University of North Carolina School of the Arts Campus

2025 admissions data

University of North Carolina School of the Arts Acceptance Rate

How Hard Is It to Get In?

A straight answer: 33.1% acceptance rate.

This means for every 100 applicants, only 33 actually get in. No guessing. University of North Carolina School of the Arts is a COMP institution located in Winston-Salem, NC — competition varies by program, but this is the official average.

The University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) is ideal for students deeply passionate about their craft in the performing and visual arts, seeking an immersive, hands-on experience from the start. It's a great fit for those ready to embrace rigorous artistic training and who prioritize their art over a traditional college experience. However, UNCSA may not be suitable for students uninterested in performing arts or those seeking a vibrant campus life filled with sports and a broad range of extracurricular activities. A notable trade-off is the absence of a traditional varsity athletics program, which means less social engagement compared to other universities. Students must weigh their commitment to arts against their desire for a conventional college experience, as the environment here focuses solely on artistic development and personal expression in the arts, rather than a whole collegiate lifestyle.

Who Actually Gets In? (Men vs Women)

Quick breakdown so you get the real picture:

Men

32.8%

Acceptance Rate

Women

33.2%

Acceptance Rate

If you think one gender has an edge — the data tells what’s up.

Applications vs Admits: The Funnel That Matters

This is where the reality hits:

Applied

1,421

Admitted

470

🎓

Yield Rate: N/A

This shows how many admitted students choose University of North Carolina School of the Arts. High yield = high confidence. Low yield = students had better options.

What Scores Do You Need?

If you're applying without knowing what scores to aim for… that’s how rejection letters happen.

SAT Score Range

Math550–640

Reading600–710

ACT Score Range

English24–27

Math19–26

Aim for the 75th percentile if you want peace of mind.

What the University of North Carolina School of the Arts Acceptance Rate Can — and Can’t — Tell You

Looking up the University of North Carolina School of the Arts acceptance rate is a natural starting point for applicants trying to understand admissions competitiveness. The number is easy to find and easy to compare, but it’s often misunderstood.

An acceptance rate of 33.1% represents outcomes across thousands of applications, not individual chances. It combines students with strong academic preparation, borderline applicants, and exploratory submissions into one statistic, which limits how precisely it can be interpreted.

Why Acceptance Rates Vary Year to Year

Acceptance rates don’t just change because universities become more or less selective. They fluctuate based on how many students apply, how programs manage enrollment, and how applicants self-select.

At University of North Carolina School of the Arts, shifts in applicant interest—especially in certain majors—can influence admissions outcomes. When demand increases in popular programs, competition intensifies even if the overall acceptance rate remains stable.

A Better Way to Think About Admissions Chances

Rather than using the acceptance rate at University of North Carolina School of the Arts as a prediction tool, students should see it as a benchmark. It helps identify whether a school belongs in a reach, target, or safety category, but it doesn’t replace self-assessment.

Applicants who focus on academic fit, preparation, and realistic expectations often find that acceptance rate data makes more sense in hindsight than it does upfront.

Admissions Insight

A crucial factor that impacts student outcomes at UNCSA is the intensity of its programs. From the outset, students engage in rigorous, hands-on learning, tackling real-world projects that require significant dedication and time management. While this immersive approach benefits students by providing substantial experience, it can also lead to higher stress levels. Students are expected to meet high expectations in their artistic pursuits and maintain academic performance, which fosters resilience and tenacity but can be overwhelming for some. Moreover, the interdisciplinary nature allows for collaboration among various schools, such as Dance and Filmmaking, enriching the educational experience. However, students must be prepared for a demanding schedule that often blurs the lines between academic and personal time. This workload can lead to burnout if students don't develop effective self-care strategies. It’s important to recognize that this intensity means not only producing art but also participating in critiques and workshopping, significantly shaping the learning experience. Students who thrive in collaborative, fast-paced environments are likely to flourish here, while those who prefer a more structured, theoretically focused academic approach might struggle. Ultimately, understanding and addressing these demands is vital to maximizing the benefits of studying at UNCSA, as it can significantly influence career readiness and post-graduate success.

