Get to Know UNCW

UNCW is a large public institution with a private feel – and the view’s pretty great, too. The learning, the service, the research, the camaraderie, the campus…come be a part of it all!

Here at the state’s coastal university, you’ll enjoy a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry, critical thinking and thoughtful expression in a beautiful campus setting.

Located just minutes from the beach, Wilmington, North Carolina has a vibrant culture that celebrates the arts, film and music, and a host of campus/community connections to ensure you find where you belong both on and off campus.

Class Of 2027

Freshmen gathered on the campus recreation field for their class portrait during Welcome Week.

A National University on the Carolina Coast

UNCW has come a long way from its early days as Wilmington College. We’ve built a national and global profile while strengthening ties to our state, region, and local community. We’re growing thoughtfully, driven to see our students succeed, and committed to community partnerships.

Founded in 1947 as a county institution, the school joined the University of North Carolina System and became UNCW in 1969.
UNCW offers family-friendly arts activities, summer camps and lifelong learning opportunities to Seahawks of all ages.

Incoming Freshman Classes celebrate Convocation as they begin their first semester.

Strong Start for Undergrads Our first-year experience earned U.S. News recognition. No wonder retention and graduation rates surpass national benchmarks! Apply Now

Military Students congregate at Veterans Hall for annual Fitness Expo.

Support for Military Students & Families Founded in part to serve World War II veterans, UNCW offers opportunities for military-affiliated students. Learn About Military Connections

Coastal Engineering students install LiDAR instruments along the beach.

First B.S. in Coastal Engineering We're the nation's first school to offer this undergraduate program, showcasing our strengths in coastal and marine studies. Coastal Engineering

Seahawk Pride

Racking Up Rankings

107 among the best public national universities in the state and nation in U.S. News & World Report “2024-25 Best Colleges”
12th among the best online bachelor’s degree programs in 2025 (U.S. News & World Report)
#1 in North Carolina and #8 in the southeast on Military Times’ “Best for Vets 2024 Colleges” list
Top 100 Best Undergraduate Nursing Programs in 2025 (U.S. News & World Report)
Listed in the best-selling Fiske Guide to Colleges since 2017

More about rankings

Academic Breadth & Depth

We offer numerous bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs across our colleges and schools.

United focus on applied learning, with emphasis on internships, research, study abroad, community-based projects and other high-impact experiences that grow critical thinking and hands-on skills
Retention rates reached 88%, an all-time high, in 2023-24
Academic programs like coastal engineering are designed to meet regional and national needs

Learn more about UNCW academics

Research Enterprise

Students and faculty are active partners in discovery, recognizing that research enriches education.

Earned Carnegie Classification as a doctoral university with high research activity in 2018, a testament to our focus on expanding research
More than $129 million in sponsored research funding since 2018 – grants and contracts that advance our mission and flow into the regional economy

More Research Highlights

In a Great Place

Wilmington is in one of the “South’s Best Cities on the Rise,” according to the April 2024 edition of Southern Living. Our city and campus have been the filming location for shows and movies over the years, including Dawson’s Creek, One Tree Hill, Iron Man 3 and, more recently, The Summer I Turned Pretty.

Fine More Community Connections

Economic Impact

UNCW is an economic engine for the region and an engaged partner with established businesses, entrepreneurs, and non-profit enterprises.

Training, mentoring and networking is offered through UNCW’s Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE).
UNCW and Southeast NC are positioned to grow a world-class Blue Economy, and the CIE is taking action to implement a strategy to make that happen.
The annual Outlook Conference brings the business community together to better understand the local, regional and national economies.
Driving economic growth and enhancing prosperity in the southeast NC region, UNCW had a $3.2 billion impact in the state and more than $1.6 billion in the region.

See the latest impact study

Strategic Growth

Putting students first, supporting world-class faculty and staff, offering powerful learning experiences and making the most of its proximity to the ocean are UNCW’s hallmarks. The university is guided by “Soar High Together,” a 10-year strategic plan that emphasizes unparalleled opportunities, nationally prominent programs, community commitment, and world-class operations and infrastructure anchoring its future growth.

See the Strategic Plan

The 2024 Campus Master Plan provides direction for physical improvements to help realize the vision of the strategic plan. A road map for future growth, the plan is based on historical, land use and natural frameworks that guide its recommendations.

See the Campus Master Plan

We Are the Seahawks

UNCW fields intercollegiate teams in NCAA Division I and competes in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA). Four-year class averages and graduation rates of the university’s student-athletes rank among the highest for NCAA Division I public universities in the state.

The department captured five CAA championships in 2024, had four CAA Players of the Year and 39 student-athletes selected for All-Region, All-District or All-America honors.

UNCW fields a total of 19 athletic programs at the NCAA Division I level as well as more than 60 intramural and club sports.

Explore Seahawk Athletics

Seahawk Community

Our more than 18,800 students and 2,500 employees join a global network of alumni and friends.

Like No Other campaign raised more than $134 million for students, faculty, alumni and facilities
$25 million gift from Dr. Yousry Sayed and his wife, Linda ’78, ’85M, in 2025 was the largest in UNCW history

See what giving can do at UNCW

Our Mission & Vision Explore transformative experiences at UNCW through our commitment to student engagement, creative inquiry, critical thinking, thoughtful expression and civic responsibility. Learn more

Rankings & Recognition Did you know UNCW is ranked among the best online bachelor’s programs and graduate schools nationally by U.S. News & World Report? We are consistently recognized among the top public national universities in the country. Check it out

History & Traditions Today’s Seahawks are honored to build on the legacy of excellence established by generations of students, faculty, staff, leaders, alumni and friends of the university. Step back in time

Our Campus Georgian-style architecture and beautiful landscaping make UNCW one of the most attractive college campuses in the South. The 650-acre campus has gathering areas interspersed throughout the many natural areas on campus. Enjoy the view

University Leadership Chancellor Aswani Volety and the Board of Trustees are committed to attracting the best students, faculty and staff to UNCW by supporting the university’s success in teaching, research and service. More about our leaders

Institutional Data & Assessment Data are among the most important assets that we maintain. We foster and ensure a culture of continuous improvement, data-informed decisions and accreditation compliance. Institutional Data & Assessment

Seahawk statue at the front of campus at dusk

Seahawk Respect Compact

Our ongoing efforts to increase access to and inclusion in a community that nurtures learning and growth for all

Seahawk Respect Compact

Accreditation

UNCW is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees.

Accreditation at UNCW