How hard is it to earn admission into each UNC system school?
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(Michael Trivette is a co-founder of College Transitions, a team of college planning experts committed to guiding families through the college admissions process. Note: College application deadlines are subject to change and we encourage you to confirm application deadlines on each school’s website.)
I recently compiled admission statistics on every public four-year institution in North Carolina for the most recent academic year with the goal of assisting students and parents navigating the college search and application process.
Each UNC member institution is listed below and schools are listed in alphabetical order:
Appalachian State University
Type of school: Large university
Degrees available: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
Quick facts
• Total undergrads: 16,290
• Freshman class size: 3,047
• 4-year grad rate: 46%
• 5-year grad rate: 68%
• 6-year grad rate: 71%
• Freshman retention rate: 86%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 16:1
Applying
• Admissions website
• Priority Decision deadline: November 15
• Early Action deadline: N/A
• Regular Decision deadline: March 15
• Entrance difficulty: Moderate
• Total applicants: 13,083
• Acceptance rate: 66%
• GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 4.14
• SAT Math average: 576
• SAT Critical Reading average: 575
• ACT Composite average: 25
• 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
Type of school: Large university
Degrees available: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
Quick facts
• Total undergrads: 23,039
• Freshman class size: 4,244
• 4-year grad rate: 35%
• 5-year grad rate: 57%
• 6-year grad rate: 62%
• Freshman retention rate: 80%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 18:1
Applying
• Admissions website
• Early Action deadline: N/A
• Regular Decision deadline: March 1
• Entrance difficulty: Moderate
• Total applicants: 16,871
• Acceptance rate: 69%
• GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 3.76
• SAT Math average: 536
• SAT Critical Reading average: 525
• ACT Composite average: 23
• Class rank top tenth: 16%
• Class rank top quarter: 44%
Important factors in the admissions process
• Rigor of student’s high school record
• Academic GPA
• Standardized tests
• Class rank
• State residency
Elizabeth City State University
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: 1,535
• Freshman class size: 264
• 4-year grad rate: 16%
• 5-year grad rate: 34%
• 6-year grad rate: 39%
• Freshman retention rate: 74%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 15:1
Applying
• Admissions website
• Early Action deadline: N/A
• Regular Decision deadline: Rolling
• Entrance difficulty: Moderate
• Total applicants: 1,531
• Acceptance rate: 70%
• GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 3.07
• SAT Math average: 435
• SAT Critical Reading average: 415
• ACT Composite average: 17
• 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
• State residency
Fayetteville State University
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: 5,506
• Freshman class size: 627
• 4-year grad rate: 16%
• 5-year grad rate: 28%
• 6-year grad rate: 32%
• Freshman retention rate: 79%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 17:1
Applying
• Admissions website
• Early Action deadline: N/A
• Regular Decision deadline: Rolling
• Entrance difficulty: Minimal
• Total applicants: 3,943
• Acceptance rate: 60%
• GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 3.20
• SAT Math average: 437
• SAT Critical Reading average: 428
• ACT Composite average: 18
• 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
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: 9,353
• Freshman class size: 1,773
• 4-year grad rate: 20%
• 5-year grad rate: 38%
• 6-year grad rate: 44%
• Freshman retention rate: 75%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 19:1
Applying
• Admissions website
• Early Action deadline: N/A
• Regular Decision deadline: Rolling
• Entrance difficulty: Moderate
• Total applicants: 6,010
• Acceptance rate: 60%
• 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
• State residency
• Geographic residence
North Carolina Central University
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: 6,168
• Freshman class size: 1,101
• 4-year grad rate: 16%
• 5-year grad rate: 36%
• 6-year grad rate: 42%
• Freshman retention rate: 80%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 16:1
