The University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), established in 1963 as America's first public arts conservatory, trains 1,100 students across five disciplines: dance, drama, filmmaking, music, and visual arts. UNCSA's immersive curriculum?with 3:1 student-faculty ratio?has produced Oscar winners (Danny McBride), Grammy recipients (Mary-Louise Parker), and Tony nominees. The 84-acre Winston-Salem campus features professional-grade facilities like the Film Village's soundstages and the Stevens Center's 1,380-seat performance hall.
UNCSA's 'conservatory-plus' model combines intensive studio training with academic coursework?dance majors perform 20+ shows annually, while filmmakers produce 200+ projects yearly. Industry partnerships bring masterclasses with figures like violinist Itzhak Perlman. Recent $50 million investments upgraded the Design & Production facilities, cementing UNCSA's status as a top feeder to Broadway (30+ alumni in 2023 shows) and Hollywood (notable alumni include 'Stranger Things' cinematographer Tod Campbell). The school's 'Artists for Life' program ensures career support, with 94% employment in arts fields post-graduation.
University of North Carolina School of the Arts Acceptance Rate
University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) is a well-known institution with a selective admissions process. With an acceptance rate of 33.1%, successful applicants typically show strong performance across both academic and personal categories.
Admissions Guidelines
- Selective Enrollment: Applicants need a solid GPA and proof of academic growth.
- Holistic Balance: Strong recommendations and community involvement are highly valued.
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
University of North Carolina School of the Arts Admission Requirements
UNCSA GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at UNCSA is 3.75. UNCSA is highly selective.
Mostly A’s with a few B’s will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
If your GPA is between 3.45 and 3.75, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
UNCSA GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective; GPA is within the typical admitted range.
Recommended Strategy: Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) in the top 5th percentile.
Admissions at UNCSA utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.75, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.75 – 4.00 | Competitive Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.55 – 3.74 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.35 – 3.54 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.34 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At UNCSA, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
University of North Carolina School of the Arts Average SAT Score: 1250
The average SAT score of the admitted students at University of North Carolina School of the Arts is 1250 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it slightly Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to well to score 1250 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1350 SAT or 27 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. University of North Carolina School of the Arts allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1150, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to UNCSA. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 595 | 550 | 640 |
| SAT Reading | 655 | 600 | 710 |
| SAT Composite | 1250 | 1150 | 1350 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1150 then you are below most of the admitted students at UNCSA and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1350 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1250
Can I get into University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) with a 1350 SAT?
With a 1350 SAT Score, your chances of admission at University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) are good but the admission staff at UNCSA tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at UNCSA is 26.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes University of North Carolina School of the Arts Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 26 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 23 | 19 | 26 |
| ACT English | 27 | 24 | 30 |
| ACT Composite | 26 | 24 | 27 |
Can I get into University of North Carolina School of the Arts with a 27 ACT?
With a 27 ACT Score, your chances of admission at University of North Carolina School of the Arts are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 26.UNCSA Profile
Name: University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA)
City: Winston Salem
URL: www.uncsa.edu/
State: North Carolina
Type: Public
Zip: 27127-2738
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
How much does a degree from UNCSA Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at University of North Carolina School of the Arts is USD: 25553. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at University of North Carolina School of the Arts is USD: 12372
How can I get a scholarship?
24.78% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 46.63 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to UNCSA and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At University of North Carolina School of the Arts, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist UNCSA as your choice in the form.
How much a UNCSA Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 38357. An average UNCSA graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of North Carolina School of the Arts. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Mobile | University of Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| Samford University | Samford University, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| John Brown University | John Brown University, AR | 1222 | 26 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Ouachita Baptist University, AR | 1212 | 25 |
| California Lutheran University | California Lutheran University, CA | 1224 | 26 |
| University of Redlands | University of Redlands, CA | 1231 | 28 |
| Eastern Connecticut State University | Eastern Connecticut State University, CT | 1200 | NA |
| University of Hartford | University of Hartford, CT | 1207 | 29 |
| Quinnipiac University | Quinnipiac University, CT | 1212 | 27 |
| Howard University | Howard University, DC | 1205 | 25 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of North Carolina School of the Arts. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| Biola University | Biola University, CA | 1258 | 27 |
| Eckerd College | Eckerd College, FL | 1256 | 27 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach, FL | 1256 | 27 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of North Carolina School of the Arts. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | University of Alabama in Huntsville, AL | 1321 | 28 |
| The University of Alabama | The University of Alabama, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| Auburn University | Auburn University, AL | 1318 | 28 |
| University of the Pacific | University of the Pacific, CA | 1303 | 27 |
| University of San Francisco | University of San Francisco, CA | 1313 | 29 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Dance
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Music
Masters Degree Programs
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Music
UG Certificate or Diploma Programs
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
Professional Certificate Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About University of North Carolina School of the Arts Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $38357 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $25553 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of University of North Carolina School of the Arts is 33.1 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.75. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.45, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.45, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.45 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.35 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to University of North Carolina School of the Arts if my GPA is below 3.35
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.75, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to University of North Carolina School of the Arts is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1250 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1150-1350
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by University of North Carolina School of the Arts.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.