University of North Carolina Wilmington
2025 USNews Best Colleges Ranking: 196(↑5) (Click for schools/majors ranking)
Abbreviation/Alias: UNCW | University of North Carolina at Wilmington | UNC Wilmington | UNC W | University of NC at Wilmington | Univ of NC-Wilmington | UNC-W | University of North Carolina Wilmington |
School Characteristics: Private (4-Years)
Calendar systerm: Semester
Religious Affiliation: Not applicable
School Chief: Dr. Aswani Volety (Chancellor)
Website: www.uncw.edu/; Phone: 9109623000
Location: 601 South College Road, Wilmington, NC, 28403-5963
University of North Carolina Wilmington Important Facts
Analysis of Key Metrics at the University of North Carolina--Wilmington
The University of North Carolina--Wilmington has shown notable trends in tuition, graduation rates, and gender ratios among students over the past decade. One of the most significant observations is the increase in tuition fees, particularly for out-of-state undergraduate students. In 2014, the out-of-state tuition was $18,480, which has escalated to $22,858 by 2024, marking an increase of approximately 23.5%. This rise in costs may influence prospective students' decisions, particularly those from out of state, as affordability becomes a central concern.
Graduation rates have displayed a positive trajectory, with the on-time graduation rate for undergraduates rising from 44.5% in 2013 to 57.4% in 2023. This increase of nearly 12.9 percentage points indicates improvements in student support and institutional effectiveness in facilitating student success. Furthermore, the extended graduation rate (150% of the standard time) also shows a similar upward trend, suggesting that more students are completing their degrees within a reasonable timeframe.
Gender representation among students has shifted slightly, particularly in the undergraduate demographics. The proportion of male undergraduates has decreased from approximately 40.0% in 2013 to around 35.4% in 2023, indicating a growing female majority in the student body. This trend mirrors broader societal changes in higher education where women are increasingly enrolling and succeeding in collegiate environments.
Lastly, retention rates for undergraduate students have remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 82.6% and 86.9% over the years. However, the slight decline to 82.6% in 2023 raises concerns that the university must address to ensure students remain engaged and supported throughout their academic journey.
Overall, while the university has made strides in graduation rates and gender diversity, the increasing tuition costs and slight decline in retention rates suggest areas for improvement that could enhance student satisfaction and institutional reputation.
University of North Carolina Wilmington Degrees and Majors
Analysis of Degree Completion Trends at UNC Wilmington
The data from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington reveals significant insights into the degree completion trends across various fields for 2023. Notably, the Registered Nursing program stands out with a remarkable total of 789 bachelor's degree graduates, alongside 11 international students, indicating a strong domestic interest in healthcare education. This aligns with the increasing demand for healthcare professionals, particularly in nursing, driven by an aging population and heightened focus on public health in recent years.
In contrast, programs such as Business Administration at the master's level demonstrate a different trend, with 242 graduates, including 5 international students. This suggests a robust interest in business education, likely reflecting the growing entrepreneurial landscape and the importance of managerial skills in a dynamic job market.
Interestingly, some areas like Speech Communication and Rhetoric and Exercise Science show no master's or doctoral completions, indicating potential gaps in advanced educational offerings in these fields. This could signal an opportunity for the university to expand its graduate programs to meet the evolving educational needs and interests of students.
Moreover, the absence of graduates in certain disciplines, particularly in foreign languages and interdisciplinary studies, raises questions about the relevance and appeal of these programs in the current educational landscape. Overall, UNC Wilmington's data highlights the university's strengths in healthcare and business education while also pointing to areas for potential growth and development in advanced degree offerings.
