How hard is it to get in to each UNC system school?
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(Full disclosure: Michael Trivette is a co-founder of College Transitions, a Charlotte-based team of college planning experts committed to guiding families through the college admissions process.)
College Transitions recently compiled admission statistics on every public four-year institution in North Carolina for the most recent academic year. This information is provided to assist students and parents navigating the college search and application process. For additional college admissions-related data and information, please visit our dataverse.
Admissions data and other relevant information were collected from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), institutional websites, and the College Board. Each four-year UNC member institution is listed below and schools are listed in alphabetical order:
Appalachian State University
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Type of school: Large university
Degrees available: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
Quick Facts
- Total undergrads: 16,255
- Freshman class size: 3,030
- 4-year grad rate: 44%
- 5-year grad rate: 66%
- 6-year grad rate: 70%
- Freshman retention rate: 88%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 16:1
Applying
- Application platform(s): CFNC, Common Application – beginning fall 2016
- Priority Decision deadline: November 15
- Regular Decision deadline: March 15
- Early Action deadline: N/A
- Entrance difficulty: Moderate
- Total applicants: 13,506
- Acceptance rate: 63%
- GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 4.06
- SAT Math average: 579
- SAT Critical Reading average: 576
- ACT Composite average: 26
- Class rank top tenth: 21%
- Class rank top quarter: 61%
Important Factors in the Admissions Process
- Rigor of student’s high school record
- Academic GPA
- Standardized tests
- Class rank
East Carolina University
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Type of school: Large university
Degrees available: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
Quick Facts
- Total undergrads: 22,252
- Freshman class size: 4,180
- 4-year grad rate: 33%
- 5-year grad rate: 54%
- 6-year grad rate: 59%
- Freshman retention rate: 81%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 18:1
Applying
- Application platform(s): CFNC, ECU admissions website
- Priority Decision deadline: N/A
- Regular Decision deadline: March 15
- Early Action deadline: N/A
- Entrance difficulty: Moderate
- Total applicants: 14,223
- Acceptance rate: 77%
- GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 3.67
- SAT Math average: 528
- SAT Critical Reading average: 514
- ACT Composite average: 22
- Class rank top tenth: 13%
- Class rank top quarter: 40%
Important Factors in the Admissions Process
- Rigor of student’s high school record
- Academic GPA
- Standardized tests
- Class rank
Elizabeth City State University
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Type of school: Medium-sized liberal arts college
Degrees available: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Special designation: Historically Black College and University (HBCU)
Quick Facts
- Total undergrads: 1,805
- Freshman class size: 204
- 4-year grad rate: 15%
- 5-year grad rate: 32%
- 6-year grad rate: 39%
- Freshman retention rate: 68%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 14:1
Applying
- Application platform(s): CFNC
- Priority Decision deadline: May 1
- Regular Decision deadline: June 30
- Early Action deadline: N/A
- Entrance difficulty: Moderate
- Total applicants: 1,504
- Acceptance rate: 49%
- GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): N/A
- SAT Math average: 435
- SAT Critical Reading average: 428
- ACT Composite average: 18
- Class rank top tenth: 2%
- Class rank top quarter: 5%
Important Factors in the Admissions Process
- Rigor of student’s high school record
- Academic GPA
- Standardized tests
- Level of applicant’s interest
Fayetteville State University
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Type of school: Medium-sized university
Degrees available: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
Special designation: Historically Black College and University (HBCU)
Quick Facts
- Total undergrads: 5,247
- Freshman class size: 468
- 4-year grad rate: 17%
- 5-year grad rate: 30%
- 6-year grad rate: 35%
- Freshman retention rate: 74%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 18:1
Applying
- Application platform(s): CFNC
- Priority Decision deadline: N/A
- Regular Decision deadline: June 30
- Early Action deadline: N/A
- Entrance difficulty: Minimal
