South Dakota University vs University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW)
Envision yourself pursuing higher education in either the vibrant plains of South Dakota or the coastal charm of North Carolina. The University of South Dakota (USD) and the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) offer distinct experiences for students seeking academic excellence. USD boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option, while UNCW's smaller student body fosters a close-knit community. Both universities excel in different areas of study, with USD excelling in health professions and UNCW in marine science. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more about these institutions' acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation rates. Whether you're drawn to the vast prairies or the allure of the sea, this comparison will guide you towards the university that best aligns with your aspirations.
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![]() University of North Carolina Wilmington |
![]() University of South Dakota |
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Overview |
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Location | Wilmington, North Carolina | Vermillion, South Dakota |
Campus setting | City: Midsize | Town: Distant |
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 | 83.0% | 77.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 68.0% | 87.0% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$80
Graduate:
$75
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Undergraduate:
$20
Graduate:
$35
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SAT range | 1210 - 1330 | 1050 - 1290 |
ACT range | 24 - 28 | 19 - 25 |
Students submitting SAT score | 8.0% | 3.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 19.0% | 80.0% |
Total number of applicants | 15,792 | 4,272 |
Total number of admissions given out | 10,736 | 3,717 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 2,435 | 1,233 |
Yield rate | 22.7% | 33.2% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Not required |
Recommendation letters | Required | Not required |
High school transcript | Required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Not required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$25,855
Out of state:
$39,920
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In state:
$25,657
Out of state:
$29,167
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Average net price | $18,792 | $18,974 |
Tuition |
In state:
$4,443
Out of state:
$18,508
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In state:
$7,773
Out of state:
$11,283
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$6,926
Meal plan:
$4,420
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Room/dormitory:
$4,366
Meal plan:
$4,234
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
53.0%
Average amount $6,253 |
84.0%
Average amount $5,196 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
47.0%
Average amount $5,258 |
60.0%
Average amount $5,102 |
Students taking out private loans |
9.0%
Average amount $15,490 |
14.0%
Average amount $9,890 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
14,488
Men 35.0% Women 65.0% |
6,987
Men 35.9% Women 64.1% |
Graduate students |
3,542
Men 28.2% Women 71.8% |
2,477
Men 37.2% Women 62.8% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
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Very Low
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Out-of-state students | 17.4% | 39.4% |
International students | 2.0% | 2.7% |
Campus local/setting | City: Midsize | Town: Distant |
Dormitory capacity | 5,562 | 2,154 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | North Carolina Maryland Pennsylvania Virginia New Jersey | South Dakota Iowa Nebraska Minnesota Wisconsin |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 16:1 | 14:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 71.8% | 60.1% |
Dropout rate | 6.5% | 14.2% |
Transferred out | 20.7% | 24.5% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
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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Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Public Administration (Master's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
Medicine (First Professional Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
Law (First Professional Degrees)
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