Public

Small

University of North Carolina School of the Arts SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1175 to 1345

ACT Range22 to 29

Average GPA3.60

Acceptance Rate30%

Even at arts-focused UNCSA, the numbers show academics still matter: the middle SAT range reaches 1345 and the average GPA is 3.6. It is test-optional, but if you can submit around a 1300+ SAT or 28+ ACT, you give yourself a stronger academic case alongside your audition or portfolio.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

University of North Carolina School of the Arts facts and stats

Quick Facts

University of North Carolina School of the Arts enrolls 946 undergraduate students in an urban campus setting. UNCSA has a 93% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 78%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 6:1.

Location

Winston Salem, NC

Undergrad Enrollment946

Freshman Retention93%

SettingUrban

Student to Faculty Ratio6:1

Graduation Rate78%

Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at UNCSA?

SAT score card showing a 1520 score with an unlocked lock

Unlock your future with Acely

Adaptive SAT and ACT practice that meets you where you are and gets you to your target score.

Start your free trial

Key University of North Carolina School of the Arts application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

January 15

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

February 1

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

If you choose to submit scores to UNCSA, plan to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year. Use the summer before senior year and senior fall for retakes and superscoring opportunities, with the December SAT or ACT as the last retake likely to arrive in time for UNCSA’s January 15 Regular Decision deadline.

Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at University of North Carolina School of the Arts?

Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.

Start your free trial

What you'll actually pay

UNCSA’s in-state tuition is $6,497, while out-of-state tuition is $24,231. About 47% of students receive aid, and the FAFSA priority deadline is February 1.

In-State Tuition$6,497

Out-of-State Tuition$24,231

Room and Board$13,517

Average Merit Award$4,351

Application Fee$95

Students on Aid47%

Average Aid Package$16,595

Average Debt at GradN/A

At UNCSA, out-of-state tuition is $24,231, while in-state tuition is $6,497; room and board adds $13,517. About 47% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $16,595. Merit awards average $4,351, which can help reduce the final price for qualifying students.