The University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW) is a prominent public research university located in the coastal city of Wilmington, North Carolina. Established in 1947, UNCW has garnered a reputation for its commitment to providing a high-quality education alongside its strong focus on research and community engagement. The university's picturesque campus is set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, allowing students to enjoy beautiful beaches and a vibrant coastal environment. The campus is notable for its modern facilities, including state-of-the-art laboratories, an extensive library, and various recreational facilities that promote an active lifestyle among students.

Academically, UNCW offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs, with notable strengths in marine biology, environmental sciences, business, and the arts. The university is recognized for its hands-on learning approach, emphasizing experiential learning through internships, co-ops, and research opportunities. The campus culture fosters inclusivity and diversity, with various student organizations, clubs, and sporting events that enhance the student experience. Furthermore, UNCW takes pride in its dedicated faculty, many of whom are leaders in their respective fields, and fosters a supportive academic environment that encourages student growth and success. The university's commitment to preparing students for dynamic careers is evidenced by its impressive graduate employment rates and strong connections with local and national employers.

Analysis of Key Metrics at University of North Carolina--Wilmington

The University of North Carolina--Wilmington has seen significant trends across several key metrics from 2014 to 2024, particularly in tuition fees, graduation rates, and student demographics.

First and foremost, tuition costs have consistently increased over the years. For in-state undergraduates, the tuition rose from $6,343 in 2014 to $7,317 in 2024, which represents a 15.3% increase. Out-of-state undergraduate tuition saw a dramatic jump from $18,480 to $22,985, showcasing a 24.2% increase. This rising cost may impact accessibility and affordability for prospective students, particularly for those from out of state.

In terms of student retention, the university has experienced fluctuations. The retention rate for undergraduates dropped from 86.4% in 2014 to around 82.6% in 2023, indicating a concerning decline in the proportion of students who continue their studies at the same institution. It is essential for universities to investigate and address the factors contributing to this trend to ensure students remain engaged and supported.

Moreover, the percentage of male to female students has shifted slightly over the decade. In 2014, the gender ratio among undergraduates was approximately 40% male to 60% female. By 2024, it has adjusted to roughly 36% male and 64% female. While these shifts reflect broader trends in higher education, they also indicate the need for institutions to adapt to changing demographic expectations and provide a supportive environment for all students.

Finally, graduation rates have improved steadily, with the on-time graduation rate for undergraduates increasing from 43.6% in 2014 to 56.2% in 2023. This upward trend is promising, as it suggests that the university is enhancing the support systems and resources available to students, contributing to their academic success.

Overall, the data reflects both challenges and successes at the University of North Carolina--Wilmington, emphasizing the need for ongoing efforts to improve accessibility, student support, and graduation outcomes.

Analysis of Degree Completion at University of North Carolina--Wilmington

The data reveals intriguing patterns in degree completion at the University of North Carolina--Wilmington for 2023. Notably, the Registered Nursing program stands out with a substantial number of bachelor graduates, totaling 789. This reflects the growing demand for healthcare professionals in an increasingly health-conscious society. With the ongoing emphasis on addressing healthcare disparities and improving health outcomes, this program's popularity likely contributes to addressing critical workforce shortages in the nursing field.

In contrast, the Business Administration program shows a robust output of 242 graduates at the master's level, with five international students. This indicates a strong interest in advanced business degrees, potentially tied to the dynamic nature of the global economy. The rising trend of entrepreneurship and the need for skilled managers to navigate complexities in business environments further illuminate the appeal of this field.

Interestingly, no students graduated with bachelor’s or master’s degrees in Education, Foreign Languages, or interdisciplinary programs, highlighting potential gaps in academic offerings or interest. As educational systems evolve, addressing these gaps may be critical to fostering a well-rounded workforce prepared for diverse challenges.

Furthermore, while the data shows a lack of international representation in certain programs, it suggests an excellent opportunity for the university to enhance diversity in its academic structure. By actively recruiting international students, the university could cultivate a richer, more varied learning environment that benefits all students.

Overall, this data showcases the strengths of specific programs while signaling areas for growth and improvement, ultimately contributing to the development of a competitive and innovative educational landscape.

