UNCW Retention Rate & Student Outcomes: University of North Carolina Wilmington (2026)
GradeToGrad Editorial Team
April 11, 2026
UNCW has a retention rate of approximately 82-84% and a graduation rate around 70%. Here is what the numbers mean and how UNCW compares to other UNC system schools.
If you are searching for UNCW's retention rate, you are asking the right question. Retention rate — the percentage of freshmen who return for their sophomore year — is one of the best indicators of student satisfaction and academic support at a university.
If you are searching for UNCW's retention rate, you are asking the right question. Retention rate — the percentage of freshmen who return for their sophomore year — is one of the best indicators of student satisfaction and academic support at a university.
UNCW Retention Rate
- Freshman retention rate: Approximately 82–84% (full-time students)
- What this means: About 82–84 out of every 100 freshmen return for their sophomore year
- National average: ~68% for public 4-year universities
UNCW's retention rate is above the national average, which suggests that most students are satisfied with their experience and progressing toward graduation.
UNCW Graduation Rate
- 6-year graduation rate: Approximately 70%
- 4-year graduation rate: Approximately 50%
- National average (public 4-year): ~62% for 6-year rate
A 70% six-year graduation rate is solid — it means 7 out of 10 students who start at UNCW complete their degree within six years.
How UNCW Compares to Other UNC System Schools
| University | Retention Rate | 6-Year Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|
| UNC Chapel Hill | ~97% | ~92% |
| NC State | ~93% | ~82% |
| UNCW | ~83% | ~70% |
| UNC Charlotte | ~81% | ~58% |
| UNC Greensboro | ~76% | ~54% |
| East Carolina | ~78% | ~58% |
| Appalachian State | ~86% | ~72% |
UNCW sits in the middle of the UNC system — below the flagships (Chapel Hill, NC State, App State) but above several regional campuses.
You might also like
Not sure which path is right? Compare colleges and trade schools near you with real salary data.
Try the Calculator →Other UNCW Quick Facts
- Location: Wilmington, North Carolina (coastal)
- Enrollment: ~18,000 students
- Tuition: ~$7,300/year in-state, ~$21,600 out-of-state
- Acceptance rate: Approximately 70%
- Popular programs: Marine Biology, Nursing, Film Studies, Business, Education
- Campus: Known for its coastal location and beach proximity
What Affects Retention?
Students leave UNCW (and any university) for common reasons:
- Financial pressure: Tuition + living costs in Wilmington
- Academic difficulty: Science prerequisites filter some students
- Transfer: Some students transfer to larger UNC campuses or out of state
- Personal/family reasons: Unrelated to the university itself
Financial Aid at UNCW
- NC Need-Based Scholarship: Up to $5,700/year for UNC system students
- Pell Grant: Up to $7,395/year
- NC Promise: Not applicable to UNCW (only applies to select UNC campuses with $500/semester tuition)
- UNCW institutional scholarships: Merit and need-based awards available
Compare UNCW to other North Carolina universities on GradeToGrad.