University of North Carolina at Wilmington
The University of North Carolina Wilmington is a public doctoral and research university in Wilmington, NC, serving nearly 19,000 students through undergraduate, graduate, and online programs, with research strengths in marine science, maritime cybersecurity, and applied AI/robotics, supported by state appropriations, tuition, and federal grants.
- Company typePublic
- Founded1947
- HeadquartersWilmington, United States
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What University of North Carolina at Wilmington does
The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) is a public doctoral and research university and constituent institution of the University of North Carolina System, located in Wilmington, North Carolina. Founded in 1947 as Wilmington College, UNCW serves nearly 19,000 students and approximately 2,500 employees across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, with US News rankings placing it 109th among public national universities and 12th nationally for best online bachelor's programs. Its core academic product is degree-granting education delivered through multiple colleges and the Graduate School, supplemented by online and distance learning, NCAA Division I athletics, and a portfolio of auxiliary services including housing, dining, bookstore, parking, mail, passport services, and hospitality rentals.
UNCW operates research programs in marine science, maritime cybersecurity, brain health, and engineering, with notable outputs including the SanaSolo AI-and-robotics soil fertility project, the Cyber-PARK cybersecurity education platform, the MCARTEC maritime cybersecurity research hub, and its first-ever U.S. patent for the Neck Strength Assessment Tool (NSAT). The technology stack combines institutional IT infrastructure, the MySeaport student portal with SSO, the Canvas learning management system, and third-party integrations including Grubhub and Starship Technologies for autonomous food delivery and Barnes & Noble College for the campus bookstore.
Revenue is generated through a mix of state appropriations, tuition and fees, federal and state research grants (notably NSF and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management awards), auxiliary service fees, and athletics-related income. UNCW markets primarily through its website, digital content, campus tours, social media, and athletics events to recruit prospective students, while partnerships with regional employers such as Novant Health and research collaborators such as Duke University extend its role as a regional workforce and innovation pipeline.
University of North Carolina at Wilmington firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- University of North Carolina at Wilmington
- Legal name
- University of North Carolina Wilmington
- Website
- https://uncw.edu
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 1947
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- The University of North Carolina Wilmington is a public doctoral and research university in Wilmington, NC, serving nearly 19,000 students through undergraduate, graduate, and online programs, with research strengths in marine science, maritime cybersecurity, and applied AI/robotics, supported by state appropriations, tuition, and federal grants.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
University of North Carolina at Wilmington industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Higher Education
- NAICS
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131), Educational Services (611), Educational Support Services (611710)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Public Research Universities with Comprehensive Graduate & Professional Schools (EDAHAAAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Online Nonprofit Universities (EDAHALAK), Technical Universities with Energy, Materials & Sustainability Focus (EDAHAEAL)
Keywords
Where University of North Carolina at Wilmington is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Wilmington
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
University of North Carolina at Wilmington business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Tuition and Fees: Revenue from undergraduate and graduate tuition, including in-state and out-of-state students, as a public university in the UNC System
- Research Grants and Funding: Federal and state research grants including NSF funding (e.g., $1M NSF Engines award for NCET project), Bureau of Ocean Energy Management funding ($2M for Frying Pan Shoals research), and NCInnovation grant funding
- Auxiliary Services: Revenue from housing, dining services, bookstore, parking, and other campus services supporting the student experience
- Athletics: Revenue from athletic programs including NCAA Division I sports, ticket sales, and media rights
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Student campus box rental per semester |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Faculty/Staff Dining Hall Swipes |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Faculty/Staff Food Dollars |
| Subscription | Monthly | Hospitality Property Rentals |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Faculty/Staff Campus Box Rental |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
University of North Carolina at Wilmington product offering
Product offeringCore offering
University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) is a public doctoral and research university that delivers undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs across multiple colleges and schools, supplemented by applied learning, faculty-mentored research, and online degree pathways. The university also operates a suite of campus-based auxiliary services including dining, bookstore, parking and transportation, mail, and passport services to support student life. Its research enterprise spans marine science, maritime cybersecurity, brain health, AI and robotics, and ecosystem technology, funded through federal and state grants.
