University of North Carolina Wilmington Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Middle 50% ACT: 24–29
- Middle 50% SAT: 1230–1340
- Average HS GPA: 4.1 (weighted)
Source: UNCW Office of Admissions & BigFuture (Fall 2024–25). Ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted freshmen.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
UNC Wilmington at a Glance
Last verified: Oct 13, 2025
UNC Wilmington blends the access of a public university with a personalized coastal experience. Strong students can earn automatic or competitive scholarships that offset much of the in-state cost, while the Honors College offers prestigious options like the Randall Library Full Ride for top applicants.
Use this guide to explore UNCW’s automatic merit tiers, Honors opportunities, and strategic ways to stack aid. For statewide aid programs, start with our North Carolina Grants & Scholarships page.
FAQ
Is UNC Wilmington test-optional? Yes. UNCW remains test-optional through Fall 2026 and superscores ACT/SAT results under UNC System policy.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT 24–29 • SAT 1230–1340 for admitted students (latest official data).
What’s the average net price? $18,606 per year (latest IPEDS). Actual cost varies by family income. See our Net Price & SAI Guide.
Does UNCW offer reciprocity or OOS waivers? No regional reciprocity. Limited OOS merit awards ($2,000–$5,000) help reduce the tuition gap for top applicants.
https://uncw.edu/seahawk-life/money-matters/financial-aid/types/scholarships/
https://www.prepscholar.com/sat/s/colleges/UNCW-sat-scores-GPA
https://www.meetyourclass.com/uncw/cost
https://uncw.edu/seahawk-life/money-matters/financial-aid/affording-your-education/cost-of-attendance
💰 Cost of Attendance at the University of North Carolina Wilmington
These figures reflect the 2025–2026 academic year for full-time undergraduates (12+ credits per semester). The table shows direct, university-billed costs — tuition, required fees, housing, and meals. Indirect expenses like transportation and books are excluded here.
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $7,266 | $25,420 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $15,406 | $15,406 |
| Total (billed costs) | $22,672 | $40,826 |
Reciprocity & Regional Tuition Programs
- UNC Wilmington does not participate in WUE, MSEP, NEBHE, or ACM for undergraduate programs.
- North Carolina’s Fixed Tuition Program locks the in-state rate for up to 8 semesters for eligible NC residents.
- Out-of-state students may partially offset costs through competitive merit scholarships.
Note: COA figures are rounded for clarity and based on UNCW’s official 2025–2026 Financial Aid budget. UNCW does not require the CSS Profile; submit the FAFSA by the priority deadline for need-based aid.
FAQ — Cost of Attendance at UNC Wilmington
Does UNCW charge different tuition for specific majors?
No. Undergraduate tuition is the same across majors, though some programs (like Nursing or Film Studies) may have additional lab or course fees.
What is the Fixed Tuition Program?
It guarantees the same in-state tuition rate for up to eight consecutive semesters (four years) for qualifying North Carolina residents. Fees and housing costs may still change year to year.
Can out-of-state students get in-state tuition?
Generally no, but certain students—such as military-affiliated families or dependents of North Carolina employees—may qualify for special tuition waivers. Others can offset costs with competitive merit scholarships through the Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid.
Why is the official “Cost of Attendance” higher than the billed total?
The official COA includes indirect expenses like books, transportation, and personal spending. The table above only shows what’s billed directly by UNCW (tuition, housing, and meals).
Does UNCW participate in tuition reciprocity programs?
No. UNC Wilmington does not participate in WUE, MSEP, NEBHE, or the Academic Common Market for undergraduate programs.
What’s a typical net price after aid?
The average student paid about $18,600 after scholarships and grants. Families with higher financial need or strong academic merit may pay less than this average.
https://uncw.edu/seahawk-life/money-matters/financial-aid/affording-your-education/cost-of-attendance
https://www.meetyourclass.com/uncw/cost
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
UNCW offers a small number of admission-based merit scholarships automatically through the general application for admission. These awards are reviewed by the Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid, not the Honors College, and require no extra steps from students. Award amounts and selection thresholds are not published.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (plain English) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions Merit Scholarship (General) | Not published — variable | Awarded to top freshmen based on GPA, curriculum rigor, and leadership/service in the admission application. | No — automatic with admission | Yes, typically for 4 years if GPA maintained | Usually students with a weighted GPA 3.9–4.4 and strong coursework. Test scores (if submitted) are superscored and considered holistically. | Nov 1 (Early Action) — Feb 1 (Final) |
Note: Merit GPA ranges are weighted and estimated from UNCW’s freshman profile. The university does not disclose official cutoffs. Students submitting tests benefit from superscoring. Funding and GPA thresholds vary slightly each year.
