Public
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Wilmington, North Carolina
74% Acceptance Rate
University of North Carolina Wilmington — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
74%Acceptance Rate
3.56Avg GPA
1262Avg SAT
26Avg ACT
$25,913Annual Cost
$54,967Grad Salary
23.8%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
74%
Avg GPA
3.56
Avg SAT
1262
Avg ACT
26
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1220–1360
ACT Middle 50%
24–28
Avg Net Price
$19,472
Need-Based Aid
23.8% receive Pell
The University of North Carolina Wilmington, established in 1947, is a public coastal university ranked among the top regional universities in the South by U.S. News. UNCW offers 55+ undergraduate programs across six colleges, with particular strengths in marine biology, film studies, and nursing. The university's 661-acre campus features the Center for Marine Science and the high-tech Veterans Hall, along with direct access to Wrightsville Beach for research and recreation. UNCW is classified as a 'Doctoral University: High Research Activity' by Carnegie and leads in coastal and marine science research.
UNCW's location in the historic port city of Wilmington provides unique opportunities in film production (with nearby EUE/Screen Gems Studios), marine technology, and healthcare. The Seahawks compete in NCAA Division I athletics in the CAA conference. UNCW's Randall Library houses special collections on North Carolina history and the acclaimed Publishing Laboratory. The campus's coastal environment enhances programs in environmental science and outdoor leadership, while its cultural programming includes the Lumina Festival of the Arts.
University of North Carolina Wilmington Acceptance Rate
University of North Carolina Wilmington takes a broad view of applicants, admitting about 74% each year.
What UNCW Admissions Looks For
- Whole-Person Review: Personal circumstances and career goals are weighed alongside grades.
- Flexible on GPA: Strong extracurriculars or work experience can offset an average transcript.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 74% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.56 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.36 – 3.55
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.11
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
University of North Carolina Wilmington Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Mark February 1 for University of North Carolina Wilmington (Regular Decision — other plans are listed below), with decisions typically out by January 20.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 184 days left — Regular Decision
Regular Decision
February 1
Decision by: January 20
Early Action
November 1
Decision by: January 20
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
UNCW GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at UNCW is 3.56. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.26 and 3.56? A strong standardized test score is worth prioritizing.
Note the scale: this figure reflects an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Add AP or IB coursework and the equivalent weighted GPA usually lands around 3.76–3.96.UNCW GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective, with solid academic performance as the expectation.
Recommended Strategy: A clear, defined strength in one activity or research area matters more than breadth.
This range is a rough map — where you land determines what else needs to carry weight in your application:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.56 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.36 – 3.55
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.16 – 3.35
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.15
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Requires a "Why UNCW" supplemental essay (200-300 words) alongside the 650-word Common App personal statement.
- Operates under an 18% out-of-state enrollment cap; exceeded it two years running, triggering a $4.1 million UNC System penalty.
- First U.S. university to offer a B.S. in Coastal Engineering; marine biology is a signature program strength.
- Test-optional overall, but nursing, business, and education weight test scores/GPA more heavily.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: Course rigor is read alongside the number itself — a 3.8 with a demanding schedule can beat a 4.0 without one.
- Trajectory Matters: Grades that climb toward graduation tend to matter more than a flat average — the trajectory tells its own story.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at UNCW
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from University of North Carolina Wilmington's own verified admissions data — adjust the sliders below
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) Test Requirements
Scores aren't just a formality at UNCW — landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.
Can I Get Into UNCW Without SAT or ACT?
UNCW considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt — most applicants test 2–3 times.
University of North Carolina Wilmington Average SAT Score: 1262
Admitted students at University of North Carolina Wilmington average a 1262 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1262 — Slightly Competitive
A 1262 average tracks near the middle of the national distribution.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1360 SAT or 28 ACT) to stand out. Below average? University of North Carolina Wilmington allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 1220? A retake is worth it at UNCW — two or three sittings is standard for competitive applicants, and there's no cap on how many times you can test.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 635 | 600 | 670 |
| SAT Reading | 655 | 620 | 690 |
| SAT Composite | 1262 | 1220 | 1360 |
A score under 1220 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1360+ puts you ahead of three-quarters of the admitted class. (These percentiles mark where a given share of the admitted class scored at or below.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1250
Can I get into University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) with a 1350 SAT?
At 1350, your SAT is squarely in UNCW's favor. That said, admissions staff read the full file — GPA, activities, and essays still carry real weight even with a strong score in hand.
University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) ACT Requirements
UNCW's admitted students average an ACT of 26.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 26 — Competitive
An average of 26 is a respectable, above-average national benchmark.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 25 | 23 | 27 |
| ACT English | 26 | 23 | 28 |
| ACT Composite | 26 | 24 | 28 |
Can I get into University of North Carolina Wilmington with a 28 ACT?
At 28, you're in the top quarter of UNCW's admitted class by ACT score. That's a real advantage, but admissions still reads GPA, essays, and activities alongside it.