- Total applicants: 4,110
- Acceptance rate: 50%
- GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 3.25
- SAT Math average: 448
- SAT Critical Reading average: 442
- ACT Composite average: 19
- Class rank top tenth: 9%
- Class rank top quarter: 26%
Important Factors in the Admissions Process
- Rigor of student’s high school record
- Academic GPA
- Standardized tests
North Carolina A&T State University
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Type of school: Medium-sized university
Degrees available: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
Special designation: Historically Black College and University (HBCU)
Quick Facts
- Total undergrads: 9,203
- Freshman class size: 1,707
- 4-year grad rate: 21%
- 5-year grad rate: 40%
- 6-year grad rate: 48%
- Freshman retention rate: 79%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 18:1
Applying
- Application platform(s): CFNC
- Priority Decision deadline: N/A
- Regular Decision deadline: May 1
- Early Action deadline: N/A
- Entrance difficulty: Moderate
- Total applicants: 7,075
- Acceptance rate: 57%
- GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 2.48
- SAT Math average: 462
- SAT Critical Reading average: 441
- ACT Composite average: 18
- Class rank top tenth: 11%
- Class rank top quarter: 34%
Important Factors in the Admissions Process
- Rigor of student’s high school record
- Academic GPA
- Standardized tests
- Class rank
- Geographic residence
North Carolina Central University
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Type of school: Medium-sized university
Degrees available: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
Special designation: Historically Black College and University (HBCU)
Quick Facts
- Total undergrads: 5,917
- Freshman class size: 923
- 4-year grad rate: 22%
- 5-year grad rate: 43%
- 6-year grad rate: 47%
- Freshman retention rate: 77%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 15:1
Applying
- Application platform(s): CFNC
- Priority Decision deadline: October 15, November 15, January 15
- Regular Decision deadline: August 1
- Early Action deadline: N/A
- Entrance difficulty: Minimal
- Total applicants: 11,246
- Acceptance rate: 43%
- GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 3.2
- SAT Math average: 447
- SAT Critical Reading average: 440
- ACT Composite average: 18
- Class rank top tenth: 6%
- Class rank top quarter: 24%
Important Factors in the Admissions Process
- Rigor of student’s high school record
- Academic GPA
- Standardized Tests
- Class Rank
North Carolina State University
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Type of school: Large university
Degrees available: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
Quick Facts
- Total undergrads: 24,473
- Freshman class size: 4,493
- 4-year grad rate: 44%
- 5-year grad rate: 71%
- 6-year grad rate: 76%
- Freshman retention rate: 93%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 16:1
Applying
- Application platform(s): Common Application
- Priority Decision deadline: N/A
- Regular Decision deadline: January 15
- Early Action deadline: October 15
- Entrance difficulty: Very
- Total applicants: 20,443
- Acceptance rate: 52%
- GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 3.63
- SAT Math average: 641
- SAT Critical Reading average: 607
- ACT Composite average: 28
- Class rank top tenth: 52%
- Class rank top quarter: 86%
Important Factors in the Admissions Process
- Rigor of student’s high school record
- Academic GPA
- Standardized tests
- Class rank
UNC Asheville
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Type of school: Medium-sized university and liberal arts college
Degrees available: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Quick Facts
- Total undergrads: 3,804
- Freshman class size: 628
- 4-year grad rate: 38%
- 5-year grad rate: 61%
- 6-year grad rate: 64%
- Freshman retention rate: 77%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 14:1
Applying
- Application platform(s): CFNC, Common Application
- Priority Decision deadline: November 15
- Regular Decision deadline: February 15
- Early Action deadline: November 15
- Entrance difficulty: Moderate
- Total applicants: 3,090
- Acceptance rate: 73%
- GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 3.4
- SAT Math average: 587
- SAT Critical Reading average: 610
- ACT Composite average: 24
- Class rank top tenth: 21%
- Class rank top quarter: 54%
Important Factors in the Admissions Process
- Rigor of student’s high school record
- Academic GPA
- Standardized tests
- Class rank
- Recommendations
- Essay
UNC Chapel Hill
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Type of school: Large university
