UNCW sees record enrollment increase

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — For the first time in UNCW’s history, student enrollment has surpassed 18,800, marking a significant milestone for the 77-year-old institution.

Preliminary numbers reflect that the university’s fall enrollment increased by nearly 5%—860 students—compared with fall 2023.

According to preliminary data from the Office of Institutional Research and Planning, more than 15,250 of the student population are undergraduates; of those, more than 2,750 are first-year students, the largest first-year student class for UNCW. Approximately 87% are first-year, in-state students and 13% are first-year, out-of-state students. Graduate student enrollment stands at more than 3,590.

“We are excited to welcome so many new Seahawks into our learning community,” said James J. Winebrake, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “Our admissions and student success teams at UNCW are second to none, and our focus on the individual means that students feel part of our community from the moment they arrive on campus. We look forward to supporting these new students in their academic journey and in embracing our UNCW motto: Dare to Learn.”

UNCW’s retention rate has increased by three points to 88%, the highest in the university’s history. Demetriou stated that the retention rate reflects the university’s success in supporting students throughout their academic career.

The university’s persistence in aiding students as they navigated FAFSA changes was another contributing factor of UNCW’s enrollment success, she continued. Additionally, removing transfer roadblocks and partnering with Cape Fear Community College resulted in the highest transfer enrollment ever, said Demetriou. The university’s strategic plan prioritizes offering unparalleled opportunities to current and prospective students, which include increasing the availability of financial aid and scholarships to a diverse range of students.