The ACT's four sections — English, Math, Reading, Science — are each scored independently on a 1–36 scale, and admissions staff do notice a lopsided breakdown. If one section trails the others significantly, that's worth addressing before you apply, particularly for STEM programs where Science carries extra weight.
Beyond the number itself, UNCW weighs your transcript rigor, activities, recommendations, and essays just as heavily — the ACT opens the door, the rest of your file decides what happens next.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for UNCW
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
UNCW is accessible to students who show core competency. Focus on proving readiness for college-level work and locking in financial aid.
Write the "Why UNCW" essay with real specificity
This 200-300 word essay explicitly should not discuss location, architecture, or climate per admissions guidance. Name actual programs, research opportunities, or faculty tied to your intended major instead.
Apply Early Action if you're out-of-state
UNCW operates under an enforced 18% non-resident cap, with a $4.1 million UNC System penalty for exceeding it in 2022-23 and 2023-24. Out-of-state admission has tightened noticeably - apply by November 1 rather than regular decision.
Lean into marine science or coastal studies if it's genuinely your interest
UNCW was the first U.S. university to offer a B.S. in Coastal Engineering, and marine biology is a signature strength. Reference specific labs, research vessels, or faculty rather than generic "I love the ocean" language.
Submit test scores if targeting nursing, business, or education
UNCW is officially test-optional, but these specific competitive programs weight GPA and test scores more heavily. Submit if your scores are strong and you're aiming for one of these programs.
Expert Insight:
Out-of-state applicants sometimes assume UNCW's ~64% overall acceptance rate reflects their own odds. Because of the enforced 18% non-resident cap and recent penalties for exceeding it, the effective out-of-state acceptance rate is meaningfully tighter than the published figure.
UNCW Profile
Full Name
University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW)
City
Wilmington
State
North Carolina
ZIP Code
28403-5963
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a UNCW Degree Worth It?
At $25,913/year against a $54,967 median graduate salary, UNCW is worth weighing against your specific program and financial situation — the numbers below give you a real basis for that decision.
Admitted students' families report a median household income around $62,200, and graduates see a 3.12% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from UNCW Cost?
Listed tuition runs $25,913/year at UNCW; factor in Pell and federal grant aid and most students land closer to $19,472.
At UNCW, 23.8% receive a Pell Grant and 36.1% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming UNCW on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a UNCW Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, UNCW graduates report a median income of $54,967, about 35% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of North Carolina Wilmington. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| University of Mobile | Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | 1222 | 26 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Arkadelphia, AR | 1212 | 25 |
| California Lutheran University | Thousand Oaks, CA | 1224 | 26 |
| University of Redlands | Redlands, CA | 1231 | 28 |
| Quinnipiac University | Hamden, CT | 1212 | 27 |
| Florida Institute of Technology | Melbourne, FL | 1213 | 26 |
| University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | 1235 | 27 |
| Berry College | Mount Berry, GA | 1223 | 26 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of North Carolina Wilmington. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| Biola University | La Mirada, CA | 1258 | 27 |
| Eckerd College | Saint Petersburg, FL | 1256 | 27 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach | Daytona Beach, FL | 1256 | 27 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of North Carolina Wilmington. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | Huntsville, AL | 1321 | 28 |
| Auburn University | Auburn, AL | 1318 | 28 |
| Hendrix College | Conway, AR | 1336 | 29 |
| University of the Pacific | Stockton, CA | 1303 | 27 |
| University of San Francisco | San Francisco, CA | 1313 | 29 |
Degree Programs at UNCW
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About UNCW Admissions
University of North Carolina Wilmington graduates earn a moderate median salary of $54,967/year, with some variation by field.
Tuition at University of North Carolina Wilmington is relatively affordable, around $25,913/year.
23.8% receive a Pell Grant here, below the ~35% national average — University of North Carolina Wilmington skews toward higher-income students, though merit aid may still be worth checking.
University of North Carolina Wilmington's acceptance rate is 74%, comparatively higher than most selective universities — admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted University of North Carolina Wilmington students is 3.56, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 3.26 puts you in the standard applicant pool at University of North Carolina Wilmington. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 3.16 or below makes admission tougher at University of North Carolina Wilmington, but strong test scores, activities, and essays — plus AP/IB coursework — can still keep you in contention.
University of North Carolina Wilmington weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 1262, and within the 1220–1360 range, keeps you competitive.
University of North Carolina Wilmington's deadline is February 1 (Regular Decision), with decisions out by January 20.
University of North Carolina Wilmington charges an application fee of 80; ask admissions about waiver eligibility if cost is a barrier.
Transferring in is a well-trodden path here. Line up your transcripts, recommendations, and a strong personal statement before applying.
The biggest levers are academic performance, a clear extracurricular focus, and essays that stand out — plus a solid test score where the school considers one.
Explore Other Options
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