Degrees available: Certificate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
Quick Facts
- Total undergrads: 18,350
- Freshman class size: 3,976
- 4-year grad rate: 80%
- 5-year grad rate: 89%
- 6-year grad rate: 90%
- Freshman retention rate: 97%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 13:1
Applying
- Application platform(s): Common Application, The Coalition Application – beginning fall 2016
- Priority Decision deadline: October 15
- Regular Decision deadline: January 15
- Early Action deadline: October 15
- Entrance difficulty: Very
- Total applicants: 31,332
- Acceptance rate: 28%
- GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 4.59
- SAT Math average: 662
- SAT Critical Reading average: 646
- ACT Composite average: 29
- Class rank top tenth: 78%
- Class rank top quarter: 96%
Important Factors in the Admissions Process
- Rigor of student’s high school record
- Academic GPA
- Standardized tests
- Class rank
- Recommendations
- Essay
- Extracurricular activities
- Volunteer work
- Particular talent/ability
- Character/personal qualities
- Work experience
UNC Charlotte
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Type of school: Large university
Degrees available: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
Quick Facts
- Total undergrads: 22,216
- Freshman class size: 3,299
- 4-year grad rate: 25%
- 5-year grad rate: 49%
- 6-year grad rate: 55%
- Freshman retention rate: 82%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 19:1
Applying
- Application platform(s): CFNC
- Priority Decision deadline: November 1
- Regular Decision deadline: February 1
- Early Action deadline: N/A
- Entrance difficulty: Moderate
- Total applicants: 15,610
- Acceptance rate: 64%
- GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 3.86
- SAT Math average: 558
- SAT Critical Reading average: 537
- ACT Composite average: 23
- Class rank top tenth: 23%
- Class rank top quarter: 56%
Important Factors in the Admissions Process
- Rigor of student’s high school record
- Academic GPA
- Standardized tests
UNC Greensboro
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Type of school: Large university
Degrees available: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
Quick Facts
- Total undergrads: 15,313
- Freshman class size: 2,572
- 4-year grad rate: 31%
- 5-year grad rate: 50%
- 6-year grad rate: 56%
- Freshman retention rate: 78%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 17:1
Applying
- Application platform(s): CFNC
- Priority Decision deadline: December 1
- Regular Decision deadline: March 1
- Early Action deadline: N/A
- Entrance difficulty: Moderate
- Total applicants: 10,040
- Acceptance rate: 61%
- GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 3.66
- SAT Math average: 511
- SAT Critical Reading average: 514
- ACT Composite average: 22
- Class rank top tenth: 16%
- Class rank top quarter: 43%
Important Factors in the Admissions Process
- Rigor of student’s high school record
- Academic GPA
- Standardized tests
UNC Pembroke
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Type of school: Medium-sized university and liberal arts college
Degrees available: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Quick Facts
- Total undergrads: 5,511
- Freshman class size: 1,050
- 4-year grad rate: 15%
- 5-year grad rate: 30%
- 6-year grad rate: 34%
- Freshman retention rate: 68%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 15:1
Applying
- Application platform(s): CFNC
- Priority Decision deadline: Rolling deadline
- Regular Decision deadline: July 15
- Early Action deadline: N/A
- Entrance difficulty: Moderate
- Total applicants: 4,035
- Acceptance rate: 73%
- GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 3.38
- SAT Math average: 465
- SAT Critical Reading average: 460
- ACT Composite average: 19
- Class rank top tenth: 1%
- Class rank top quarter: 5%
Important Factors in the Admissions Process
- Rigor of student’s high school record
- Academic GPA
- Standardized tests
UNC School of the Arts
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Type of school: Small college of art and performing arts
Degrees available: Certificate, Bachelor’s, Master’s
Special designation: Arts conservatory
Quick Facts
- Total undergrads: 854
- Freshman class size: 219
- 4-year grad rate: 59%
- 5-year grad rate: 60%
- 6-year grad rate: 61%
- Freshman retention rate: 89%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 6:1
Applying
- Application platform(s): CFNC. Special note: All applicants must audition or interview with arts faculty. Audition and interview dates are listed on the admissions page of each arts school. Be sure to check the application priority dates.
