UNCW Acceptance Rate

The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), located in Wilmington, North Carolina, is a public university known for its strong undergraduate programs and coastal setting. For the most recent admission cycle (Class of 2028), UNCW reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 68.8%, reflecting a moderately selective admissions process. This rate is influenced by factors such as a growing applicant pool, increased interest in UNCW’s marine science and business programs, and broader application trends in the UNC system. While UNCW publishes some admission statistics through its official website and the Common Data Set, detailed breakdowns for specific categories like early action or international students are not always publicly available.

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 68.8% for the Class of 2028, with approximately 16,000 applicants and around 11,000 admitted students, consistent with prior years.
• Early Action/Decision Rate: Data unavailable for the most recent cycle. Based on historical trends, early action rates are typically slightly higher, estimated at 70-75%.
• International Student Rate: Specific data unavailable. Given regional norms for public universities, the rate is estimated at 60-65%, reflecting additional admission criteria for international applicants.

Over the past few years, UNCW’s acceptance rate has remained relatively stable, hovering between 65% and 70%, indicating consistent selectivity despite a gradual increase in applications. The university’s early action option appears to offer a slight advantage, though limited data makes this trend difficult to confirm. Compared to peer institutions within the UNC system, such as UNC Chapel Hill (much more selective at around 17%), UNCW maintains a more accessible admissions profile, appealing to a broad range of students. International student admissions may face slightly lower acceptance rates due to additional requirements, though UNCW’s commitment to diversity suggests ongoing efforts to attract global talent. For the most accurate and updated statistics, prospective students are encouraged to visit the UNCW Admissions website or refer to the university’s Common Data Set reports.