University of North Carolina Wilmington Ranking and Admission
Analysis of Admission Trends at UNC Wilmington
The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) has shown notable fluctuations in its admissions statistics over the years, particularly from 2020 to 2023. The admission rates for both males and females have generally hovered around the mid-60s to mid-70s percentile, indicating a relatively competitive admission process. For instance, in 2022, the male admission rate was approximately 61%, while the female rate was around 72%. Interestingly, the university's ranking has seen a gradual decline from 185th in 2020 to 202nd in 2023. This downward trend in rankings could be a cause for concern, as it may affect the institution's appeal among prospective students. The total enrollment numbers have also fluctuated, with a peak of 2,435 students in 2022, suggesting that despite the declining rank, there is still a consistent interest in the university. The number of denied applications has remained high, with over 9,200 rejections noted in 2023 alone, reflecting the highly selective nature of the admissions process. Furthermore, the increasing number of deferred admissions points to a potential shift in student preferences or uncertainties, possibly influenced by broader trends in higher education and employment markets. In summary, while UNCW maintains a significant number of applicants and a steady enrollment rate, its declining ranking and high rejection rates may pose challenges in attracting future students. The university may need to reassess its strategies to enhance its academic reputation and appeal to a broader demographic of students.
University of North Carolina Wilmington Admission Score Requires
*Numbers at left represent SAT/ACT submitting percentage, numbers on blue blocks represent 25%-75% admission scores
**Drag green block to check data for different years, click blue block to check scores trends
Trends in Admission Scores at the University of North Carolina--Wilmington
The data from the University of North Carolina--Wilmington shows significant trends in admission scores over the years from 2007 to 2023. Initially, there was a relatively high percentage of students submitting standardized test scores, particularly SAT scores, with figures consistently above 80%. However, this trend appears to have changed dramatically in the recent years, particularly in 2022 and 2023, where the percentage of students submitting SAT scores dropped to just 8% and 7%, respectively.
Alongside the declining submission rates, the range of scores has also evolved. The 25th percentile and 75th percentile scores for both SAT and ACT have shown a general upward trend over the years, indicating that the admitted students are increasingly achieving higher scores. For instance, the SAT reading scores in 2023 range from 620 to 690, reflecting a competitive admission landscape.
This shift in score submissions could be attributed to a broader national trend toward test-optional admissions policies, which many universities adopted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The implications of this trend highlight a growing emphasis on holistic admissions processes, allowing students to showcase their capabilities beyond standardized testing.
As the landscape of college admissions continues to evolve, it will be interesting to observe how these changes influence student demographics and academic performance at the University of North Carolina--Wilmington in the coming years.
University of North Carolina Wilmington Students Diversity
Demographic Insights of University of North Carolina--Wilmington Students in 2023
The student demographics at the University of North Carolina--Wilmington in 2023 reveal a vibrant community with a notable gender distribution and a variety of ethnic backgrounds. Among the undergraduate freshmen, there are 2,370 students, with females making up 63.7% of this group, indicating a strong inclination towards female enrollment. This trend is consistent across the undergraduate juniors and transfer students, where female students represent 64.8% and 64.7%, respectively.
Graduate students, however, show a different pattern, with only 27.8% being male. This disparity raises questions about the fields of study that attract male and female students, potentially pointing towards a higher representation of women in graduate programs or specific disciplines that are traditionally more popular among females.
In terms of racial and ethnic diversity, the data suggests a significant representation of white students across all categories, particularly among undergraduate freshmen and juniors. However, the exact proportions of other ethnic groups remain undisclosed, which could hinder a comprehensive understanding of the university's diversity.
This demographic structure reflects broader trends in higher education, where female enrollment often surpasses male enrollment. The university's commitment to diversity and inclusion will be essential in fostering an environment where students from all backgrounds can thrive. As discussions around equity and representation continue to be pivotal in educational settings, monitoring these trends will be crucial for understanding and enhancing the university's academic community.
University of North Carolina Wilmington Students Age Distribution
Analysis of Student Age Composition at UNC Wilmington
The student age distribution at the University of North Carolina Wilmington reveals significant trends that are reflective of broader educational demographics. Notably, the largest group of students falls within the 18-21 age range, which is typical for undergraduate institutions. For instance, students aged 18-19 and 20-21 together account for over 60% of the total student body, indicating that traditional college-age students dominate the enrollment.
Interestingly, while younger age groups are well represented, there is a noticeable decline in enrollment as age increases, especially beyond 24 years. For students aged 25-29, only 11% of total students are enrolled, and this percentage continues to decrease in older age brackets, reflecting a trend where younger individuals are more likely to pursue higher education immediately after high school.
