Applying to NC Colleges? Take an Inside Look at 16 NC Public Schools
College admissions information for all 16 UNC institutions
Interested in learning more about what it takes to earn admission into any one of the 16 public university institutions in North Carolina? Look no further than the list below, which highlights the most up-to-date admission statistics for the entire UNC system. Tuition fees are not included, as these rates change frequently. Please check the schools’ websites for the most updated tuition fee information.
Data sources for this information include the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, institutional websites, COLLEGEdata and the College Board. Each institution is listed below and schools are presented in alphabetical order.
Jump to the school you're interested in: Appalachian State University; East Carolina University; Elizabeth City State University; Fayetteville State University; North Carolina A&T University; North Carolina Central University; North Carolina State University; UNC-Asheville; UNC-Chapel Hill; UNC-Charlotte; UNC-Greensboro; UNC-Pembroke; UNC School of the Arts; UNC-Wilmington; Western Carolina University; Winston-Salem State University
For admissions information on 20 of the most popular private four-year colleges in North Carolina, click here.
Appalachian State University
Location: Boone
Type of school: Large university
Degrees available: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
Quick Facts
• Total full-time undergrads: 16,071
• Freshman class size: 3,306
• 4-year graduation rate: 51%
• 5-year graduation rate: 71%
• 6-year graduation rate: 73%
• Freshman retention rate: 89%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 16:1
Applying
• Admissions website: admissions.appstate.edu
• Total applicants: 14,009
• Acceptance rate: 70%
• SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 560
• SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 640
• SAT Math 25th percentile: 540
• SAT Math 75th percentile: 630
• ACT Composite 25th percentile: 23
• ACT Composite 75th percentile: 27
• High school class rank top 10th: 19%
• High school class rank top quarter: 57%
• High school class rank top half: 91%
Important Factors
• Rigor of student’s high school record
• Academic GPA
• Standardized tests
• Class rank
East Carolina University
Location: Greenville
Type of school: Large university
Degrees available: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
Quick Facts
• Total full-time undergrads: 19,999
• Freshman class size: 4,362
• 4-year graduation rate: 37%
• 5-year graduation rate: 58%
• 6-year graduation rate: 62%
• Freshman retention rate: 83%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 19:1
Applying
• Admissions website: ecu.edu/cs-acad/admissions
• Total applicants: 15,860
• Acceptance rate: 79%
• SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 520
• SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 590
• SAT Math 25th percentile: 510
• SAT Math 75th percentile: 590
• ACT Composite 25th percentile: 20
• ACT Composite 75th percentile: 24
• High school class rank top 10th: 13%
• High school class rank top quarter: 39%
• 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
Location: Elizabeth City
Type of school: Medium-sized liberal arts college
Degrees available: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Special designation: Historically Black College and University
Quick Facts
• Total full-time undergrads: 1,179
• Freshman class size: 349
• 4-year graduation rate: 23%
• 5-year graduation rate: 34%
• 6-year graduation rate: 38%
• Freshman retention rate: 74%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 14:1
Applying
• Admissions website: ecsu.edu/admissions/index.html
• Total applicants: 2,677
• Acceptance rate: 60%
• SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 430
• SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 500
• SAT Math 25th percentile: 430
• SAT Math 75th percentile: 490
• ACT Composite 25th percentile: 16
• ACT Composite 75th percentile: 20
• High school class rank top 10th: 2%
• High school class rank top quarter: 4%
• High school class rank top half: 31%
Important Factors
• Rigor of student’s high school record
• Academic GPA
• Standardized tests
• Level of applicant’s interest
• State residency
Fayetteville State University
Location: Fayetteville
Type of school: Medium-sized university
Degrees available: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
Special designation: Historically Black College and University
Quick Facts
• Total full-time undergrads: 3,905
• Freshman class size: 670
• 4-year graduation rate: 17%
• 5-year graduation rate: 29%
• 6-year graduation rate: 33%
• Freshman retention rate: 68%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 15:1
Applying
• Admissions website: uncfsu.edu/fsu-admissions
• Total applicants: 3,859
• Acceptance rate: 68%
• SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 440
• SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 510
• SAT Math 25th percentile: 430
• SAT Math 75th percentile: 510
• ACT Composite 25th percentile: 17
• ACT Composite 75th percentile: 20
• High school class rank top 10th: 5%
• High school class rank top quarter: 24%
• High school class rank top half: 59%
Important Factors
• Rigor of student’s high school record
• Standardized tests
North Carolina A&T State University
Location: Greensboro
Type of school: Medium-sized university
Degrees available: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
Special designation: Historically Black College and University
Quick Facts