Product overview
UNCW is a public research university offering educational services, not a technology product company. The university's primary 'product' is its academic programs and educational services. UNCW provides a unified educational experience through its main website portal, student information systems (MySeaport), and auxiliary services including dining, bookstore, parking, mail, and passport services. Key research initiatives include the SanaSolo AI/robotics project for sustainable farming, the Cyber-PARK cybersecurity education platform, and the patented Neck Strength Assessment Tool (NSAT). Auxiliary services operate through partnerships including Barnes & Noble College (bookstore), Grubhub/Starship Technologies (dining delivery), and Canvas (learning management).
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- UNCW Undergraduate Education Programs Bachelor's degree programs across multiple colleges for prospective undergraduate and transfer students seeking foundational and applied education with research opportunities.
- UNCW Graduate Education Programs Master's, doctoral, and professional development programs with research opportunities and faculty mentorship for students pursuing advanced degrees.
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science Program Newly launched Bachelor of Science degree program in Data Science, expanding UNCW's undergraduate academic offerings.
- UNCW Dining Services Campus dining services offering multiple dining locations including dining halls, coffee shops, convenience stores, and national brands with mobile ordering via Grubhub and robot delivery via Starship Technologies.
- UNCW Bookstore Campus bookstore operated in partnership with Barnes & Noble College, offering textbooks, course materials, apparel, supplies, and merchandise with First Day program and price matching.
- Parking & Transportation Services Manages parking permits, enforcement, shuttle services, e-bike/scooter services, and bicycle rentals, operating as a self-supporting service without state funding.
- Seahawk Mail Services Full-service USPS contract station providing postage, mailing supplies, package pickup, fax services, and campus box rentals to students, faculty, staff, and the public.
- UNCW Passport Services U.S. Department of State designated passport acceptance facility offering passport applications, photos, and processing services for students, faculty, staff, and community members.
- UNCW Hospitality Property Rentals Short-term rental of university-owned houses including Combs House, College Acres House, Ross House, Padrick House, and Waterway House for new employees and visiting affiliates.
- Faculty & Staff Meal Plans Customizable meal plans for faculty and staff offering dining hall swipes and food dollars usable at all campus dining venues with no expiration date.
- Seahawk Buck$ Prepaid Account Flexible spending prepaid account that turns the UNCW One Card into a debit card, usable at dining locations, iPrint copiers, library, bookstore, vending machines, and other campus POS locations.
- Cyber-PARK Cybersecurity Education Platform Browser-based cybersecurity education platform for K-5th grade students addressing the lack of standardized digital safety curriculum at the elementary level.
- Neck Strength Assessment Tool (NSAT) U.S. patented portable system designed to objectively measure neck strength to help reduce head and neck injuries in soldiers and athletes.
- UNCW Research Hubs (MCARTEC and Brain Health Resilience Hub) Interdisciplinary research hubs including the Maritime Cybersecurity Applied Research, Technology and Education Center (MCARTEC) for maritime cyber resilience and the Brain Health Resilience Hub for brain health research and collaboration.
- SanaSolo AI and Robotics Initiative Student-faculty innovation initiative using AI and robotics, including an autonomous robot that monitors soil fertility, to help farmers make smarter and more sustainable agricultural decisions.
- UNCW Recycling Services Sustainability program empowering Seahawks to preserve natural resources through comprehensive recycling of plastics, cardboard, paper, metal, glass, electronics, and construction materials.
Quantifiable outcome
- Ranked 109th among Public National Universities by U.S. News & World Report
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
University of North Carolina at Wilmington technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration5 records
AI capability5 records
Feature5 records
University of North Carolina at Wilmington partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Duke UniversitycoreResearch partnership with Michele Kang's Kang Women's Institute within U.S. Soccer's Soccer Forward foundation. The $55 million initiative includes $25 million for the institute and $30 million for youth sports. UNC and Duke are conducting research on female athletes' needs including injury recovery, pregnancy reentry, and youth coaching practices.
- Bureau of Ocean Energy ManagementcoreCollaborative research with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management studying Frying Pan Shoals as a possible offshore sand source. UNCW receives $2 million in funding for the four-year collaborative research project.
- I AM WATERminorI AM WATER and UNCW researchers are empowering youth to protect the ocean through hands-on conservation and immersive marine education programs.
- Boombalatti's Homemade Ice CreamminorLocal favorite Boombalatti's ice cream opened a new location near The Shore Dining Hall at UNCW. Family owned and operated, each batch is churned locally using North Carolina grass-fed dairy. The partnership diversifies campus dining options and adds value to meal plans.
- Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical CentercoreMajor healthcare provider in the region working with UNCW on healthcare workforce development. The area faces physician shortages, nurse retention challenges, and rapid population growth. UNCW graduates from health-related programs enter this competitive regional healthcare job market, with potential opportunities from a proposed medical campus at UNCW.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
University of North Carolina at Wilmington competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- East Carolina University: Another public doctoral research university in the UNC System with comparable enrollment (~28,000), a similar regional healthcare workforce mission, and an established medical school (Brody). Directly comparable as a peer-tier UNC institution with healthcare education emphasis.
- Coastal Carolina University: Public coastal university with comparable enrollment, NCAA Division I athletics, and similar positioning as a destination residential campus. Strongest direct comparable given shared coastal identity and similar Carnegie classification trajectory.
- University of North Carolina Charlotte: UNC System peer institution with significantly larger urban enrollment (~30,000) but similar doctoral research classification and emphasis on applied research and workforce development in its metro region.
- Appalachian State University: UNC System peer with comparable enrollment (~20,000), strong NCAA Division I athletics brand, and similar doctoral research trajectory. Comparable in scale and brand positioning within the UNC System.
- University of North Carolina Wilmington (peers in NAICS 6112/6113) - skip self: Placeholder skipped.
- Western Carolina University: UNC System peer with similar enrollment (~11,000) and similar regional/mountain university positioning. Comparable as a smaller UNC System doctoral institution.
- University of North Carolina Greensboro: UNC System peer doctoral university with comparable enrollment (~20,000) and similar emphasis on research, healthcare programs, and regional workforce development.
Regional players
- Old Dominion University: Public doctoral research university in coastal Virginia with comparable enrollment (~24,000) and strong online program presence. Comparable as a peer coastal/maritime-region research university in the mid-Atlantic.
- College of Charleston: Public liberal arts and master's-level university in coastal South Carolina with comparable undergraduate enrollment focus and NCAA Division I athletics. Comparable as a peer coastal regional university.
Emerging players
- James Madison University: Public doctoral research university in Virginia with comparable enrollment scale (~22,000), strong NCAA Division I brand, and similar trajectory of transitioning toward R2 doctoral classification. Comparable mid-Atlantic public research peer.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
University of North Carolina at Wilmington social profiles
Digital presenceUniversity of North Carolina at Wilmington compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
University of North Carolina at Wilmington financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
University of North Carolina at Wilmington leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles14 records
University of North Carolina at Wilmington funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds4 records
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
University of North Carolina at Wilmington M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about University of North Carolina at Wilmington
What does University of North Carolina at Wilmington do?
University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) is a public doctoral and research university that delivers undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs across multiple colleges and schools, supplemented by applied learning, faculty-mentored research, and online degree pathways. The university also operates a suite of campus-based auxiliary services including dining, bookstore, parking and transportation, mail, and passport services to support student life. Its research enterprise spans marine science, maritime cybersecurity, brain health, AI and robotics, and ecosystem technology, funded through federal and state grants.
Is University of North Carolina at Wilmington a public or private company?
University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a public company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was University of North Carolina at Wilmington founded?
University of North Carolina at Wilmington was founded in 1947. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is University of North Carolina at Wilmington based?
University of North Carolina at Wilmington is headquartered in Wilmington, United States, in the North America region.
How does University of North Carolina at Wilmington make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Tuition and Fees are the primary driver. The others are research Grants and Funding, auxiliary Services and athletics.
Who are University of North Carolina at Wilmington's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are East Carolina University, Coastal Carolina University, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Appalachian State University, University of North Carolina Wilmington (peers in NAICS 6112/6113) - skip self, Western Carolina University and University of North Carolina Greensboro. Regional players are Old Dominion University and College of Charleston. James Madison University is listed as an emerging player.
Does University of North Carolina at Wilmington have an API?
No public API is recorded for University of North Carolina at Wilmington.
What industry is University of North Carolina at Wilmington in?
University of North Carolina at Wilmington's product category is Higher Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAHAAAF, Public Research Universities with Comprehensive Graduate & Professional Schools, with a secondary code of EDAHALAK, Online Nonprofit Universities. Its NAICS code is 611310 and its SIC code is 8200.