Holistic Admissions? Or Score-Centric?

Some colleges love essays and activities. Some love high numbers.

Application Fee: $95

Fee Waiver Available: Yes

Application Portal: https://admissions.uncsa.edu/apply/?_ga=2.250664066.505097636.1573156964-1604118459.1573156964

Your Chances of Getting Into University of North Carolina School of the Arts

Let’s keep it real:

✅ Great scores + strong extracurriculars → Solid chance
🔶 Good scores + average profile → Toss-up
❌ Below 25th percentile → You’re relying on miracles

If you’re international, competition goes up a notch. If you're applying to CS, Business, or Engineering → multiply difficulty by 2.

What's my real shot?

Acceptance Odds Estimator

Estimate your admission probability at University of North Carolina School of the Arts based on your unique profile.

GPA

Test Score (SAT/ACT)

Extracurriculars

Pro Tip: Many more factors influence admission. For a deeper analysis that includes major, essays, and personal context — use Orbit's values-based matching.

Try Right Fit Matcher

Is University of North Carolina School of the Arts a Reach, Target, or Safety School?

One of the most common reasons students research admissions data is to categorize schools. Where does University of North Carolina School of the Arts belong on your list? Is it a reach, a realistic target, or a safer option?

There’s no universal answer. For some applicants, University of North Carolina School of the Arts may represent a strong target where preparation aligns well with admissions expectations. For others—especially those applying to competitive programs—it may function more like a reach.

How to Think About Your Chances Holistically

Admissions outcomes depend on more than a single statistic. Academic rigor, consistency, course selection, and clarity of intent all influence how applications are reviewed. That’s why two students with similar GPAs can experience very different results.

Using admissions data effectively means pairing it with self-assessment. When students understand both their own profiles and how the university evaluates applicants, decisions become clearer and more grounded. In that sense, acceptance data isn’t about predicting outcomes—it’s about making smarter choices before applying.

Should You Apply to University of North Carolina School of the Arts?

If 33.1% feels scary — that’s the point. High stakes → high payoff.

Will I be a standout here?
Do I like the vibe?
Can I afford it? (Check scholarship opportunities)
Is this my best-fit major here?

Explore University of North Carolina School of the Arts

Jump to related stats for this same university.

Admissions Overview

Requirements, deadlines & funnel

ACT Scores

Percentiles, ranges, and what’s competitive

FAQs About University of North Carolina School of the Arts Acceptance Rate

What are the admission requirements and acceptance rate at UNCSA?

UNCSA has an acceptance rate of 33%. Admission requires a strong high school GPA and a satisfactory SAT score, typically ranging from 1150-1350, alongside a portfolio or audition depending on the program.

How much does it cost to attend the University of North Carolina School of the Arts?

The median undergraduate tuition at UNCSA is $6,497, which is considerably lower than the national average for specialized arts institutions, making it a financially viable option for many students.

What programs and majors does UNCSA offer?

UNCSA offers five professional schools: Dance, Design & Production, Drama, Filmmaking, and Music, providing a focused curriculum tailored for aspiring artists in various disciplines.

Does UNCSA have a traditional athletics program or sports teams?

UNCSA does not have a varsity sports program; it centers its offerings around rigorous artistic training rather than traditional athletics, although students have access to gyms and dance studios.

Is housing available on campus, and what is the residential experience like?

Housing is available on campus, fostering a unique artistic community. The residential experience emphasizes collaboration and artistic development, making it conducive for forming lasting connections with peers.

Final Verdict: Don’t Play It Casual

University of North Carolina School of the Arts isn’t a lottery — but it sure feels like one if you apply blind.

Know where you stand. Play strengths. Show why you belong.

Next step

Move ahead in your future

Start your journey with Orbit AI

✨ ORBIT TOOLS

Unlock Your Best Shot with Orbit

Everything you need to maximize your college application success

AI Essay Coach

Stronger story = higher admission odds

Solvi: Your AI College Counselor

Talk to an AI built with real college counseling data