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
Figuring out how to pay for college can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re the first in your family to go. At UNCW, families can combine state aid from North Carolina with university scholarships to make things more affordable. This page breaks down all the options in plain English so you know where to start.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of North Carolina Wilmington
UNCW publishes a full-time (undergraduate) annual cost of attendance for 2025–2026. “Full-time” is their standard budget assumption (band not explicitly stated on the COA page). Figures below are per year.
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $4,443 | $22,597 |
| Mandatory Fees | $2,823 | $2,823 |
| Housing (on-campus avg.) | $9,480 | $9,480 |
| Meals (standard plan) | $5,926 | $5,926 |
| Books & Supplies (allowance) | $850 | $850 |
| Transportation (allowance) | $1,681 | $2,003 |
| Personal/Misc. (allowance) | $1,539 | $1,539 |
| Health Insurance (est.) | $2,364 | $2,364 |
| Loan Origination Fee (est.) | $64 | $64 |
| Total (before aid) | $29,170 | $47,646 |
Reciprocity / Regional Tuition Programs
- No WUE / MSEP / NEBHE / ACM (undergraduate) at UNCW. UNCW does not advertise an undergrad regional-tuition match. The main “price lever” is North Carolina residency (plus scholarships).
- Worked example: Out-of-state vs. in-state sticker difference is $18,476/year ($47,646 − $29,170). Scholarships and grants can shrink either total.
- Fixed Tuition (NC residents): UNC System’s Fixed Tuition program locks tuition for up to 8 consecutive semesters for eligible NC residents.
FAQ — Reciprocity & Waivers at UNCW
Who qualifies? UNCW does not list an undergraduate regional reciprocity (like WUE/NEBHE/MSEP/ACM). Eligibility for in-state rates is based on North Carolina residency (via the state’s Residency Determination Service).
How much could it save? The baseline gap between out-of-state and in-state sticker totals is about $18.5k/year before aid. Actual savings vary once scholarships/grants are applied.
Do I apply or is it automatic? There’s no separate reciprocity program to apply for. Complete NC residency determination if you believe you qualify; otherwise focus on merit/need-based aid and departmental scholarships.
Note: COA is a budgeting model used for financial aid — not a bill. Actual charges depend on your housing/meal choices, insurance waiver eligibility, and course load/fees.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
UNCW does award a limited number of admission-based merit scholarships automatically from the application for admission. These are not tied to Honors College or departmental programs. Unfortunately, the university does not publish dollar ranges or tiers for these awards.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (plain English) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions Merit Scholarship (general) | Not published — no ranges disclosed | Incoming freshmen chosen directly from the admission file for strong academics, rigor, and overall achievements. | No — automatic with admission review | Not publicly stated | *Estimate:* Students with weighted GPAs in the 3.9–4.4 range, rigorous AP/IB/dual coursework, and strong leadership/service. SAT ~1230–1340 or ACT ~24–29 if submitted (superscored).* |
Note: “Who Actually Wins?” bands marked with * are estimates based on UNCW’s published student profile data. Exact thresholds and amounts vary year to year depending on funding and applicant pool.
FAQ — Automatic Merit at UNCW
Do I need to complete the UNCW Scholarship Application?
No. These automatic awards are selected straight from your admission application. The separate portal (priority deadline around Mar 1) is for donor/departmental scholarships.
Are test scores required?
No. UNCW is test-optional. If submitted, SAT/ACT scores are superscored. GPA and course rigor carry the most weight.
Why won’t UNCW disclose ranges?
Most awards are small and variable from year to year. By not publishing tiers, UNCW keeps flexibility in how much to award and to whom.
When are awards announced?
Admission-based merit is typically communicated in late winter or early spring after admission decisions are released.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Most of UNCW’s selective scholarships are tied directly to the Honors College, which we cover later in the Honors section. Outside of Honors, there are very few university-wide competitive scholarships publicly listed.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No non-Honors competitive scholarships publicly listed | UNCW channels its major competitive awards through the Honors College. Other donor/departmental scholarships are considered “hidden gems” and covered in Section 5. | ||||
FAQ — Competitive Scholarships at UNCW
Does UNCW offer full-ride scholarships outside of Honors?
No. The largest competitive scholarships (some covering full tuition/fees) are housed in the Honors College.
Where should I look instead?
Check the UNCW Scholarship Application portal (priority deadline around Mar 1) for donor and departmental funds, which we list in Hidden Gems.
Can I combine donor awards with merit?
Usually yes — donor and departmental scholarships often stack with admission-based merit up to the Cost of Attendance.
⭐ College Specialty
UNCW shines in several areas where it’s earned national and regional recognition—strengths that can unlock real-world opportunities after graduation.
Ranked #21 nationally for biological oceanography bachelor’s programs and #1 in North Carolina.
- Business (Cameron School of Business) — Ranked among the top 100 undergraduate business schools by Poets & Quants in 2025, with No. 87 overall.
- Nursing (Undergraduate Program) — Ranked #96 (tied) nationally by U.S. News in its 2025 Best Colleges edition.
These rankings matter—because they reflect strong faculty, research resources, and industry pipelines. Whether you’re headed into marine science, business, or nursing, UNCW delivers real credibility.
🎓 UNCW Honors College
The UNCW Honors College offers an enriched academic experience with small seminars, priority registration, research opportunities, and exclusive housing options. Entry is not automatic — students must complete a separate application after being admitted to the university. Some high-achieving students may receive invitations to apply, but all applicants must still submit the extra materials.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (plain English) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors Merit Scholarships | $500 – full in-state tuition & fees (avg. ≈ $2,000/year) | Admitted to the Honors College; selection based on GPA, rigor, and application essays. | Yes — must apply to Honors College | Yes, typically if GPA standards are maintained | Top fraction of admitted Honors students; usually GPAs 4.2+, strong essays, and leadership/service involvement. |
| Leutze & Porter Business Scholarships | Not published — awarded through Honors College | Admitted to Honors; one is broad, one tied to Cameron School of Business majors. | Yes — must apply to Honors College | Likely renewable if Honors standing maintained | Very selective; top academic performers plus demonstrated leadership in specific fields. |
| Silverman Scholars Program | Covers full in-state tuition & fees | Top students admitted to Honors College; requires outstanding academics, essays, and leadership/service record. | Yes — must apply to Honors College | Yes, contingent on Honors standing | Highest-achieving Honors admits; GPA usually near 4.4 weighted, AP/IB rigor, plus leadership/service distinction. |
FAQ — UNCW Honors College
Is the Honors College automatic?
No. You must apply separately after admission. Even students invited to apply must still complete the full Honors application.
What makes it competitive?
Academics (weighted GPAs ~4.2+), AP/IB rigor, strong essays, and evidence of leadership/service.
Are Honors scholarships stackable?
Yes, many can be layered with UNCW donor/departmental awards and outside scholarships.
Is there a special perk besides money?
Yes. Honors students get smaller classes, early course registration, research support, and access to Honors housing and study abroad funding.
📎 Official Links
✅ Final Take on UNCW Scholarships
The University of North Carolina Wilmington is generous with opportunity, but less transparent than many peers when it comes to publishing clear dollar ranges for automatic merit. For families, that means you’ll need to be proactive: apply early, ask questions, and be ready to supplement automatic aid with competitive, Honors, and hidden gem awards. If your student is high-achieving and service-minded, the Honors College and programs like the Silverman Scholars can make a big dent in the cost of attendance. For others, departmental and donor-funded awards are the real hidden gems.
Last updated: August 2025