Trends in Admission Rates and Rankings at UNC Wilmington

The admissions data for the University of North Carolina at Wilmington over recent years highlights some notable trends. In 2025, the university achieved a ranking of 196, showing improvement from the previous year's 201 ranking. This positive ranking shift might correlate with the university's evolving strategy to attract a diverse student body. When observing admission rates, a significant upward trend for male applicants was noted, climbing from about 59% in 2010 to 67.6% in 2024. For female applicants, the admit rate increased even more dramatically, from 58.2% in 2010 to 77.3% in 2024. This indicates that UNC Wilmington is becoming increasingly inclusive, attracting more applicants across genders. Enrollment numbers have varied, with the highest enrollment recorded at 2,701 in 2024, which may reflect the university's growing popularity and enhanced reputation in recent years. However, despite the higher acceptance rates, the number of denied applications has also risen consistently, highlighting the competitive nature of admissions as the total number of applicants increases. The most recent data emphasizes the university's commitment to improving its academic standing while also working to create a welcoming environment for a broader range of students. As competition among institutions continues to intensify, UNC Wilmington’s efforts could prove vital in maintaining and advancing its reputation. The steady increase in female acceptance rates reflects a growing trend in higher education, where universities prioritize gender equity and inclusivity strategies.

Trends in Admission Scores at the University of North Carolina—Wilmington

Over the years, the University of North Carolina—Wilmington has witnessed a significant evolution in admission scores and the proportion of students submitting standardized test scores. From 2007 to 2024, the range of SAT reading and math scores has shown a steady increase at both the lower and upper bounds, indicating that better-performing students are being admitted over time.

In 2007, students in the 25th percentile had scores starting at 520 and reaching 600 at the 75th percentile. Fast forward to 2024, these scores have improved markedly, now starting from 620 to 690, reflecting a rise in the caliber of applicants. This trend suggests that the university may be attracting a more academically competitive pool of candidates, possibly due to its growing reputation.

However, there is an interesting decline in the percentage of students submitting SAT scores, dropping dramatically from around 97% in 2007 to as low as 7% by 2024. This indicates a shift towards a more holistic admission process where standardized test scores may not weigh as heavily as they once did, possibly in response to broader movements in higher education questioning the relevance of such tests.

The drop in admissions test submissions also coincides with a broader trend seen across many universities adjusting their policies in the wake of changing perceptions about equity and access to higher education. This evolution illustrates how universities are balancing the need for academic standards while becoming more inclusive in their admissions processes. Overall, these trends at the University of North Carolina—Wilmington reflect significant changes in both the applicant profile and admission strategy moving into the future.

Student Demographics at University of North Carolina--Wilmington (2024)

The student body at the University of North Carolina--Wilmington, as of 2024, presents a fascinating demographic profile. With a total of 12,167 undergraduate and graduate students, the data showcases a distinct gender distribution across various categories. Among the incoming freshmen, approximately 32.8% are male, while 67.2% identify as female. This trend continues with upperclassmen, where 36.5% are male and 63.5% female.

A notable observation is the gender representation among graduate students, where only 28.1% are male, and a significant 71.9% are female. This imbalance could reflect broader trends in higher education, where women increasingly enroll in graduate programs compared to their male counterparts.

Furthermore, the data emphasizes diversity among the student population, highlighting racial and ethnic representation, particularly among freshmen and transfer students. For instance, 80.6% of incoming freshmen identify as white, with smaller representation from other ethnic groups. As colleges strive for inclusive environments, these numbers underline the ongoing need for universities to cultivate diverse educational experiences.

Challenges remain in addressing the underrepresentation of certain minority groups and ensuring equity in access and retention. Overall, the University of North Carolina--Wilmington's demographic data for 2024 reflects a complex landscape that continues to evolve, affecting not only the campus community but also future workforce readiness. The emphasis on gender differences and ethnic diversity is crucial as institutions adapt curricula, services, and outreach efforts to meet the changing needs of their students.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at University of North Carolina--Wilmington

The age distribution data of students at the University of North Carolina--Wilmington reveals intriguing insights into the demographics of the student body. The largest cohort is comprised of students aged 18 to 19, with a significant 28.9% of the total female students and 20.4% of male students falling within this age range, highlighting the university's appeal to traditional-age college students.