• Total full-time undergrads: 9,347
• Freshman class size: 2,309
• 4-year graduation rate: 17%
• 5-year graduation rate: 37%
• 6-year graduation rate: 43%
• Freshman retention rate: 79%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 18:1
Applying
• Admissions website: ncat.edu/admissions/undergraduate
• Total applicants: 10,661
• Acceptance rate: 62%
• SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 470
• SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 550
• SAT Math 25th percentile: 460
• SAT Math 75th percentile: 540
• ACT Composite 25th percentile: 17
• ACT Composite 75th percentile: 22
• High school class rank top 10th: 10%
• High school class rank top quarter: 33%
• High school class rank top half: 73%
Important Factors
• Rigor of student’s high school record
• Academic GPA
• Standardized tests
• Class rank
• State residency
• Geographic residence
North Carolina Central University
Location: Durham
Type of school: Medium-sized university
Degrees available: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
Special designation: Historically Black College and University
Quick Facts
• Total full-time undergrads: 5,363
• Freshman class size: 1,275
• 4-year graduation rate: 20%
• 5-year graduation rate: 38%
• 6-year graduation rate: 44%
• Freshman retention rate: 77%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 16:1
Applying
• Admissions website: nccu.edu/admissions
• Total applicants: 6,671
• Acceptance rate: 83%
• SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 450
• SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 520
• SAT Math 25th percentile: 450
• SAT Math 75th percentile: 510
• ACT Composite 25th percentile: 17
• ACT Composite 75th percentile: 20
• High school class rank top 10th: 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
Location: Raleigh
Type of school: Large university
Degrees available: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
Quick Facts
• Total full-time undergrads: 21,384
• Freshman class size: 4,797
• 4-year graduation rate: 50%
• 5-year graduation rate: 76%
• 6-year graduation rate: 79%
• Freshman retention rate: 94%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 13:1
Applying
• Admissions website: admissions.ncsu.edu
• Total applicants: 26,980
• Acceptance rate: 51%
• SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 610
• SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 680
• SAT Math 25th percentile: 620
• SAT Math 75th percentile: 710
• ACT Composite 25th percentile: 26
• ACT Composite 75th percentile: 31
• High school class rank top 10th: 46%
• High school class rank top quarter: 88%
• High school class rank top half: 99%
Important Factors
• Rigor of student’s high school record
• Academic GPA
• Standardized tests
• Class rank
UNC-Asheville
Location: Asheville
Type of school: Medium-sized university and liberal arts college
Degrees available: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Quick Facts
• Total full-time undergrads: 3,285
• Freshman class size: 648
• 4-year graduation rate: 42%
• 5-year graduation rate: 60%
• 6-year graduation rate: 62%
• Freshman retention rate: 75%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 13:1
Applying
• Admissions website: admissions.unca.edu
• Total applicants: 3,437
• Acceptance rate: 80%
• SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 550
• SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 650
• SAT Math 25th percentile: 530
• SAT Math 75th percentile: 610
• ACT Composite 25th percentile: 22
• ACT Composite 75th percentile: 28
• High school class rank top 10th: 15%
• High school class rank top quarter: 44%
• High school class rank top half: 88%
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
Location: Chapel Hill
Type of school: Large university
Degrees available: Certificate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
Quick Facts
• Total full-time undergrads: 18,303
• Freshman class size: 4,356
• 4-year graduation rate: 84%
• 5-year graduation rate: 90%
• 6-year graduation rate: 91%
• Freshman retention rate: 96%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 13:1
Applying
• Admissions website: admissions.unc.edu
• Total applicants: 39,650
• Acceptance rate: 24%
• SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 640
• SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 720
• SAT Math 25th percentile: 630
• SAT Math 75th percentile: 740
• ACT Composite 25th percentile: 28
• ACT Composite 75th percentile: 33
• High school class rank top 10th: 78%
• High school class rank top quarter: 96%
• High school class rank top half: 100%
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
Location: Charlotte
Type of school: Large university
Degrees available: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
Quick Facts
• Total full-time undergrads: 20,263
• Freshman class size: 3,439
• 4-year graduation rate: 29%
• 5-year graduation rate: 52%
• 6-year graduation rate: 57%
• Freshman retention rate: 82%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 19:1
Applying
• Admissions website: admissions.uncc.edu
• Total applicants: 16,696
• Acceptance rate: 66%
• SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 560
• SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 630
• SAT Math 25th percentile: 550
• SAT Math 75th percentile: 640
• ACT Composite 25th percentile: 22
• ACT Composite 75th percentile: 26
• High school class rank top 10th: 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
Location: Greensboro
Type of school: Large university
Degrees available: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
