aerial shot of campus with clocktower at dusk

Metrics at a Glance

Our strategic plan is built on four pillars that guide where we are going and how we will get there over the next ten years. Each pillar includes clear goals we can measure and improve as our campus and community continue to grow.

The metrics below offer a glimpse into the progress we are making and the impact of these priorities across UNCW. If you want to dive deeper into the numbers behind these metrics, please visit our data page.

Unparalleled Opportunities

Growing Our Seahawk Community

UNCW’s greatest asset is its people, and we provide opportunities for faculty, staff and students to thrive. We hire, retain and support talented individuals while helping students reach their full potential. Explore the data below to see how we are investing in this priority and supporting their success.

Fall 2025 student enrollment increased by 6% compared with Fall 2024.

16,131

Undergraduate students enrolled for Fall 2025

3,764

Graduate students enrolled for Fall 2025

2,404

Total faculty and staff in fall 2025. A 1.6% increase from fall 2024

Record-Setting Enrollment

First-year enrollment data →

3,109

First-year students enrolled for Fall 2025, making it the largest incoming class in UNCW history

60%

Growth in first-year student enrollment since 2009

28%

Growth in first-year student enrollment since 2021

Transfer student enrollment data →

2,034

New undergraduate transfer students enrolled for Fall 2025, making it the largest incoming transfer student class in UNCW history

50%

Growth in undergraduate transfer student enrollment since 2009

3%

Growth in undergraduate transfer student enrollment since 2021

class of 2029 first year photo students gather on lawn to create a 29

welcome orientation for transfer students

Graduates are borrowing less: Since 2022 first-time graduate debt is down by 16.9% and 4.1% for transfer graduates.

88%

First-year retention rate for fall 2025, which is 2.1% higher than the UNC System average

62%

Four-year graduation rate for fall 2025, which is 6.4% higher than the UNC System average

72%

Six-year graduation rate for fall 2025, which is 3.4% higher than the UNC System average

Our retention & graduation rate is higher than the UNC System average.

Explore Pillar 1, Unparalleled Opportunities

Nationally Prominent Programs

Expanding Our Programs, Advancing Our Impact

UNCW is committed to cultivating programs where all members of our community can flourish. This includes excellence in curriculum, research, creativity, innovation, outreach, engagement and student support. Explore the data below to see how we are investing in nationally prominent programs that advance our region and meet global challenges.

$19.2M

In sponsored research awards during fiscal year 2025

2,465

Critical workforce degrees awarded 2024-2025

8

New programs since 2022

Learn more about Pillar 2, Nationally Prominent Programs

Community Commitment

Bringing Seahawks Together

UNCW knows that partnerships both on and off campus are essential to our mission. Collaboration drives innovation, creativity and meaningful learning opportunities for our community. Explore the data below to see how we are investing in this priority and strengthening these partnerships.

152,866

Athletics event attendees from 2024 to 2025

68.8%

Growth in lifelong learner membership from 2021 to 2025

32,996

People attended Kenan Arts events from 2024 to 2025

Our staff contributed 1,464 community service hours from 2021 to 2024.

UNCW is a Carnegie Designated Community Engaged Institution

The Seahawk community is dedicated to local, regional, national and global community engagement. Since 2008, UNCW has been recognized as a community engaged institution by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

Learn more about our Carnegie Classification

Read About Pillar 3, Community Commitment

World-Class Operations & Infrastructure

Building Our Future

Living and working on the coast shapes almost everything UNCW does, making place a central consideration for our future. Place includes our coastal location, campus infrastructure, operations and our commitment to sustainability. Explore the ways we support this priority below.