University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) vs University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP)
When it comes to higher education in North Carolina, two prominent universities that often draw comparisons are the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP). While both institutions share the UNC system's commitment to academic excellence, they offer distinct experiences for students. UNCW, located in the coastal city of Wilmington, boasts a higher acceptance rate and a larger student body, with a diverse mix of undergraduate and graduate programs. UNCP, situated in the historic town of Pembroke, has a smaller student population and a focus on Native American studies, along with a strong emphasis on community engagement. To help you make an informed decision about your educational journey, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table highlighting key differences between these two universities, including acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. Dive into the details to discover which institution aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
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![]() University of North Carolina at Pembroke |
![]() University of North Carolina Wilmington |
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Overview |
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Location | Pembroke, North Carolina | Wilmington, North Carolina |
Campus setting | Town: Distant | City: Midsize |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 73.0% | 83.0% |
![]() |
No | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 91.8% | 68.0% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$55
Graduate:
$55
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Undergraduate:
$80
Graduate:
$75
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SAT range | 890 - 1140 | 1210 - 1330 |
ACT range | 16 - 21 | 24 - 28 |
Students submitting SAT score | 7.0% | 8.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 35.0% | 19.0% |
Total number of applicants | 5,578 | 15,792 |
Total number of admissions given out | 5,123 | 10,736 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 896 | 2,435 |
Yield rate | 17.5% | 22.7% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Required |
High school transcript | Not required | Required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$15,607
Out of state:
$19,607
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In state:
$25,855
Out of state:
$39,920
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Average net price | $11,022 | $18,792 |
Tuition |
In state:
$1,000
Out of state:
$5,000
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In state:
$4,443
Out of state:
$18,508
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$6,174
Meal plan:
$4,510
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Room/dormitory:
$6,926
Meal plan:
$4,420
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
83.0%
Average amount $6,136 |
53.0%
Average amount $6,253 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
55.0%
Average amount $5,275 |
47.0%
Average amount $5,258 |
Students taking out private loans |
0.0%
Average amount $0 |
9.0%
Average amount $15,490 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
6,317
Men 37.1% Women 62.9% |
14,488
Men 35.0% Women 65.0% |
Graduate students |
2,001
Men 29.4% Women 70.6% |
3,542
Men 28.2% Women 71.8% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Moderate
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Low
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Out-of-state students | 11.8% | 17.4% |
International students | 1.4% | 2.0% |
Campus local/setting | Town: Distant | City: Midsize |
Dormitory capacity | 2,330 | 5,562 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | North Carolina South Carolina Virginia Georgia Florida | North Carolina Maryland Pennsylvania Virginia New Jersey |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 15:1 | 16:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 43.2% | 71.8% |
Dropout rate | 18.2% | 6.5% |
Transferred out | 36.4% | 20.7% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Public Administration (Master's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degrees)
Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Social Work (Master's Degrees)
Chemistry (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
Fine and Studio Arts (Master's Degrees)
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
Chemistry (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business/Managerial Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
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