University of North Carolina Wilmington SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
UNCW admits a solid majority of applicants, but the enrolled class is still academically strong, with an average GPA above 4.0. Because the school is test-optional and few students submit scores, send them only if they add clear evidence beyond your grades. Aim near 1340 SAT or 29 ACT if you want testing to help.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
University of North Carolina Wilmington facts and stats
University of North Carolina Wilmington enrolls 15,254 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. UNCW has a freshman retention rate of 88%, which is above the national average of roughly 70%, and its 6-year graduation rate is 71%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1.
Wilmington, NC
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Key University of North Carolina Wilmington application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
February 1
Early Action
November 1
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
November 1
Financial Aid Priority
March 1
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
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Because UNCW is test-optional, follow this plan only if you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores: take your first test by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and fall of senior year for retakes. For the November 1 Early Action deadline, plan on the October SAT or September ACT as the last fall retake likely to arrive in time, with earlier retakes giving you more room to improve a superscore.
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What you'll actually pay
UNCW is a public Coastal Athletic Association school with in-state tuition of $4,443 and out-of-state tuition of $21,318. About 44% of students receive aid, and the FAFSA priority deadline is March 1.
At University of North Carolina Wilmington, out-of-state tuition is $21,318, while in-state tuition is $4,443. Room and board adds $14,268 to the annual cost. About 44% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $11,569, and the average merit award is $3,457. Graduates leave with an average debt of $27,202.
Student life at University of North Carolina Wilmington
34% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Priority
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 7% of men join fraternities, and 12% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
South Piedmont Community College
Polkton, NCAppalachian State University
Boone, NCAcceptance rate: 90.1%
SAT: 1140–1270
ACT: 21–27
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Asheville, NCAcceptance rate: 88.6%
Barton College
Wilson, NCAcceptance rate: 94.2%
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