As students progress to the 20 to 21 age category, both male and female enrollment remains high, indicating a successful retention of freshmen through their second year. However, there’s a notable decline in enrollment for ages 22 to 24, where only 12.5% of the total male and 33.6% of female students are present, suggesting many may be leaving for internships, jobs, or other pursuits post-graduation.

Students aged 25 and above start to show a more significant presence, particularly for females in the 25-29 age group, indicating a trend toward older, possibly working, students returning to education. This trend continues into the 30-34 age group, where the ratio of genders shows a balance, but female students slightly outnumber male students.

As students age into their late thirties and beyond, the total numbers dwindle, reflecting broader national trends of adult learners at universities, who often juggle education with personal and professional responsibilities. Overall, the data illustrates a diverse age composition at UNC-Wilmington, appealing to both young and returning students as higher education continues to evolve in today’s society.

Comments on International Student Enrollment at UNC Wilmington

The data regarding international student enrollment at the University of North Carolina—Wilmington presents a compelling narrative about the evolving landscape of higher education. Over the years, the percentage of international undergraduates has shown a general upward trend, peaking at 2.05% in 2023. This could be indicative of the university's increasing attractiveness to international students, perhaps due to its academic offerings, campus life, or supportive community.

However, it's worth noting that the overall enrollment of international undergraduates fluctuated over the years, with some instances where numbers dipped to as low as 0.24% in 2007. Such fluctuations can be influenced by various factors, including economic conditions, visa policies, and global events affecting student mobility.

Additionally, the graduate program enrollment reflects a similar pattern, albeit with a consistently higher proportion of international students compared to the undergraduate program, reaching a notable 2.65% in 2023. This could suggest that UNC Wilmington is increasingly recognized for its graduate programs, perhaps attracting students from abroad seeking specialized and advanced education.

In light of recent global challenges, including the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ability of universities to adapt and continue attracting a diverse student body is crucial. As the importance of a global perspective in education grows, trends in international enrollment will undoubtedly evolve, impacting not only campus diversity but also the cultural and academic richness of the university experience.

Here are some notable universities surrounding the University of North Carolina--Wilmington:

• Duke University: Ranked 6th in the 2025 US News rankings, Duke is a prestigious private research university located in Durham, North Carolina, known for its strong emphasis on research, vibrant campus life, and academic excellence.

• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: Ranked 26th, this public research university is renowned for its rigorous academic programs, vibrant traditions, and commitment to public service, making it one of the top institutions in the country.

• Wake Forest University: With a rank of 49, Wake Forest is a private university in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, recognized for its focus on liberal arts education, research opportunities, and small class sizes.

• North Carolina State University at Raleigh: This university holds the 57th rank and is one of the leading public research institutions in the state, particularly known for its engineering and science programs.

• Elon University: Ranked 124th, Elon is a private university that is known for its commitment to experiential learning, offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.

These institutions are just a few of the academic powerhouses that make North Carolina a vibrant educational hub.

Crime Trends at University of North Carolina--Wilmington

The crime data from the University of North Carolina--Wilmington reveals significant fluctuations in the crime rates over the past decade. In 2013, the rate of offenses per 1,000 students stood at approximately 14.26, but it peaked in 2020 at 16.87. Interestingly, the overall crime rates appeared to show a downward trend towards the end of the observed period, dropping to 10.27 by 2023.

Specifically, the data indicates an increase in offenses related to gun arrests and drug-related incidents over the years. The spike in 2016 could correlate with broader societal changes or shifts in enforcement policies. Additionally, the onsite crimes such as assaults and incidents of domestic violence showcased a worrying rate, as personal safety on campus remains a critical concern.

The decrease in crime rates in recent years may suggest the effectiveness of crime prevention strategies or community engagement initiatives. The decline in offenses per 1,000 students also stands in contrast to national trends in campus crime, where certain universities have reported maintaining higher crime rates. It is essential for universities to continue monitoring these statistics closely and work collaboratively with law enforcement to ensure student safety.

Overall, while the data presents a positive direction in reducing crime rates at UNC Wilmington, the fluctuations highlight the need for ongoing vigilance and proactive measures to maintain a secure campus environment. For a deeper understanding of crime rates calculation methods, visit this link.