The gender distribution also offers insights, with female students outnumbering their male counterparts in almost every age category, particularly in the 18-21 range, where the ratio is approximately 2:1. This could mirror national trends in higher education, where female enrollment has been increasing over the years.
Another observation is the presence of mature students, particularly those aged 30 and above, who make up around 10% of the total enrollment. This suggests that the university might be appealing to non-traditional students seeking career advancement or a change in career paths.
Overall, UNC Wilmington's student age composition reflects both traditional and non-traditional educational patterns, emphasizing the need for institutions to cater to a diverse age demographic in their program offerings and support services.
University of North Carolina Wilmington International Students Trends
Trends in International Student Enrollment at University of North Carolina--Wilmington
The data on international student enrollment at the University of North Carolina--Wilmington reveals notable trends from 2004 to 2023. Over these years, the proportion of international undergraduate students has shown a significant increase, culminating in 2.05% in 2023, up from a mere 0.52% in 2004. This upward trend suggests an increasing global appeal of the university as it positions itself as a welcoming destination for international students.
The growth in the number of international graduate students is even more pronounced, with the percentage reaching 2.65% in 2023, compared to just 1.88% in 2004. This increase might be attributed to a variety of factors, including enhanced academic programs, support services for international students, and the overall internationalization of higher education.
The fluctuations in enrollment numbers can be linked to broader global events, such as changes in immigration policies, the COVID-19 pandemic, and evolving perceptions about studying abroad. For instance, the sharp decline in international undergraduate enrollment in 2007, which dropped to 0.24%, reflects potential external challenges that affected student mobility during that period.
Overall, the data indicates a positive trend towards greater international diversity at the University of North Carolina--Wilmington, aligning with national trends in higher education. As institutions continue to adapt and respond to the evolving landscape, it will be crucial to maintain the support structures that facilitate the success of international students, ensuring that this growth is sustainable in the years to come.
University of North Carolina Wilmington Campus and Safety
Nearby Top Colleges
Here are some notable universities near the University of North Carolina--Wilmington:
Duke University - Ranked 6th in the 2025 US News rankings, Duke University is a prestigious private research university located in Durham, North Carolina. Known for its strong academic programs, particularly in law, business, and medicine, Duke has a vibrant campus life and a commitment to research and innovation.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - With a rank of 26, this flagship campus of the University of North Carolina system is renowned for its research capabilities and strong undergraduate programs, especially in the liberal arts, business, and public health.
North Carolina State University at Raleigh - Ranked 57th, NC State is a public research university that excels in engineering, agriculture, and life sciences. Located in the heart of North Carolina's Research Triangle, it offers a wealth of opportunities for students in various fields.
Wake Forest University - This private university is ranked 49th. Known for its small class sizes and strong liberal arts education, Wake Forest emphasizes a well-rounded education and encourages students to engage in service and leadership.
University of South Carolina-Columbia - Ranked 129th, this public research university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with particular strengths in business, engineering, and the arts.
These institutions not only contribute to a rich academic environment in the region but also provide a variety of opportunities for collaboration, research, and student engagement.
Campus Safety
Analysis of Crime Data at University of North Carolina--Wilmington
The crime statistics at the University of North Carolina--Wilmington over the past decade reveal notable fluctuations in the average number of offenses per 1,000 students. The data shows that in 2013, the average was 14.26 incidents per 1,000 students, which peaked in 2018 at 17.52. This spike could potentially be attributed to increased awareness and reporting of crimes on campus, rather than a direct increase in actual incidents.
Throughout the years, offenses related to gun arrests have consistently been recorded, indicating ongoing concerns regarding campus safety. While there has been a decrease in the overall crime rate, with a significant drop to 10.27 in 2023, the presence of issues such as drug and alcohol-related arrests remains a significant concern. For instance, drug arrests have been reported annually, highlighting the ongoing challenge of substance abuse within the student population.
Furthermore, crimes such as domestic violence and assault are critical areas that need attention. The statistics suggest that despite the overall decline in crime rate, specific categories like assaults and domestic violence continue to be pressing issues that require active intervention and support from university authorities.
Overall, while the recent decline in crime rates is a positive development, it is crucial for the university to maintain vigilance in addressing these issues. Continuous efforts in education, prevention programs, and support services are essential in ensuring a safe and conducive environment for all students. For more information on crime rate calculations, you can refer to this link: crime rate calculation.