FAQ — Automatic Merit at UNCW
What GPA does UNCW use for merit? UNCW reviews the weighted high school GPA reported on your transcript, using 4.0 + scale conventions from your school profile.
Are test scores required? No. UNCW remains test-optional through Fall 2026. If you do send scores, the university superscores both the ACT and SAT.
When do I need to apply to be considered? Students who apply by November 1 (Early Action) receive full merit scholarship consideration. Those who apply by February 1 are considered if funds remain.
When are awards announced? Automatic merit scholarships are typically included with admission decisions and finalized in early spring.
Can I improve my eligibility after applying? No. Merit consideration is based on your record at the time of admission review, not midyear updates.
https://uncw.edu/seahawk-life/money-matters/financial-aid/types/scholarships/
https://uncw.edu/admissions/undergraduate/first-year/requirements/testing
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Scholarships)
Most of UNCW’s selective, high-value scholarships are tied to the Honors College, which is covered in the Honors section below. Outside of Honors, there are only a few university-level competitive awards, primarily donor-funded and accessed through the general UNCW Scholarship Application.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNCW Distinguished Merit Scholarship | Varies (up to full in-state tuition) | Awarded to exceptional incoming freshmen demonstrating high academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. | Yes — via UNCW Scholarship Application | Yes — renewable for up to 4 years with GPA 3.3+ | Typically honors-eligible students with 4.2+ weighted GPA and strong extracurricular or service backgrounds. | March 1 (priority) |
| Donor & Endowed Scholarships | $500–$5,000/year | Awarded based on major, leadership, or special talent; may require essay or recommendation. | Yes — UNCW Scholarship Application | Varies by donor terms | Highly competitive; recipients usually have 3.8+ weighted GPAs and strong recommendation letters. | March 1 (priority) |
| UNCW Alumni Association Scholarship | $1,500/year | Awarded to students who demonstrate Seahawk spirit, service, and academic excellence; open to all majors. | Yes — UNCW Scholarship Application | No | Generally awarded to students in the top 10% of the admitted class with proven leadership or service experience. | March 1 |
FAQ — Flagship (Competitive) Scholarships at UNCW
When is the deadline to apply for competitive scholarships? All university-level competitive awards, including donor and distinguished scholarships, require the UNCW Scholarship Application by March 1.
How many Distinguished Merit Scholarships are awarded each year? The university does not release an exact number, but typically fewer than 50 freshmen receive these competitive awards annually.
Who stands out for these awards? Students with a 4.2+ weighted GPA, rigorous AP/IB or dual-enrollment coursework, leadership, and community involvement tend to win. A compelling personal statement and strong recommendation letter help—see our Reference Request Kit and Essay Toolkit for guidance.
Can I reuse my essays for donor or Honors scholarships? Often yes. UNCW’s portal lets you use one essay for multiple opportunities—just tailor it slightly for leadership or service themes.
Are there National Merit or Stamps Scholarships at UNCW? UNCW is not a National Merit sponsor school and not a Stamps partner. Students qualifying nationally should review our National Merit Scholarship Guide and Stamps Scholarship pages for alternative options.
https://uncw.edu/seahawk-life/money-matters/financial-aid/types/scholarships/
https://uncw.scholarships.ngwebsolutions.com/Scholarships/Search
🎓 UNCW Honors College
The UNCW Honors College offers small seminars, research opportunities, priority registration, and access to Honors housing. Admission is not automatic — students submit a separate Honors College application after university admission. To be considered for Honors scholarships, students must also complete the University Scholarship Application (priority deadline March 1).
