of academic excellence with inclusivity and fairness in evaluating applicants.
How Hard Is It to Get In
about 3 in 10
1,438 applicants in 2025, 30.0% admitted
431 admitted 1,007 not admitted Yield 55.5%
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Music Performance, General · Master's27 (22% international)
- Cinematography and Film/Video Production · Master's26 (8% international)
- Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology · Master's18 (6% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts
The graduation data from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts reveals interesting trends within its performing arts programs for 2023. Notably, the Bachelor of Dance program had a total of 34 graduates, showcasing a robust interest in this discipline. Interestingly, there are no international students graduating with a bachelor’s degree in any performing arts category, which might indicate a potential area for the university to enhance its international recruitment efforts.
In the field of Music Performance, while there were no bachelor’s graduates, the master's program produced 31 graduates, with 5 of them being international students. This suggests a strong appeal of the master's program among both domestic and international students, potentially reflecting the program's quality and the demand for advanced studies in music performance.
The Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts program also demonstrated a healthy number of bachelor’s graduates at 26, but no master’s graduates. This disparity could indicate that students are opting to enter the workforce after completing their undergraduate studies rather than pursuing further education.
Additionally, the Cinematography and Film/Video Production program had 26 master's graduates, including 2 international students, suggesting a growing interest in film studies. The Technical Theatre program, while having no bachelor's graduates, produced 20 master's graduates, indicating a niche but significant interest in technical aspects of theatre.
Overall, the data reflects a diverse range of interests among students, with a clear preference for master's degrees in certain areas. The absence of bachelor’s graduates in some programs could warrant further investigation into student choices and career pathways following their undergraduate experience.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dance, General. | $20,345 | ||
| Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General. | $37,888-$59,261 | ||
| Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology. | $37,888-$59,261 | ||
| Cinematography and Film/Video Production. | $25,849-$32,260 | ||
| Music Performance, General. | - |
Students
1,111 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 40:60 · Freshman retention 92.8%
- Continuing undergraduates 663
- First-year undergraduates 239
- Graduate students 165
- Transfers and others 44
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (946)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Graduate students
Data insights
Demographic Insights at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts
The student body composition at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts for the year 2023 reveals important insights into gender and racial diversity among its undergraduate and graduate populations. Notably, the undergraduate freshmen category shows a higher percentage of female students, comprising 57.1% of the total 210 freshmen, while male students account for 42.9%. This trend of increased female representation continues in the undergraduate juniors, where women make up an impressive 62.6% of the 669 students.
In contrast, the undergraduate transfer students and graduate students demonstrate a more balanced gender ratio, with males representing 52.8% and 47.3% respectively. This suggests a potential shift in demographics as students transition through their academic careers, possibly reflecting broader societal trends in education where more women are enrolling in college compared to men.
The racial breakdown of the student body highlights that among freshmen, 116 are identified as white, followed by various other racial and ethnic groups. This diversity is essential as it enriches the educational experience, fostering a more inclusive environment that prepares students for a global society.
Overall, the data points to a growing emphasis on gender balance and racial diversity, aligning with national trends in higher education. As institutions strive to improve equity, the University of North Carolina School of the Arts demonstrates a commitment to fostering a diverse student population, which is crucial for the cultivation of creativity and innovation in the arts.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts
The age distribution of students at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts reveals a predominantly young demographic, particularly among undergraduate students. A significant portion of the student body, specifically 64.9% of undergraduates, falls within the 18-21 age range. This trend is consistent with national statistics that show a larger number of traditional-age students attending college, typically between 18 and 24 years old.
Interestingly, while the female undergraduate population outnumbers their male counterparts in the younger age brackets, the trend reverses slightly in the graduate categories. For instance, in the 25-29 age range, there are 30 male graduate students compared to only 34 females, suggesting a more balanced gender ratio as students advance in their academic careers.
It is also noteworthy that the number of students over the age of 30 remains relatively low, accounting for only about 5.5% of the total student population. This may point to the institution's focus on attracting younger, traditional students, which aligns with broader trends in higher education. The challenges faced by older students, such as balancing work and family responsibilities, may account for their underrepresentation in this environment.
Overall, the data reflects not only the youthful spirit of the institution but also highlights a potential area for growth in attracting a more diverse age range in future cohorts. As higher education continues to evolve, addressing the needs of non-traditional students could enhance the richness of the academic community.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 55 art, music and design schools in the U.S.
36 in 2025 · 2.3% in 2016
23 in 2025 · 9.6% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at UNCSA
The data on international student enrollment at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts reveals significant fluctuations over the years, particularly in the undergraduate and graduate programs. From 2004 to 2023, the percentage of international undergraduate students has seen minimal growth, peaking at 2.81% in 2019 before stabilizing around 2-3% in the following years. This low percentage indicates challenges in attracting a diverse international student body, which can be critical for fostering a rich cultural exchange and enhancing the educational experience.
