
601 S. College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA


University of North Carolina Wilmington supports a diverse intercollegiate athletics program that competes primarily in NCAA Division I as a member of the Colonial Athletic Association. The Seahawks field numerous men's and women's sports teams, which provide opportunities for student-athletes to compete at a high level while balancing academic commitments.
Among the men's sports, the university offers baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, and tennis. For women, students can participate in basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis, indoor and outdoor track and field, and volleyball. This variety allows students with different athletic interests and skills many options to engage competitively on campus.
The facilities supporting these programs include modern stadiums and arenas designed to accommodate both athletes and fans, fostering a spirited campus environment. The athletics department emphasizes student development through competitive sports along with academic success, contributing to a well-rounded collegiate experience for participants.
University of North Carolina Wilmington offers a variety of student groups and associations that cater to diverse interests. Among these are the Residence Hall Association, which plays a role in managing residential life initiatives, and the Plastic Ocean Project, focusing on environmental sustainability and marine conservation.
Students interested in outdoor activities and fitness can join the Stand Up Paddleboard Club, promoting water sports and recreation. For those pursuing academic and professional development in scientific fields, the Women in Science and Engineering organization provides support and networking opportunities.
Additionally, the Association of Self Care encourages members to prioritize mental and physical well-being through various programs and events.
Regarding student participation, 11 men and 8 women are involved in these groups, compared to the total male and female student populations of 4,998 and 8,219 respectively, illustrating a committed but relatively small portion of the student body engaged in these specific associations.
University of North Carolina Wilmington hosts a diverse student body characterized by a significant presence of both freshmen and transfer students, with 2,701 freshmen and 1,629 transfer students enrolled. This totals to 4,330 new students, placing the university among the top 15% nationally for incoming student numbers.
The undergraduate population features a wide range of ages, primarily concentrated between 18 and 24 years old, with 5,052 students aged 18-19 and 5,034 students aged 20-21. Older students are also well represented, including 884 in the 25-29 age group and smaller numbers continuing into the 65-plus category. Graduate students tend to be older, mostly between 22 and 49 years old, illustrating a robust mix of traditional and non-traditional students.
When considering residency status, in-state students make up the majority with 77%, a figure that ranks above average nationally, while out-of-state students constitute 22%, a share comparatively lower than many other institutions. The composition of U. S. students is notably high at 99%, which situates the university solidly in the top 30% for domestic enrollment. However, international representation is quite limited, with fewer students coming from foreign countries.
The university's ethnic makeup shows a predominant white student population, amounting to 11,763 individuals, an outstandingly high representation compared to other institutions. Hispanic and African American students number 1,355 and 608 respectively, both reflecting average proportions. Additionally, Native American students are present in relatively high numbers, while Asian and Pacific Islander groups, as well as students of two or more races, contribute to the campus diversity in modest but meaningful ways.
Student life at University of North Carolina Wilmington offers a variety of cultural and supportive resources that contribute to a vibrant campus environment. The university features active outlets such as a campus newspaper, drama programs, radio broadcasting, and a chorus, reflecting diverse interests among students. While there is no campus band or television station, the existing activities provide multiple channels for student engagement.
Wellness and student support services are in place, including a health clinic and psychological counseling, ensuring attention to physical and mental health needs. The university also maintains a Women's Center and an office dedicated to veterans' affairs, supporting specific community groups within the student body.
With a total enrollment nearing 19,000 students and a student-faculty ratio of 17 to 1, students can expect substantial peer interaction and accessible academic support. The campus community is also notably diverse, with students hailing from 73 different countries, fostering an inclusive environment for international and domestic students alike.
University of North Carolina Wilmington provides access to the William Madison Randall Library, its primary library resource. While the institution has only one library, it supports a substantial collection of 418,595 books, placing it above the median range in book holdings compared to other universities. The library offers a broad array of subscriptions, with 1,920 available, albeit in the lower 40th percentile, alongside a notably large number of digital subscriptions totaling 246,195, which ranks in the top 45% nationally.
The collection also includes 588,166 ebooks, positioning it near the middle range of digital book availability. The university maintains an extensive database access with 549 databases, which remains within the mid-range compared to peer institutions. Students benefit from both physical and digital access to resources, with trained staff available to assist and designated study rooms to support individual and group work. Weekly library service hours total 61, although the library does not offer all-day access. Additionally, students have access to shared collections beyond those owned directly by the university.
Total enrollment
18848Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
2752Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
770 full time, 496 part timeVeterans affair office
YesMain library name
William Madison Randall LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
1Reservable study rooms in library
Yes24h access
NoPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes