Admission statistics for all 16 UNC system schools
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courtesy of UNC Charlotte
Note: 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.
Interested in learning more about what it takes to earn admission into any one of the 16 public UNC institutions? Look no further than the list below, highlighting the most up-to-date admission statistics for the entire UNC system.
This information reflects data from 2016, the most recent academic year available, and was collected from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Data, which pulls from the National Center for Education Statistics
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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 full-time undergrads: 15,542
Freshman class size: 3,124
4-year grad rate: 49%
5-year grad rate: 69%
6-year grad rate: 72%
Freshman retention rate: 87%
Student-to-faculty ratio: 16:1
APPLYING
Admissions website
Total applicants: 13,202
Acceptance rate: 68%
GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 4.17 (weighted)
SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 510
SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 620
SAT Math 25th percentile: 520
SAT Math 75th percentile: 620
ACT Composite 25th percentile: 23
ACT Composite 75th percentile: 27
High school class rank top tenth: 19%
High school class rank top quarter: 57%
High school class rank top half: 92%
IMPORTANT FACTORS
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 full-time undergrads: 19,754
Freshman class size: 4,270
4-year grad rate: 34%
5-year grad rate: 56%
6-year grad rate: 61%
Freshman retention rate: 83%
Student-to-faculty ratio: 18:1
APPLYING
Admissions website
Total applicants: 17,099
Acceptance rate: 70%
GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 3.76
SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 480
SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 560
SAT Math 25th percentile: 490
SAT Math 75th percentile: 570
ACT Composite 25th percentile: 20
ACT Composite 75th percentile: 24
High school class rank top tenth: 14%
High school class rank top quarter: 42%
High school class rank top half: 78%
IMPORTANT FACTORS
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 full-time undergrads: 1,197
Freshman class size: 202
4-year grad rate: 16%
5-year grad rate: 34%
6-year grad rate: 37%
Freshman retention rate: 68%
Student-to-faculty ratio: 13:1
APPLYING
Admissions website
Total applicants: 1,566
Acceptance rate: 57%
GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 3.19
SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 390
SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 470
SAT Math 25th percentile: 400
SAT Math 75th percentile: 480
ACT Composite 25th percentile: 17
ACT Composite 75th percentile: 21
High school class rank top tenth: 2%
High school class rank top quarter: 5%
High school class rank top half: 33%
IMPORTANT FACTORS
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 full-time undergrads: 4,141
Freshman class size: 640
4-year grad rate: 17%
5-year grad rate: 27%
6-year grad rate: 32%
Freshman retention rate: 67%
Student-to-faculty ratio: 18:1
APPLYING
Admissions website
Total applicants: 4,611
Acceptance rate: 59%
GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 3.29
SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 390
SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 480
SAT Math 25th percentile: 400
SAT Math 75th percentile: 470
ACT Composite 25th percentile: 17
ACT Composite 75th percentile: 21
High school class rank top tenth: 9%
High school class rank top quarter: 26%
High school class rank top half: 62%
IMPORTANT FACTORS
Rigor of student’s high school record
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 full-time undergrads: 8,747
Freshman class size: 1,957
4-year grad rate: 18%
5-year grad rate: 37%
6-year grad rate: 43%
Freshman retention rate: 75%
Student-to-faculty ratio: 19:1
APPLYING
Admissions website
Total applicants: 10,367
Acceptance rate: 54%
GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 2.48
SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 420
SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 500
SAT Math 25th percentile: 430
SAT Math 75th percentile: 510
ACT Composite 25th percentile: 18
ACT Composite 75th percentile: 22
High school class rank top tenth: 11%
High school class rank top quarter: 34%
High school class rank top half: 74%
IMPORTANT FACTORS
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 full-time undergrads: 5,342
Freshman class size: 1,128
4-year grad rate: 20%
5-year grad rate: 38%
6-year grad rate: 43%
Freshman retention rate: 81%
Student-to-faculty ratio: 16:1
APPLYING
Admissions website
Total applicants: 8,613
Acceptance rate: 67%
GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 3.20
SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 400
SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 470
SAT Math 25th percentile: 410
SAT Math 75th percentile: 470
ACT Composite 25th percentile: 17
ACT Composite 75th percentile: 19
High school class rank top tenth: 8%
High school class rank top quarter: 18%
High school class rank top half: 46%
IMPORTANT FACTORS
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 full-time undergrads: 20,951
Freshman class size: 4,376
4-year grad rate: 48%
5-year grad rate: 74%
6-year grad rate: 78%
Freshman retention rate: 93%
Student-to-faculty ratio: 13:1
APPLYING
Admissions website
Total applicants: 26,451
Acceptance rate: 48%
GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 3.72
SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 570
SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 660
SAT Math 25th percentile: 600
SAT Math 75th percentile: 690
ACT Composite 25th percentile: 26
ACT Composite 75th percentile: 31
High school class rank top tenth: 50%
High school class rank top quarter: 87%
High school class rank top half: 100%
IMPORTANT FACTORS
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 full-time undergrads: 3,222
Freshman class size: 663
4-year grad rate: 39%
5-year grad rate: 59%
6-year grad rate: 62%
Freshman retention rate: 78%
Student-to-faculty ratio: 13:1
APPLYING
Admissions website
Total applicants: 3,523
Acceptance rate: 76%
GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 3.48
SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 530
SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 640
SAT Math 25th percentile: 510
SAT Math 75th percentile: 610
ACT Composite 25th percentile: 23
ACT Composite 75th percentile: 28
High school class rank top tenth: 20%
High school class rank top quarter: 54%
High school class rank top half: 92%
IMPORTANT FACTORS
Rigor of student’s high school record
Academic GPA
Standardized tests
Class rank
Recommendations
Essay
Level of applicant’s interest
Particular talent/ability
Character/personal qualities
UNC Chapel Hill
Type of school: Large university
Degrees available: Certificate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
QUICK FACTS
Total full-time undergrads: 17,869
Freshman class size: 4,224
4-year grad rate: 84%
5-year grad rate: 90%
6-year grad rate: 91%
Freshman retention rate: 96%
Student-to-faculty ratio: 13:1
APPLYING
Admissions website
Total applicants: 34,889
Acceptance rate: 27%
GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 4.66 (weighted)
SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 600
SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 700
SAT Math 25th percentile: 610
SAT Math 75th percentile: 720
ACT Composite 25th percentile: 28
ACT Composite 75th percentile: 33
High school class rank top tenth: 73%
High school class rank top quarter: 91%
High school class rank top half: 94%
IMPORTANT FACTORS
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
*Recent data provided by the university
Total full-time undergrads: 23,914
Freshman class size: 3,373
4-year grad rate: 37.2%
5-year grad rate: 54%
6-year grad rate: 54%
Freshman retention rate: 83%
Student-to-faculty ratio: 19:1
APPLYING
Admissions website
Total applicants: 16,743
Acceptance rate: 66%
GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 4.01 (weighted)
SAT EBRW 25th percentile: 560
SAT EBRW 75th percentile: 630
SAT Math 25th percentile: 550
SAT Math 75th percentile: 630
ACT Composite 25th percentile: 22
ACT Composite 75th percentile: 26
High school class rank top tenth: 17%
High school class rank top quarter: 50%
High school class rank top half: 83%
IMPORTANT FACTORS
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 full-time undergrads: 14,116
Freshman class size: 2,852
4-year grad rate: 30%
5-year grad rate: 50%
6-year grad rate: 54%
Freshman retention rate: 76%
Student-to-faculty ratio: 18:1
APPLYING
Admissions website
Total applicants: 9,038
Acceptance rate: 74%
GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 3.81
SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 480
SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 570
SAT Math 25th percentile: 470
SAT Math 75th percentile: 560
ACT Composite 25th percentile: 21
ACT Composite 75th percentile: 25
High school class rank top tenth: 4%
High school class rank top quarter: 23%
High school class rank top half: 77%
IMPORTANT FACTORS
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 full-time undergrads: 4,510
Freshman class size: 1,069
4-year grad rate: 20%
5-year grad rate: 33%
6-year grad rate: 36%
Freshman retention rate: 67%
Student-to-faculty ratio: 15:1
APPLYING
Admissions website
Total applicants: 4,573
Acceptance rate: 74%
GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 3.45
SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 420
SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 520
SAT Math 25th percentile: 420
SAT Math 75th percentile: 490
ACT Composite 25th percentile: 18
ACT Composite 75th percentile: 21
High school class rank top tenth: 11%
High school class rank top quarter: 32%
High school class rank top half: 70%
IMPORTANT FACTORS
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 full-time undergrads: 883
Freshman class size: 213
4-year grad rate: 63%
5-year grad rate: 64%
6-year grad rate: 65%
Freshman retention rate: 85%
Student-to-faculty ratio: 7:1
APPLYING
Admissions website
Total applicants: 667
Acceptance rate: 54%
GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 3.70
SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 540
SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 630
SAT Math 25th percentile: 490
SAT Math 75th percentile: 610
ACT Composite 25th percentile: 22
ACT Composite 75th percentile: 28
High school class rank top tenth: 16%
High school class rank top quarter: 43%
High school class rank top half: 79%
IMPORTANT FACTORS
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 full-time undergrads: 12,023
Freshman class size: 2,218
4-year grad rate: 53%
5-year grad rate: 70%
6-year grad rate: 72%
Freshman retention rate: 85%
Student-to-faculty ratio: 18:1
APPLYING
Admissions website
Total applicants: 10,443
Acceptance rate: 72%
GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 4.13 (weighted)
SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 560
SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 630
SAT Math 25th percentile: 570
SAT Math 75th percentile: 630
ACT Composite 25th percentile: 22
ACT Composite 75th percentile: 26
High school class rank top tenth: 20%
High school class rank top quarter: 61%
High school class rank top half: 94%
IMPORTANT FACTORS
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 full-time undergrads: 7,871
Freshman class size: 1,912
4-year grad rate: 37%
5-year grad rate: 53%
6-year grad rate: 57%
Freshman retention rate: 80%
Student-to-faculty ratio: 17:1
APPLYING
Admissions website
Total applicants: 18,297
Acceptance rate: 41%
GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 3.78 (weighted)
SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 450
SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 560
SAT Math 25th percentile: 460
SAT Math 75th percentile: 560
ACT Composite 25th percentile: 20
ACT Composite 75th percentile: 25
High school class rank top tenth: 14%
High school class rank top quarter: 38%
High school class rank top half: 76%
IMPORTANT FACTORS
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 full-time undergrads: 4,117
Freshman class size: 940
4-year grad rate: 20%
5-year grad rate: 41%
6-year grad rate: 47%
Freshman retention rate: 76.7%
Student-to-faculty ratio: 14:1
APPLYING
Admissions website
Total applicants: 5,128
Acceptance rate: 63%
GPA average of enrolled freshmen (4.0 scale): 3.01
SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 400
SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 470
SAT Math 25th percentile: 400
SAT Math 75th percentile: 470
ACT Composite 25th percentile: 17
ACT Composite 75th percentile: 19
High school class rank top tenth: 1%
High school class rank top quarter: 5%
High school class rank top half: 32%
IMPORTANT FACTORS
Rigor of student’s high school record
Academic GPA
Standardized tests
Class rank
Feature image courtesy UNC Charlotte