UNCW Sees Record Enrollment Increase

For the first time in UNCW’s history, student enrollment has surpassed 18,800, marking a significant milestone for the 77-year-old institution.  

Preliminary numbers reflect that the university’s fall enrollment increased by nearly 5%—860 students—compared with fall 2023.  

According to preliminary data from the Office of Institutional Research and Planning, more than 15,250 of the student population are undergraduates; of those, more than 2,750 are first-year students, the largest first-year student class for UNCW. Approximately 87% are first-year, in-state students and 13% are first-year, out-of-state students. Graduate student enrollment stands at more than 3,590.  

“We are excited to welcome so many new Seahawks into our learning community,” said James J. Winebrake, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “Our admissions and student success teams at UNCW are second to none, and our focus on the individual means that students feel part of our community from the moment they arrive on campus. We look forward to supporting these new students in their academic journey and in embracing our UNCW motto: Dare to Learn.” 

UNCW officials attributed the record-breaking enrollment to the university’s strong brand and reputation as a premier institution for high-quality, student-centered education. The university’s commitment to recognizing students as individuals throughout the recruitment and admissions process also played a crucial role in this achievement, said Cynthia Demetriou, associate provost for student engagement, enrollment and retention.   

New programs, such as the Provost Engagement Awards, which honors student experiences in high school, including participation in the arts, theater, student government and pre-college programs like Upward Bound and MarineQuest, have further solidified UNCW as a top choice for prospective students, she said. These programs align with the university’s strategic pillar of community commitment by offering engaging outreach initiatives.   

Once enrolled, students benefit from a support system designed to ensure their academic success and progression toward degree completion, Demetriou added. “Every student is assigned an academic advisor to meet with them multiple times throughout their first semester.”   

Students enroll in UNCW’s UNI 101 course, which introduces them to “the abundance of resources at UNCW and prepares students to identify their strengths and excel on their collegiate journey,” said Demetriou. The program is nationally recognized by the Center for the Study of the First Year Experience.  

UNCW’s retention rate has increased by three points to 88%, the highest in the university’s history.  Demetriou stated that the retention rate reflects the university’s success in supporting students throughout their academic career. She also noted that 95% of first-year students live on campus and engage in campus life activities and programs, which helps foster a supportive community. 

The university’s persistence in aiding students as they navigated FAFSA changes was another contributing factor of UNCW’s enrollment success, she continued. Additionally, removing transfer roadblocks and partnering with Cape Fear Community College resulted in the highest transfer enrollment ever, said Demetriou. The university’s strategic plan prioritizes offering unparalleled opportunities to current and prospective students, which include increasing the availability of financial aid and scholarships to a diverse range of students.