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University of North Carolina Wilmington

Wilmington, NC·Public·14,176 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and in-state North Carolina residents. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 14,176 students.

74%
Accept
14,176
Students
$19,472
Net Price
71%
Grad Rate
$46,600
Earnings
10 yr
$15,178
Debt

About This School

University of North Carolina Wilmington is a public institution located in Wilmington, North Carolina with approximately 14,176 undergraduate students enrolled. University of North Carolina Wilmington has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 74%. The average net price after financial aid is $19,472 per year. The graduation rate is 71%, and the typical graduate earns $46,600 within 10 years of enrollment.

The University of North Carolina Wilmington, or University of North Carolina at Wilmington, is a public research university in Wilmington, North Carolina. It is part of the University of North Carolina system and enrolled 18,848 undergraduate and graduate students in 2024. It is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity".

Worth considering if you want an affordable public university experience with a genuinely manageable debt load — graduates leave with just $15,178 in median debt, which is well below the national average. The 71% graduation rate is decent but not exceptional, so students who need strong academic support structures should ask pointed questions during a campus visit. The coastal Wilmington setting and R2 research designation add real appeal, though median earnings of $46,600 a decade out suggest this school shines more for quality of life and specific programs than for maximizing starting salaries.

Founded
1947
Setting
Midsize city

Popular Programs

Health Professions27%
Business & Marketing19%
Biological Sciences7%
Psychology7%
Social Sciences6%
Communications5%
Education4%
Visual & Performing Arts4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Skeet UlrichScott DawsonClaudia BassolsBevin PrinceSydney SchneiderJohn CalipariDevontae Cacok

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1262
Reading 75th %ile690
Math 75th %ile670

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite26

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$7,317
Out-of-State Tuition
$22,985
Avg Net Price
$19,472
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants24%
Median debt at graduation$15,178

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
71%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
85%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$46,600
after enrollment
Median Debt
$15,178
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$15,178
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$36,900
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$46,600
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.1x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White79%
Black4%
Hispanic/Latino9%
Asian2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (14,176 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

University of North Carolina Wilmington

601 South College Road

Wilmington, NC 28403-5963

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in North Carolina

Browse all North Carolina schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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