University of North Carolina Wilmington admits 74% of applicants, meaning roughly 3 in 4 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places the university in the Moderately Selective category, creating reasonable admission odds for qualified students while maintaining academic standards. The peer median admission rate of 78.1% shows University of North Carolina Wilmington admits slightly fewer students than typical institutions in its comparison group, though the 4.1 percentage point difference represents minimal additional selectivity. This admission rate indicates that most academically prepared students with appropriate test scores and grade point averages have strong chances for acceptance. Students should view University of North Carolina Wilmington as an accessible option that doesn't require the exceptional credentials demanded by highly selective institutions. The university's moderate selectivity allows for broader access while still attracting academically motivated students. For college list building purposes, applicants should treat University of North Carolina Wilmington as a solid match or safety school rather than a reach, depending on their academic profile. This accessibility supports the university's mission of serving diverse student populations, including first-generation and Pell-eligible students who comprise significant portions of the enrolled class.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at University of North Carolina Wilmington typically present strong academic credentials that reflect serious college preparation. SAT scores for enrolled students range from 1220 to 1360, with a midpoint of 1262, representing top-tier performance nationally. The middle 50% of students score between 600-670 on SAT Math and 620-690 on SAT Verbal, indicating balanced quantitative and verbal preparation. ACT scores range from 24 to 28 with a midpoint of 26, demonstrating consistent academic achievement. These test score ranges place University of North Carolina Wilmington well above peer institutions, with SAT scores averaging 64 points higher than the peer median of 1198 and ACT scores exceeding the peer median by one point. Students scoring below 1220 SAT or 24 ACT should expect to be at a competitive disadvantage but remain viable candidates, particularly with strong grades and other credentials. Those scoring within the middle 50% ranges demonstrate academic competitiveness for admission and should feel confident about their prospects. The university's test score profile indicates that successful applicants typically rank in the top half of their high school classes and have completed rigorous coursework. Students should consider whether their academic credentials align with these ranges when building college lists, treating scores significantly below the 25th percentile as indicators that University of North Carolina Wilmington may be a reach rather than a match school.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
University of North Carolina Wilmington enrolls a diverse student body that includes significant representation from various economic and educational backgrounds. The university serves 23.8% Pell-eligible students, indicating nearly a quarter of enrolled students come from lower-income families earning under $50,000 annually. First-generation college students comprise 25.9% of the enrolled population, demonstrating the university's role in providing educational opportunity for students whose parents did not complete four-year degrees. Transfer students represent 37.8% of new enrollment, reflecting the university's commitment to providing pathways for students beginning at community colleges or other institutions. This composition suggests University of North Carolina Wilmington prioritizes educational access alongside academic achievement, creating a student environment that includes both traditional college-bound students and those from less privileged backgrounds. The substantial transfer population indicates strong articulation agreements with community colleges and recognition of diverse educational pathways. For prospective students, these demographics suggest an inclusive campus environment where students from varied backgrounds can find community and support. First-generation students should know that more than one in four enrolled students share their background, while lower-income students should consider the 23.8% Pell share when assessing institutional fit and available support systems.
Given University of North Carolina Wilmington's 74% acceptance rate, most academically qualified students should gain admission. However, students seeking alternatives should consider these options with comparable outcomes.
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Students who enroll at University of North Carolina Wilmington demonstrate strong persistence and completion outcomes that exceed typical performance for similar institutions. The first-year retention rate of 85% compares favorably to the peer median of 83.7%, indicating effective student support and engagement during the critical transition period. Six-year graduation rates reach 70.7%, surpassing the peer median of 65.9% by nearly 5 percentage points and demonstrating institutional effectiveness in degree completion. Pell-eligible students graduate at 62.8%, creating an 7.9 percentage point gap compared to the overall completion rate of 70.7%. While this gap indicates some challenges for lower-income students, the absolute completion rate for Pell recipients remains reasonable and reflects the university's efforts to support economically disadvantaged students through degree completion. The retention and graduation data suggest that students who gain admission can expect strong institutional support for academic success and timely degree completion. The relatively small gap between overall and Pell completion rates, compared to many institutions with similar demographics, indicates University of North Carolina Wilmington provides effective support systems for students from diverse economic backgrounds. Prospective students should view these completion metrics as positive indicators of the academic environment and student services they will encounter upon enrollment.
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