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Tuition & Fees

Tuition is billed by the credit hour based on the student’s program campus code, student level & residency.

Additionally, UNCW participates in the Fixed Tuition Program for North Carolina residents who meet certain requirements. For more information on the Fixed Tuition Program please visit our FAQ Page. 

Tuition supports a variety of functions at UNCW, including classroom instruction, student services, maintenance of facilities and infrastructure, need-based aid, and institutional support.

We know your college education is an important investment and that’s why we partnered with GradGuard to offer optional tuition insurance protection.

For an estimated cost of attendance, per academic year, please visit the Estimated Cost of Attendance.

Auditing Courses
Degree Seeking
Non-Degree Seeking

Auditors will be billed tuition and fees for audited classes. You may review additional information on the Registrar's website.

Will be billed at the student level for all courses taken - i.e., Graduate students enrolled in an undergraduate class will still be billed the graduate level rates for that class.

*Thesis courses are billed for 1 credit hour at the in-state distance education graduate rate. Students enrolled in only thesis courses are not charged mandatory fees which cover the use of the campus recreation center. Students enrolled in thesis only will be charged for the use of the recreation center at the time of visit.

Non-degree seeking students who do not hold a bachelor’s degree shall be charged the appropriate undergraduate tuition rate.

Non-degree seeking students already holding a bachelor’s degree shall be charged the appropriate undergraduate tuition rate for any undergraduate level course and the appropriate graduate tuition rate for any graduate level courses taken.

Undergraduate Tuition Per credit hour tuition and fee rates for undergraduate main campus and distance education programs. My Undergraduate Rates
Graduate Tuition Per credit hour tuition and fee rates for graduate main campus and distance education programs. My Graduate Rates
OAP Tuition Per credit hour tuition and fee rates for online accelerated programs (OAP). My OAP Rates
Fixed Tuition Eligibility, What’s Covered, and Loss of Rate Information. Learn More
Tuition Insurance UNCW partners with GradGaurd to offer optional tuition insurance. My Tuition Insurance
Student Fees University fee breakdown, course fees, and other billed charges. My Fees

How Are Tuition & Fees Determined?

Below, you'll learn how the university sets tuition rates and fees.

Tuition Rates Are Reviewed & Set Annually

Tuition rates are reviewed by the UNCW's Board of Trustees and the Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina System and set annually by the North Carolina legislature.

Fees Are Reviewed & Approved

Fees are reviewed and approved by the UNCW's Board of Trustees with final approval pending the Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina System review.

Staff and Faculty Senate representatives, senior executives at the University, and perhaps most importantly, a diverse group of student leaders who represent different student populations (Student Government, undergraduates, and graduates, residential and commuter), weigh in on fees each year.

Am I a North Carolina Resident?

In order to receive in-state tuition and State financial aid consideration, you must be a North Carolina resident.

A North Carolina resident for tuition purposes (and for State financial aid consideration) is a person, or a dependent person (dependent according to IRS tax code – not the FAFSA definition of dependency), whose parent or legal guardian has established and maintained legal residence in North Carolina for at least 12 months.

Under North Carolina law, to qualify for in-state residency, students and/or parents must show that they:

  • Have established legal residence (domicile) in North Carolina, and
  • Have maintained that domicile for at least twelve (12) consecutive months before the beginning of the term, and
  • Have a residential presence in the state, and
  • Intend to make North Carolina their permanent home indefinitely (rather than being in North Carolina solely to attend college).

What if I Am Not an NC Resident?

Those who are not eligible for classification as a North Carolina "resident for tuition purposes" will be charged out-of-state tuition and not be given consideration for State financial aid. Students can get more information about residency and complete a determination at North Carolina Residency Determination Service.

Can I Apply to Be an NC Resident?

To apply for official residency determination please visit North Carolina Residency Determination Service. Remember, under North Carolina law you must qualify for in-state residency.

UNCW Tuition Allocation

Are you looking for how tuition and fees are used at UNC Wilmington? Find this information on our Tuition Allocation page.
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