In contrast, the graduate program has shown more promising trends, with international student representation climbing to 15.13% in 2019, the highest in the observed period. However, in the subsequent years, the percentage declined, indicating potential issues such as competition from other institutions, visa regulations, or global events affecting student mobility, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
The overall enrollments reflect a broader trend observed in many American universities, where international student numbers have been affected by various external factors, including geopolitical tensions and the pandemic. It is essential for institutions like UNCSA to strategize on their international recruitment efforts to enhance their global footprint and maintain a diverse academic environment. Increased outreach, support services for international students, and flexible admission policies could be pivotal in reversing the declining trends observed in recent years.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$40,728
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $27,211
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $9,477
- Room and board
- $13,517
- Graduate tuition
- $27,379
Peer median tuition + room and board $58,201 · all 55 art, music and design schools in the U.S.
Tuition rose 12% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 58%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$91.5M
Expenses$98.2M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 55 art, music and design schools in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
No athlete data available for 2025.
No athlete data available for 2024.
No athlete data available for 2023.
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
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Wake Forest UniversityWinston-Salem · 4.6 mi
U.S. News #34
-
University of North Carolina at GreensboroGreensboro · 23.8 mi
U.S. News #208
-
North Carolina A&T State UniversityGreensboro · 25.8 mi
U.S. News #219
-
Elon UniversityElon · 40.9 mi
U.S. News #100
-
Davidson CollegeDavidson · 52.4 mi
Liberal Arts #16
-
University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte · 60.0 mi
U.S. News #169
-
University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill · 67.2 mi
U.S. News #27
-
Duke UniversityDurham · 72.7 mi
U.S. News #8
-
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBlacksburg · 80.3 mi
U.S. News #52
Data insights
Here are some notable universities near the University of North Carolina School of the Arts:
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Duke University - Ranked 7th in the 2024 US News rankings, Duke University is a prestigious institution known for its research programs and strong emphasis on liberal arts and sciences.
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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - With a ranking of 22, this university is recognized for its excellent academic programs and vibrant campus life.
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Wake Forest University - Ranked 47th, Wake Forest is known for its commitment to a well-rounded education with a strong liberal arts foundation.
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University of Virginia-Main Campus - This university is ranked 24th and is known for its historic grounds and high academic standards.
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Elon University - Ranked 133rd, Elon is recognized for its engaging community and innovative academic programs.
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Davidson College - This liberal arts college is highly ranked at 16th, known for its rigorous academics and strong sense of community.
These institutions contribute to a rich educational environment in the region, each offering unique programs and opportunities for students.
Peer median 1.3 · all 55 art, music and design schools in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Rates at University of North Carolina School of the Arts
The crime statistics at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts reveal fluctuations in crime rates from 2013 to 2023, with notable trends and concerns for student safety. The average crime rate per 1,000 students peaked significantly in 2015 at 59.71, which is alarming for any educational institution. This peak was primarily driven by arrests related to drug use and gun possession, indicating a potential issue with substance abuse and safety on campus.
In subsequent years, there was a general decline in crime rates, with the most recent data in 2023 showing a rate of 15.22 per 1,000 students. This downward trend is encouraging and suggests that the university may have implemented effective measures to enhance campus security and promote student well-being. However, the presence of arrests for domestic violence and stalking indicates ongoing concerns that require continuous attention and resources.
The fluctuation in crime statistics could also be reflective of broader national trends regarding campus safety and crime reporting. Overall, while the recent decrease in crime rates is a positive sign, it is crucial for the university to maintain vigilance and continue to foster a safe environment for its students. The importance of community engagement and proactive safety measures cannot be overstated, as they play a vital role in ensuring that incidents of crime are addressed promptly and effectively. For more information on the calculation of crime rates, please visit this link.
Notable Alumni
All 24Notable alumni of University of North Carolina School of the Arts include Jada Pinkett Smith (Actress, businesswoman and talk show host), Anthony Mackie (Actor and Emmy nominee) and Mary-Louise Parker (Actress, Golden Globe, Emmy and Tony winner).
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Jada Pinkett Smith 1971–
Actress, businesswoman and talk show host
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Anthony Mackie 1978–
Actor and Emmy nominee
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Mary-Louise Parker 1964–
Actress, Golden Globe, Emmy and Tony winner
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Hunter Schafer 1998–
Actress, model and LGBTQ activist
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Dane DeHaan 1986–
Actor in Chronicle and Oppenheimer
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Anna Camp 1982–
Actress in the Pitch Perfect films
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Missi Pyle 1972–
Actress and singer
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Jennifer Ehle 1969–
Actress, Tony and BAFTA winner
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Elizabeth Lail 1992–
Actress known for the series You
See all 24 notable alumni of University of North Carolina School of the Arts →
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.