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (plain English) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aaron & Elizabeth Silverman Scholarship | In-state tuition & fees (published) | Academically strong students graduating from an accredited North Carolina high school; open to prospective or current students in Honors. | Yes — Honors + University Scholarship Application | Yes (maintain Honors standing) | Top NC students with excellent academics and fit for Honors. | Priority Mar 1 (portal closes Jun 1) |
| James Leutze Scholarship | Not published by UNCW | For North Carolina students; interview required; recipients designated “Leutze Scholars.” | Yes — Honors + University Scholarship Application; interview | Typically renewable with Honors standing | Highly selective NC candidates with outstanding records. | Priority Mar 1 |
| Faculty Merit Scholarship (Honors) | Not published by UNCW (typical Honors awards ≈ $1,000–in-state tuition & fees) | Incoming freshmen admitted to Honors; merit selection by Honors faculty review. | Yes — Honors + University Scholarship Application | Yes (GPA/standing required) | Top Honors admits with rigorous coursework and strong essays. | Priority Mar 1 |
| Porter Honors Scholarship (Business) | Not published by UNCW | Honors students pursuing a degree in the Cameron School of Business; departmental input may apply. | Yes — Honors + University Scholarship Application (Business review) | Varies by fund; generally renewable with standing | Business majors with leadership/service and high GPAs. | Priority Mar 1 |
| William Joseph Boney Memorial Scholarship | Not published by UNCW (variable) | Merit-based; for UNCW students who graduated from a North Carolina high school; leadership considered. | Yes — Honors + University Scholarship Application | Varies; often annual with possible reapplication | NC grads with strong academics and leadership potential. | Priority Mar 1 |
| Friends of UNCW Scholarship (Honors) | Not published by UNCW (merit scholarship for in-state freshmen) | Awarded annually to an in-state freshman in the Honors College to support recruitment and retention. | Yes — University Scholarship Application (Honors review) | May be renewable with satisfactory progress | Strong in-state Honors freshmen with service/leadership. | Priority Mar 1 |
| Lucile Murchison Marvin Scholarship (Honors) | Not published by UNCW (merit + need) | Honors student demonstrating academic ability and financial need. | Yes — University Scholarship Application (Honors review) | Varies (often renewable with standing) | High-achieving Honors students with documented need. | Priority Mar 1 |
Award details above reflect official UNCW sources as of 2025–2026. Some named Honors scholarships do not publish dollar amounts online; when UNCW lists exact coverage (e.g., Silverman — in-state tuition & fees), we show it. All Honors awards require the University Scholarship Application (priority March 1; final close June 1) and maintaining Honors standing for renewal.
Additional Named Honors Opportunities (amounts not published)
- Emmett & Gladys Corbett Scholarships — Merit-based recruitment/retention awards for academically strong Honors students (renewal contingent on progress).
- Carl & Janice Brown Merit Scholarships — Recognize academic excellence and leadership; administered through Honors/College of Arts & Sciences.
- George Henry Hutaff Honors Scholarship Fund — Support for students enrolled in the Honors program.
- Bank of America Merit Scholarships — Donor-funded awards made annually to Honors students.
FAQ — Honors College Scholarships
Do these require a separate application beyond Honors? Yes. Complete both the Honors College application (for admission) and the University Scholarship Application (for funding) by March 1.
Is the Leutze scholarship a full-tuition award? UNCW does not publish a dollar amount for Leutze. It is interview-based for NC students and highly selective. Amounts may vary by funding year.
Which Honors award explicitly covers tuition & fees? The Aaron & Elizabeth Silverman Scholarship specifies coverage of in-state tuition & fees for qualified NC high school graduates.
What timeline should freshmen follow? Apply for admission early, then submit the Honors application and Scholarship Application by March 1 (portal typically closes June 1).
https://uncw.edu/academics/beyond-the-classroom/honors/why-honors/scholarships.html
https://uncw.scholarships.ngwebsolutions.com/Scholarships/Search
⭐ College Specialty
UNCW stands out for its applied learning and coastal research focus—especially in marine science, business, and nursing. These programs consistently earn recognition for academic quality and post-graduate outcomes.
Nationally recognized for excellence in marine biology and ocean sciences, supported by the Center for Marine Science and access to field-based research facilities along the North Carolina coast.
- Business (Cameron School of Business) — Ranked #87 nationally among undergraduate business schools by Poets & Quants (2025).
- Nursing (School of Nursing, CHHS) — Ranked #98 (tied) nationally by U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Colleges.
These recognitions highlight UNCW’s blend of academic rigor, faculty mentorship, and coastal opportunities—whether you’re studying marine ecosystems, business analytics, or clinical practice. Students graduate with hands-on experience and strong professional networks across the Southeast.