University of North Carolina Acceptance Rate 2026

Quick Answer

University of North Carolina at Wilmington has an acceptance rate of 64.24% as of the 2026 admissions cycle, making it a moderately selective public institution. In-state tuition stands at $7,277 annually, while out-of-state tuition is $24,152. Graduates earn a median of $54,967 ten years after enrollment, reflecting strong career outcomes for a regional university.

Acceptance Snapshot

For the 2026 admissions cycle, UNC Wilmington admitted approximately 64.24% of applicants, indicating a moderately selective admissions process. The university enrolls approximately 14,922 students across its undergraduate and graduate programs. This acceptance rate reflects the institution’s commitment to maintaining academic standards while remaining accessible to qualified students from diverse backgrounds.

Year-over-year trends in acceptance rates at regional public universities like UNC Wilmington typically fluctuate based on application volume and institutional enrollment targets. Prospective students should note that acceptance rates alone do not determine admission success—the university also evaluates academic credentials, test scores, essays, and extracurricular involvement.

SAT & ACT Scores

The provided data does not include 25th-75th percentile SAT or ACT score ranges for UNC Wilmington’s 2026 admissions cycle. Prospective students should consult the university’s official admissions website or contact the admissions office directly for current standardized testing expectations and score distributions among admitted students.

Tuition & Costs

Annual Tuition (2026)

• In-State Tuition: $7,277
• Out-of-State Tuition: $24,152

These figures represent the core tuition costs for undergraduate enrollment. The total cost of attendance, including room and board, fees, and other expenses, will be significantly higher. The average net price for students attending UNC Wilmington is $20,109 annually after accounting for financial aid and grants.

For in-state students, the substantially lower tuition reflects North Carolina’s investment in public higher education. Out-of-state students should budget considerably more, though the university’s financial aid packages may reduce the net cost.

Financial Aid Overview

The average net price for students at UNC Wilmington is $20,109 per year, representing the actual cost after institutional aid and grants are applied. This figure is significantly lower than the published out-of-state tuition, indicating that the university distributes substantial financial aid to qualifying students.

The median student debt upon graduation is $19,500, which is below the national average for four-year public institutions. This suggests that UNC Wilmington’s financial aid packages, combined with relatively affordable in-state tuition, help students minimize borrowing.

For detailed information about aid eligibility, grant amounts by income bracket, and scholarship opportunities, prospective students should contact the Financial Aid Office or visit the university’s financial aid portal.

Graduation Rates

UNC Wilmington reports a completion rate of 70.66%, indicating that approximately seven in ten students graduate within the expected timeframe. This rate aligns with or exceeds many regional public universities and reflects the institution’s support systems for student success.

The national average completion rate for public four-year institutions is approximately 65%, placing UNC Wilmington slightly above the national benchmark. Strong graduation rates suggest effective academic advising, student support services, and institutional commitment to student retention.

Post-Graduation Earnings

Graduates of UNC Wilmington earn a median of $54,967 ten years after initial enrollment, according to data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. This figure reflects earnings across all majors and degree types and provides a meaningful indicator of the economic value of a degree from the institution.

Career outcomes vary significantly by major, with STEM fields, business, and health professions typically commanding higher salaries. For detailed earnings data by specific major, prospective students should consult the College Scorecard or request major-specific outcome data from the university’s career services office.

Popular Majors

The provided data does not include a breakdown of the top majors by degrees awarded at UNC Wilmington. Prospective students interested in specific programs should visit the university’s academic affairs website or contact the registrar’s office for detailed enrollment and degree production statistics by program.

Demographics

The provided data does not include enrollment breakdowns by race/ethnicity or gender for UNC Wilmington’s current student population. For comprehensive demographic information, prospective students should consult the university’s institutional research office or the Common Data Set, which provides standardized demographic reporting across institutions.

Related Guides

• American University Acceptance Rate 2025 | Admissions Data
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• University of Oregon Acceptance Rate 2025 | Admissions Data
• UNC Acceptance Rate 2025: 64.24% at UNCW
• UCF Acceptance Rate 2025: 40% Admissions Data

FAQ

What is UNC Wilmington’s acceptance rate?

As of the 2026 admissions cycle, UNC Wilmington’s acceptance rate is 64.24%, making it a moderately selective institution. This means the university admits approximately two-thirds of applicants, though admission is not guaranteed for all qualified candidates. The university evaluates applications holistically, considering academic credentials, test scores, essays, and extracurricular activities.

How much does it cost to attend UNC Wilmington?

In-state tuition is $7,277 per year, while out-of-state tuition is $24,152 annually. However, the average net price after financial aid is $20,109, which is substantially lower than published tuition for most students. Total cost of attendance, including room, board, and fees, will exceed tuition alone. Prospective students should use the university’s net price calculator for personalized cost estimates.

What are the typical test scores for admitted students?

The provided data does not include SAT or ACT score ranges for admitted students. Prospective students should contact UNC Wilmington’s admissions office or visit the official website for current testing expectations and score distributions among the admitted class.

What is the graduation rate at UNC Wilmington?

UNC Wilmington reports a completion rate of 70.66%, meaning approximately seven in ten students graduate within the expected timeframe. This rate exceeds the national average for public four-year institutions and reflects strong student support and academic advising.

How much do UNC Wilmington graduates earn after graduation?

Graduates earn a median of $54,967 ten years after initial enrollment. This figure represents earnings across all majors and provides a meaningful indicator of the long-term economic value of a degree from the institution. Earnings vary significantly by major and career field.

How much student debt do graduates typically carry?

The median student debt for UNC Wilmington graduates is $19,500, which is below the national average for public universities. This relatively modest debt burden reflects the university’s affordable in-state tuition and the effectiveness of its financial aid packages in helping students minimize borrowing.

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Data Sources: The statistics in this article are derived from the U.S. Department of Education National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the College Scorecard, with data current as of April 2026. Prospective students should verify all figures directly with UNC Wilmington’s admissions and financial aid offices, as institutional data is updated regularly.