Quick Facts
• Total full-time undergrads: 14,136
• Freshman class size: 2,791
• 4-year graduation rate: 30%
• 5-year graduation rate: 49%
• 6-year graduation rate: 54%
• Freshman retention rate: 78%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 18:1
Applying
• Admissions website: admissions.uncg.edu
• Total applicants: 8,501
• Acceptance rate: 78%
• SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 520
• SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 600
• SAT Math 25th percentile: 510
• SAT Math 75th percentile: 580
• ACT Composite 25th percentile: 20
• ACT Composite 75th percentile: 25
• High school class rank top 10th: 13%
• High school class rank top quarter: 39%
• High school class rank top half: 77%
Important Factors
• Rigor of student’s high school record
• Academic GPA
• Standardized tests
UNC-Pembroke
Location: Pembroke
Type of school: Medium-sized university and liberal arts college
Degrees available: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Quick Facts
• Total full-time undergrads: 4,483
• Freshman class size: 1,033
• 4-year graduation rate: 20%
• 5-year graduation rate: 36%
• 6-year graduation rate: 40%
• Freshman retention rate: 69%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 16:1
Applying
• Admissions website: https://www.uncp.edu/admissions
• Total applicants: 4,558
• Acceptance rate: 81%
• SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 460
• SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 540
• SAT Math 25th percentile: 450
• SAT Math 75th percentile: 530
• ACT Composite 25th percentile: 18
• ACT Composite 75th percentile: 21
• High school class rank top 10th: 10%
• 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
Location: Winston-Salem
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: 847
• Freshman class size: 173
• 4-year graduation rate: 68%
• 5-year graduation rate: 71%
• 6-year graduation rate: 71%
• Freshman retention rate: 91%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 6:1
Applying
• Admissions website: uncsa.edu/admissions/index.aspx
• Total applicants: 956
• Acceptance rate: 33%
• SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 560
• SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 660
• SAT Math 25th percentile: 520
• SAT Math 75th percentile: 630
• ACT Composite 25th percentile: 22
• ACT Composite 75th percentile: 28
• High school class rank top 10th: 18%
• High school class rank top quarter: 47%
• High school class rank top half: 77%
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
Location: 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 graduation rate: 53%
• 5-year graduation rate: 70%
• 6-year graduation rate: 72%
• Freshman retention rate: 85%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 18:1
Applying
• Admissions website: uncw.edu/admissions
• Total applicants: 11,677
• Acceptance rate: 67%
• SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 600
• SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 660
• SAT Math 25th percentile: 585
• SAT Math 75th percentile: 650
• ACT Composite 25th percentile: 23
• ACT Composite 75th percentile: 27
• High school class rank top 10th: 25%
• High school class rank top quarter: 62%
• High school class rank top half: 93%
Important Factors
• Rigor of student’s high school record
• Academic GPA
• Standardized tests
• Class rank
• Recommendations
• Essay
Western Carolina University
Location: Cullowhee
Type of school: Medium-sized university
Degrees available: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
Quick Facts
• Total full-time undergrads: 8,040
• Freshman class size: 1,998
• 4-year graduation rate: 40%
• 5-year graduation rate: 57%
• 6-year graduation rate: 59%
• Freshman retention rate: 79%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 17:1
Applying
• Admissions website: wcu.edu/apply/undergraduate-admissions
• Total applicants: 19,391
• Acceptance rate: 39%
• SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 510
• SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 610
• SAT Math 25th percentile: 510
• SAT Math 75th percentile: 590
• ACT Composite 25th percentile: 19
• ACT Composite 75th percentile: 24
• High school class rank top 10th: 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
Location: Winston-Salem
Type of school: Medium-sized university
Degrees available: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
Special designation: Historically Black College and University
Quick Facts
• Total full-time undergrads: 4,072
• Freshman class size: 937
• 4-year graduation rate: 21%
• 5-year graduation rate: 44%
• 6-year graduation rate: 49%
• Freshman retention rate: 76%
• Student-to-faculty ratio: 14:1
Applying
• Admissions website: wssu.edu/admissions/index.html
• Total applicants: 4,295
• Acceptance rate: 67%
• SAT Critical Reading 25th percentile: 450
• SAT Critical Reading 75th percentile: 510
• SAT Math 25th percentile: 440
• SAT Math 75th percentile: 510
• ACT Composite 25th percentile: 16
• ACT Composite 75th percentile: 19
• High school class rank top 10th: 6%
• High school class rank top quarter: 24%
• High school class rank top half: 65%
Important Factors
• Rigor of student’s high school record
• Academic GPA
• Standardized tests
• Class rank
Updated on Nov. 2, 2019.
Michael Trivette, Ph.D., is a co-founder of College Transitions, a team of college planning experts committed to guiding families through the college admissions process. He is also co-author of “The Enlightened College Applicant: A New Approach to the Search and Admissions Process.” Learn more at collegetransitions.com.
