How hard is it to get in to each UNC system school?

How hard is it to get in to each UNC system school?
By | June 20, 2016
Views:
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share by Email
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share by Email

(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

appalachian-state

Photo via Facebook

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

east-carolina-university

Photo via Facebook

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

elizabeth-city-state-university

Photo via Facebook

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

fayetteville-state-university

Photo via Facebook

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

north-carolina-a&t

Photo via Facebook

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

nc-central-university

Photo via Facebook

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

nc-state

Photo via Facebook

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

unc-asheville

Photo via Facebook

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

UNC-old-well

Photo via Facebook

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

unc-charlotte

Photo via Facebook

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

unc-greensboro

Photo via Facebook

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

unc-pembroke

Photo via Facebook

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

unc-school-of-the-arts

Photo via Facebook

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

unc-wilmington

Photo via Facebook

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

western-carolina

Photo via Facebook

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

winston-salem-state

Photo via Facebook

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

Cover image via Facebook

Story Views:
SIGN UP
Join the 119,211 smart Charlotteans that receive our daily newsletter.
"It's good. I promise." - Emma  
Read Next Story