- Priority Decision deadline: Varies by program
- Regular Decision deadline: Varies by program
- Early Action deadline: N/A
- Entrance difficulty: N/A
- Total applicants: 868
- Acceptance rate: 43%
- GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 3.7
- SAT Math average: 543
- SAT Critical Reading average: 569
- ACT Composite average: 24
- Class rank top tenth: 12%
- Class rank top quarter: 46%
Important Factors in the Admissions Process
- Rigor of student’s high school record
- Academic GPA
- Standardized tests
- Class rank
- Recommendations
- Interview
- Extracurricular activities
- Particular talent/ability
- Character/personal qualities
UNC Wilmington
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Type of school: Medium-sized university
Degrees available: Certificate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
Quick Facts
- Total undergrads: 12,964
- Freshman class size: 2,156
- 4-year grad rate: 49%
- 5-year grad rate: 68%
- 6-year grad rate: 71%
- Freshman retention rate: 84%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 17:1
Applying
- Application platform(s): CFNC, Common Application
- Priority Decision deadline: November 1
- Regular Decision deadline: February 1
- Early Action deadline: November 1
- Entrance difficulty: Moderate
- Total applicants: 11,523
- Acceptance rate: 59%
- GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 4.1
- SAT Math average: 601
- SAT Critical Reading average: 590
- ACT Composite average: 25
- Class rank top tenth: 27%
- Class rank top quarter: 69%
Important Factors in the Admissions Process
- Rigor of student’s high school record
- Academic GPA
- Standardized tests
- Class rank
- Recommendations
- Essay
Western Carolina University
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Type of school: Medium-sized university
Degrees available: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
Quick Facts
- Total undergrads: 8,787
- Freshman class size: 1,745
- 4-year grad rate: 40%
- 5-year grad rate: 55%
- 6-year grad rate: 58%
- Freshman retention rate: 78%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 16:1
Applying
- Application platform(s): CFNC
- Priority Decision deadline: November 15
- Regular Decision deadline: March 1
- Early Action deadline: N/A
- Entrance difficulty: Moderate
- Total applicants: 15,398
- Acceptance rate: 43%
- GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 3.75
- SAT Math average: 525
- SAT Critical Reading average: 518
- ACT Composite average: 22
- Class rank top tenth: 13%
- Class rank top quarter: 39%
Important Factors in the Admissions Process
- Rigor of student’s high school record
- Academic GPA
- Standardized tests
- Class rank
- Recommendations
- Essay
- Level of applicant’s interest
- Extracurricular activities
- Particular talent/ability
- Character/personal qualities
- Work experience
Winston-Salem State University
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Type of school: Medium-sized university
Degrees available: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
Special designation: Historically Black College and University (HBCU)
Quick Facts
- Total undergrads: 4,793
- Freshman class size: 844
- 4-year grad rate: 17%
- 5-year grad rate: 38%
- 6-year grad rate: 46%
- Freshman retention rate: 79%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 14:1
Applying
- Application platform(s): CFNC
- Priority Decision deadline: May 2
- Regular Decision deadline: N/A
- Early Action deadline: N/A
- Entrance difficulty: Minimal
- Total applicants: 4,433
- Acceptance rate: 60%
- GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 3.01
- SAT Math average: 449
- SAT Critical Reading average: 440
- ACT Composite average: 17
- Class rank top tenth: 5%
- Class rank top quarter: 25%
Important Factors in the Admissions Process
- Rigor of student’s high school record
- Academic GPA
- Standardized tests
- Class rank
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