College Costs in Wilmington, NC 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 5 colleges in Wilmington, North Carolina. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$7,287
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$34,393
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,128
per month
Colleges & Universities
5
institutions
Wilmington Overview
Population
115,451
Student Population
9,926 (8.6%)
Cost of Living Index
95 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
60/100
Transit Score
44/100
Unemployment Rate
6.8%
College Cost Calculator for Wilmington
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$68,264
Total After Financial Aid
$68,264
Annual Cost
$17,066
Annual After Aid
$17,066
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $68,264 |
| Monthly Payment | $775 |
| Total Interest | $24,751 |
| Total Loan Cost | $93,015 |
Universities in Wilmington
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of North Carolina Wilmington | Public | $7,287 |
| Cape Fear Community College | Community | $2,864 |
Wilmington has 5 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Wilmington vs. National Average
| Category | Wilmington | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $7,287 | $10,940 | -$3,653 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,128 | $1,050 | +$78 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95 | 100 | -5 |
Wilmington's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Wilmington
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
9,926 students
Wilmington has a total population of 115,451, with approximately 9,926 college students (8.6% of the population). Wilmington has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Wilmington
$48,197
Starting Salary
6.8%
Unemployment Rate
48%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Wilmington earn a median starting salary of $48,197, which is $13,197 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $68,264 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,831 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in North Carolina
Charlotte
39 colleges · Avg tuition $7,092
Raleigh
21 colleges · Avg tuition $9,101
Greensboro
17 colleges · Avg tuition $7,000
Durham
25 colleges · Avg tuition $6,477
Winston-Salem
26 colleges · Avg tuition $6,432
Fayetteville
15 colleges · Avg tuition $5,925
Asheville
4 colleges · Avg tuition $7,361
Chapel Hill
5 colleges · Avg tuition $8,998
Boone
3 colleges · Avg tuition $7,657
Cullowhee
4 colleges · Avg tuition $7,428
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