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University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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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

Location
1533 South Main St., Winston Salem, North Carolina, 27127, USA
Website
uncsa.edu
Unit ID
199184

Academic & Institutional

Control
Public institution (funded by state or local government)
Accreditation
SACSCOC
Length of Study
Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System
Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Post-Master's
Campus Setting
Located in a large city (population of 250,000 or more)
Carnegie Classification
4-Year Focus - Law
Tuition & Fees
In-State
$9,477
Tuition $6,497 + Fee $2,980
Out-of-State
$27,211
Tuition $24,231 + Fee $2,980
Student Profile
Total Students 1,074
Undergraduate 902
Graduate/Other 172
Male: 423 Female: 651
Applications
Total Applicants 1,423
Admitted 471
Enrolled 221
Acceptance: 33.1% Yield: 46.9%
Staff
Total Staff 557
Full-time 483
Part-time 74
Full-time: 86.7% Part-time: 13.3%

Academic Programs & Fields of Study

University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) offers 6 degree programs across 1 major academic fields, graduating approximately 278 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Arts (6 programs, 278 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.

Arts (6 programs, 278 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Theatre Design and Technology 90
Bachelor's
Master's
50.0502
Cinematography and Film Production 88
Bachelor's
Master's
50.0602
Music Performance 44
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
50.0903
Dance 27
Bachelor's
50.0301
Theatre Arts 27
Bachelor's
50.0501
Voice and Opera Performance 2
Post-Master's
50.0908

Admission Requirements & Test Scores

Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA).

Application Requirements

Secondary School GPA
Required
Secondary School Record
Required
Recommendations
Required
Formal Demonstration of Competencies
Required
English Proficiency Test (TOEFL)
Required
Personal Statement or Essay
Required
Standardized Test Scores
SAT Scores
The SAT is a standardized college admission test measuring reading, writing, and math skills. Scores range from 400-1600 (combined Evidence-Based Reading & Writing + Math sections).
Composite Score Range
1150 - 1350
25th-75th percentile
Evidence-Based Reading & Writing 600 - 710
Median: 670
Math 550 - 640
Median: 580
ACT Scores
The ACT is a standardized test for college admissions assessing English, math, reading, and science reasoning. Scores range from 1-36 (composite of all sections).
Composite Score Range
24 - 27
25th-75th percentile
English 24 - 30
Median: 26
Math 19 - 26
Median: 23

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$27,036
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$44,770
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$9,477
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$27,211
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$13,410
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$1,440
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$2,709
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$1,403
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$12,676
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$27,379
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

23%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$12,649
Avg. Loan
$8,494
Avg. Federal Loan
$5,162
Additional
Students with Any Grant
143
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
102
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
54
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$9,157
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

79%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
88%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$17,831 – $64,599
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$17,831 (25th %) $64,599 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $38,357
Median Salary After 6 Years
$24,537
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$38,357
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
64.0%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
67.8%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$23,870
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 56.4%
Middle 58.4%
High 71.5%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 65.7%
Independent 50.0%

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 6 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 (6 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 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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