Reference
- University of North Carolina Wilmington Official Website
- USNews Best Colleges Ranking
- USNews Bset Global Universities Ranking
- THE World University Ranking
- QS World University Ranking
- ARWU World University Ranking
- US Department of Education College Scorecard
- National Center for Education Statistics
- Forward Pathway US College Ranking Database
University of North Carolina Wilmington Related News
Current Status and Management Strategies of PFAS Pollution
Published on: October 11, 2024 | Updated on: October 11, 2024
Introduction to PFAS Contamination Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as "forever chemicals," are a group of synthetic compounds that have garnered significant attention due to their widespread use and persistent nature in the environment. These chemicals have been utilize...
Category: Colleges News by LLM | Tags: environmental protection, legal lawsuits, PFAS pollution, Public Health, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Water Quality MonitoringThe Importance of LGBTQ+ Centers for Student Mental Health
Published on: October 2, 2024 | Updated on: October 2, 2024
Introduction: The Importance of LGBTQ+ Centers in Higher Education The establishment of LGBTQ+ centers in universities, such as NC State's LGBTQ Pride Center, plays a pivotal role in fostering a sense of community and belonging for LGBTQ+ students. These centers serve as safe havens where individual...
Category: Colleges News by LLM | Tags: community building, Inclusive Education, Lafayette College, LGBTQ+ Centers, mental health, University of North Carolina Wilmington, university supportBoston College Nutrition Navigators: A Successful Case for Student Health
Published on: September 1, 2024 | Updated on: September 1, 2024
BC Dining's Nutrition Navigators Program: A Model for College Dining Services In August 2024, Boston College's dining service was awarded the highest honor from the National Association of College and University Food Services (NACUFS) for its Nutrition Navigators program. This initiative aims to ass...
Category: Colleges News by LLM | Tags: Boston College, campus life, Dartmouth College, Dietary Needs, Drexel University, mental health, Nutritional Support, Southwestern UniversityDiversity and Sustainability in Vanderbilt University’s Campus Dining Services
Published on: August 15, 2024 | Updated on: August 15, 2024
Vanderbilt University Dining Services: A Model for Diversity, Nutrition, and Sustainability On August 15, 2024, Vanderbilt University released comprehensive details about its campus dining services, emphasizing its commitment to providing students with high-quality, delicious, and nutritious food op...
Category: Colleges News by LLM | Tags: Campus Dining, Dartmouth College, Dietary Safety, Diversity, Student Engagement, Sustainability, Tarleton State University, University of MaryUniversity of North Carolina Wilmington Important Facts Trends
University of North Carolina Wilmington degrees/majors
University of North Carolina Wilmington major details
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2023 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 | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Health/Health Care Administration/Management. | - | |||
Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist. | - | |||
Athletic Training/Trainer. | - | |||
Public Health, General. | $36,458 | |||
Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy. | $39,366 | |||
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $74,463-$92,353 | |||
Family Practice Nurse/Nursing. | $74,463-$92,353 | |||
Nursing Practice. | $74,463-$92,353 | |||
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | $56,924-$118,913 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Business Administration and Management, General. | $48,369-$80,921 | |||
Accounting. | $72,037 | |||
Management Science. | $75,056 | |||
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, Other. | $75,056 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Education, General. | $45,465 | |||
Curriculum and Instruction. | - | |||
Educational Leadership and Administration, General. | $57,199-$81,604 | |||
Educational/Instructional Technology. | - | |||
Special Education and Teaching, General. | $42,584 | |||
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Multiple Disabilities. | $42,584 | |||
Elementary Education and Teaching. | $40,777-$44,292 | |||
Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education and Teaching. | $40,777-$44,292 | |||
Kindergarten/Preschool Education and Teaching. | $40,777-$44,292 | |||
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods, Other. | $40,777-$44,292 | |||
Music Teacher Education. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Psychology, General. | $29,418-$45,620 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | $32,925 | |||
Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography. | $25,303 | |||
Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Speech Communication and Rhetoric. | $36,695 | |||