Applying
• Admissions website
• Early Action deadline: N/A
• Regular Decision deadline: Rolling
• Entrance difficulty: Minimal
• Total applicants: 7,651
• Acceptance rate: 66%
• GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 3.20
• SAT Math average: 447
• SAT Critical Reading average: 440
• ACT Composite average: 18
• Class rank top tenth: 6%
• Class rank top quarter: 22%
Important factors in the admissions process
• Rigor of student’s high school record
• Academic GPA
• Standardized tests
• Class rank
North Carolina State University
Type of school: Large university
Degrees available: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
Quick facts
• Total undergrads: 24,111
• Freshman class size: 4,359
• 4-year grad rate: 44%
• 5-year grad rate: 71%
• 6-year grad rate: 76%
• Freshman retention rate: 93%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 15:1
Applying
• Admissions website
• Early Action deadline: October 15
• Regular Decision deadline: January 15
• Entrance difficulty: Very
• Total applicants: 21,364
• Acceptance rate: 50%
• GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 3.67
• SAT Math average: 640
• SAT Critical Reading average: 610
• ACT Composite average: 29
• Class rank top tenth: 51%
• Class rank top quarter: 87%
Important factors in the admissions process
• Rigor of student’s high school record
• Academic GPA
• Standardized tests
• Class rank
UNC Asheville
Type of school: Medium-sized university and liberal arts college
Degrees available: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Quick facts
• Total undergrads: 3,858
• Freshman class size: 734
• 4-year grad rate: 36%
• 5-year grad rate: 56%
• 6-year grad rate: 60%
• Freshman retention rate: 79%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 14:1
Applying
• Admissions website
• Early Action deadline: November 15
• Regular Decision deadline: February 15
• Entrance difficulty: Moderate
• Total applicants: 3,285
• Acceptance rate: 79%
• GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 3.40
• SAT Math average: 566
• SAT Critical Reading average: 590
• ACT Composite average: 26
• Class rank top tenth: 21%
• Class rank top quarter: 52%
Important factors in the admissions process
• Rigor of student’s high school record
• Academic GPA
• Standardized tests
• Class rank
• Recommendations
• Essay
• Interview
• Level of applicant’s interest
• Extracurricular activities
• Volunteer work
• Particular talent/ability
• First generation to attend college
• State residency
• Geographic residence
• Alumni relation
• Ethnicity
• Work experience
UNC Chapel Hill
Type of school: Large university
Degrees available: Certificate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
Quick facts
• Total undergrads: 18,415
• Freshman class size: 4,073
• 4-year grad rate: 81%
• 5-year grad rate: 88%
• 6-year grad rate: 90%
• Freshman retention rate: 97%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 14:1
Applying
• Admissions website
• Early Action deadline: October 15
• Regular Decision deadline: January 15
• Entrance difficulty: Very
• Total applicants: 31,143
• Acceptance rate: 31%
• GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 4.63
• SAT Math average: 656
• SAT Critical Reading average: 645
• ACT Composite average: 29
• Class rank top tenth: 77%
• 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
• State residency
• Work experience
UNC Charlotte
Type of school: Large university
Degrees available: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
Quick facts
• Total undergrads: 22,732
• Freshman class size: 3,438
• 4-year grad rate: 26%
• 5-year grad rate: 48%
• 6-year grad rate: 53%
• Freshman retention rate: 83%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 19:1
Applying
• Admissions website
• Priority Decision deadline: November 1
• Early Action deadline: N/A
• Regular Decision deadline: February 1
• Entrance difficulty: Moderate
• Total applicants: 16,383
• Acceptance rate: 63%
• GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 3.90
• SAT Math average: 555
• SAT Critical Reading average: 540
• ACT Composite average: 24
• Class rank top tenth: 22%
• Class rank top quarter: 57%
Important factors in the admissions process
• Rigor of student’s high school record
• Academic GPA
• Standardized tests
UNC Greensboro
Type of school: Large university
Degrees available: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
Quick facts
• Total undergrads: 16,091
