University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About University of North Carolina School of the Arts
A public arts conservatory in the UNC system, the School of the Arts is known for hands-on learning that pairs studio craft with solid academics. Students immerse in performing and cinematic arts and design-production, rehearsing, building, filming, composing, then refining through critique. The culture is focused and collaborative, and cross-disciplinary crews form fast. And yes, late nights in studios and on stages are part of the rhythm.
Facilities feel professional: stages, soundstages, rehearsal rooms, shops, screening spaces, a strong library, advising, wellness, and career support. Student life revolves around productions plus clubs, fitness, and intramurals; downtown arts venues and local partners offer chances to show work. Career prep leans on showcase events, internships, and visiting artists. Notable alumni include Mary-Louise Parker and Danny McBride.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects
Explore degree programs offered at University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in North Carolina. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.
Arts (13)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
50.0101
Visual and Performing Arts, General.
(Assoc)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $70,620 | -$31,620 (-30.9%) |
| 27-1012 | Craft Artists | $45,340 | $42,880 | -$2,460 (-5.4%) |
| 27-1013 | Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $76,450 | $53,060 | -$23,390 (-30.6%) |
| 27-1019 | Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $79,490 | $77,660 | -$1,830 (-2.3%) |
| 27-4021 | Photographers | $55,650 | $42,930 | -$12,720 (-22.9%) |
50.0301
Dance, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $70,620 | -$31,620 (-30.9%) |
| 27-2031 | Dancers | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 27-2032 | Choreographers | $62,020 | $73,630 | +$11,610 (+18.7%) |
50.0501
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $70,620 | -$31,620 (-30.9%) |
| 27-2011 | Actors | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 27-2012 | Producers and Directors | $114,280 | $70,550 | -$43,730 (-38.3%) |
| 27-2099 | Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other | N/A | N/A | N/A |
50.0502
Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology.
(Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $70,620 | -$31,620 (-30.9%) |
| 27-1027 | Set and Exhibit Designers | $78,450 | $56,500 | -$21,950 (-28%) |
50.0602
Cinematography and Film/Video Production.
(Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $70,620 | -$31,620 (-30.9%) |
| 27-2012 | Producers and Directors | $114,280 | $70,550 | -$43,730 (-38.3%) |
| 27-4031 | Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film | $79,870 | $73,080 | -$6,790 (-8.5%) |
| 27-4032 | Film and Video Editors | $83,530 | $60,270 | -$23,260 (-27.8%) |
50.0903
Music Performance, General.
(Cert<1y, Cert2y+, BSc, PostBacCert, MSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $70,620 | -$31,620 (-30.9%) |
| 27-2041 | Music Directors and Composers | $84,230 | $66,540 | -$17,690 (-21%) |
| 27-2042 | Musicians and Singers | N/A | N/A | N/A |
50.0908
Voice and Opera.
(MSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $70,620 | -$31,620 (-30.9%) |
| 27-2041 | Music Directors and Composers | $84,230 | $66,540 | -$17,690 (-21%) |
| 27-2042 | Musicians and Singers | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA)
How much does it cost to attend University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA)?
The annual tuition at University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) is $9,477 for in-state students and $27,211 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $27,036 for in-state students and $44,770 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $13,410 and books and supplies $1,440.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does University of North Carolina School of the Arts offer?
University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) offers 19 academic programs across 1 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (≥2 yrs), Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Post-Master's.
Most popular program areas include:
- Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (13 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for University of North Carolina School of the Arts?
University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) has an 33.1% acceptance rate and a 46.9% yield rate, making it highly selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 1,423
- Students admitted: 471
- Students enrolled: 221
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at University of North Carolina School of the Arts?
University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) provides financial aid to 23% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $12,649 and average loans of $8,494.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,432
- State/Local grants: $5,596
- Institutional grants: $9,157
- Federal loans: $5,162
The university supports 143 students with grants and 102 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for University of North Carolina School of the Arts graduates?
University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) graduates earn a median salary of $24,537 after 6 years and $38,357 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $17,831 (25th percentile) to $64,599 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $81,600 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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