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication, Other. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Anthropology, General. | $25,198 | |||
Criminology. | $34,443 | |||
Economics, General. | - | |||
Geography. | - | |||
Political Science and Government, General. | $31,124 | |||
Sociology, General. | $29,220 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management, General. | $31,873 | |||
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General. | - | |||
Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $54,105 | |||
Information Technology. | $54,105 | |||
Computer Science. | $66,977-$85,448 | |||
Data Modeling/Warehousing and Database Administration. | - | |||
Computer Graphics. | - | |||
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Public Administration. | $50,764 | |||
Social Work. | $38,380-$48,198 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General. | $20,450 | |||
Film/Cinema/Media Studies. | $22,315 | |||
Cinematography and Film/Video Production. | $22,315 | |||
Fine/Studio Arts, General. | $20,072-$66,921 | |||
Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | $20,072-$66,921 | |||
Music, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Environmental Studies. | $28,935-$37,250 | |||
Environmental Science. | $28,935-$37,250 | |||
Water, Wetlands, and Marine Resources Management. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
English Language and Literature, General. | $24,384 | |||
Creative Writing. | $24,205 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Chemistry, General. | $44,473-$63,856 | |||
Geology/Earth Science, General. | $38,459 | |||
Oceanography, Chemical and Physical. | $38,459 | |||
Physics, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution. | - | |||
Gerontology. | - | |||
International/Globalization Studies. | $21,830 | |||
Financial Analytics. | - | |||
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
History, General. | $25,047 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
French Language and Literature. | $25,426 | |||
Spanish Language and Literature. | $25,426 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Engineering, Other. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mathematics, General. | - | |||
Statistics, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | - |
University of North Carolina Wilmington Schools/Majors Ranking
Under Ranking (2025)
World University Ranking
*Rankings have been updated to 2025USNews schools/majors ranking, rankings are for reference only
*numbers in bracket represent rankings change compare to last version
University of North Carolina Wilmington Varsity Athletes
NCAA Division I without football | MEN | WOMEN |
---|---|---|
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 42 | 75 |
Soccer | 31 | 29 |
Swimming and Diving (combined) | 25 | 35 |
Baseball | 41 | - |
Basketball | 15 | 16 |
Softball | - | 28 |
Tennis | 14 | 11 |
Golf | 9 | 11 |
Volleyball | - | 20 |
Beach Volleyball | - | 14 |
NCAA Division I without football | MEN | WOMEN |
---|---|---|
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 30 | 57 |
Soccer | 38 | 29 |
Swimming and Diving (combined) | 24 | 29 |
Baseball | 46 | - |
Basketball | 16 | 17 |
Softball | - | 26 |
Tennis | 12 | 11 |
Golf | 10 | 9 |
Volleyball | - | 18 |
Beach Volleyball | - | 18 |
NCAA Division I without football | MEN | WOMEN |
---|---|---|
All Track Combined | 36 | 82 |
Soccer | 29 | 27 |
Swimming and Diving | 20 | 25 |
Baseball | 42 | - |
Basketball | 16 | 16 |
Softball | - | 28 |
Tennis | 12 | 13 |
Volleyball | - | 19 |
Golf | 9 | 8 |
Beach Volleyball | - | 17 |
The University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW) is a dynamic institution located in the picturesque coastal city of Wilmington, North Carolina. Established in 1947, UNCW has grown into a comprehensive university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university is particularly renowned for its strong emphasis on marine science, business, and education, with the Watson College of Education and the Center for Marine Science being standout features of its academic offerings. The institution's commitment to research and community engagement is evident through its various initiatives and partnerships, fostering both student involvement and local development.
UNCW boasts a vibrant campus culture, characterized by a diverse student body and an array of extracurricular activities. The university encourages students to participate in various student organizations, cultural events, and recreational activities, contributing to a well-rounded educational experience. Additionally, the picturesque campus, which is nestled near the Cape Fear River and just a short distance from beautiful beaches, provides students with ample opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. The university's athletic programs, particularly in NCAA Division I sports, also play a significant role in campus life, promoting school spirit and community engagement. Overall, UNCW's blend of academic rigor, supportive environment, and stunning surroundings makes it an attractive choice for students seeking higher education in a vibrant coastal setting.