• Freshman class size: 2,757
• 4-year grad rate: 32%
• 5-year grad rate: 52%
• 6-year grad rate: 56%
• Freshman retention rate: 77%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 17:1
Applying
• Admissions website
• Priority Decision deadline: December 1
• Early Action deadline: N/A
• Regular Decision deadline: March 1
• Entrance difficulty: Moderate
• Total applicants: 10,566
• Acceptance rate: 59%
• GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 3.62
• SAT Math average: 519
• SAT Critical Reading average: 520
• ACT Composite average: 22
• Class rank top tenth: 13%
• Class rank top quarter: 41%
Important Factors in the admissions process
• Rigor of student’s high school record
• Academic GPA
• Standardized tests
UNC Pembroke
Type of school: Medium-sized university and liberal arts college
Degrees available: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Quick facts
• Total undergrads: 5,680
• Freshman class size: 1,216
• 4-year grad rate: 18%
• 5-year grad rate: 34%
• 6-year grad rate: 38%
• Freshman retention rate: 67%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 15:1
Applying
• Admissions website
• Early Action deadline: N/A
• Regular Decision deadline: Rolling
• Entrance difficulty: Moderate
• Total applicants: 4,596
• Acceptance rate: 74%
• GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 3.40
• SAT Math average: 460
• SAT Critical Reading average: 450
• ACT Composite average: 20
• 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
UNC School of the Arts
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: 856
• Freshman class size: 199
• 4-year grad rate: 67%
• 5-year grad rate: 67%
• 6-year grad rate: 68%
• Freshman retention rate: 83%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 6:1
Applying
• Admissions website
• Priority Decision deadline: Varies by program
• Early Action deadline: N/A
• Regular Decision deadline: Varies by program
• Entrance difficulty: N/A
• Total applicants: 887
• Acceptance rate: 34%
• GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 3.70
• SAT Math average: 542
• SAT Critical Reading average: 578
• ACT Composite average: 24
• 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
• Class rank
• Recommendations
• Interview
• Extracurricular activities
• Particular talent/ability
• Character/personal qualities
UNC Wilmington
Type of school: Medium-sized university
Degrees available: Certificate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
Quick facts
• Total undergrads: 13,235
• Freshman class size: 2,023
• 4-year grad rate: 50%
• 5-year grad rate: 69%
• 6-year grad rate: 71%
• Freshman retention rate: 85%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 17:1
Applying
• Admissions website
• Early Action deadline: November 1
• Regular Decision deadline: February 1
• Entrance difficulty: Moderate
• Total applicants: 11,444
• Acceptance rate: 61%
• GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 4.10
• SAT Math average: 597
• SAT Critical Reading average: 595
• ACT Composite average: 25
• Class rank top tenth: 24%
• Class rank top quarter: 62%
Important factors in the admissions process
• Rigor of student’s high school record
• Academic GPA
• Standardized tests
• Class rank
• Recommendations
• Essay
Western Carolina University
Type of school: Medium-sized university
Degrees available: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
Quick facts
• Total undergrads: 8,821
• Freshman class size: 1,624
• 4-year grad rate: 37%
• 5-year grad rate: 53%
• 6-year grad rate: 57%
• Freshman retention rate: 80%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 16:1
Applying
• Admissions website
• Early Action deadline: November 15
• Regular Decision deadline: February 1, March 1
• Entrance difficulty: Moderate
• Total applicants: 17,699
• Acceptance rate: 40%
• 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
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: 4,686
• Freshman class size: 865
• 4-year grad rate: 17%
• 5-year grad rate: 39%
• 6-year grad rate: 46%
• Freshman retention rate: 76%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 14:1
Applying
• Admissions website
• Early Action deadline: N/A
• Regular Decision deadline: Rolling
• Entrance difficulty: Minimal
• Total applicants: 4,478
• Acceptance rate: 59%
• 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: 1%
• Class rank top quarter: 5%
Important factors in the admissions process
• Rigor of student’s high school record
• Academic GPA
• Standardized tests
• Class rank