Tuition & Financial Aid
Clear Costs and Real Support — A Path You Can Plan For
Paying for your degree should feel manageable and transparent. At UNCW, you’ll find straightforward tuition, financial aid options and dedicated guidance to help you understand what to expect and how to move forward.
A Better Way To Get There
There’s more ahead, and UNCW’s Flight Path model helps you reach it. These 100% online programs are designed for working adults who want to finish their degree and build what comes next. With flexible formats, guided support and courses taught by UNCW faculty, you’ll gain practical skills that open new doors — on your terms.
Transfer-Friendly
Pick up where you left off with flexible, fully online programs designed to make the most of your previous work and school experiences.
100% Online
The same connected, coastal university — conveniently online. Progress with dedicated advising and support, wherever you log in.
Career-Ready
Gain practical skills aligned with today’s workforce, across North Carolina and beyond. What you learn here translates directly into growth.
Proven Quality
Earn a respected UNC System degree from an accredited university with the same faculty, standards and quality as the on-campus programs.
Tuition & Fees
Depending on the credits you bring with you, you could complete your UNCW degree in as few as 30 additional credits. For many students, that’s less than a year of focused work. The finish line is closer than it looks.
| Program | In-State Tuition (per credit hour) | Out-of-State Tuition (per credit hour) | Additional Fees (per credit hour) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interdisciplinary Studies, B.A. | $375 | $450 | $26.01 |
| Workforce Learning & Talent Development, B.S. | $375 | $450 | $26.01 |
Please note tuition is subject to change, and these figures do not include any outside expenses you may incur. For more information on university tuition, you can visit the main campus’ Flight Path page.
Tuition for North Carolina Residents
To qualify for in-state tuition rates, North Carolina residents must first confirm their in-state status by completing an application through the Residency Determination Service (RDS). To learn more about how to apply for NC residency, please refer to the North Carolina Residency page.
ESTIMATE YOUR TUITION COST
Use our calculator to estimate your tuition cost prior to any financial aid, scholarships, or grants.
Your total tuition costs will depend on your program, transfer credits and course load. Any fees associated with the program are not included in this estimate.
Use the slider or enter your previous college credits in the field.
Your Tuition Breakdown Estimate
Credits Needed
120
Cost Per Credit
$375
Estimated Terms to Degree
8
Estimated Total Cost
$34,656
Paying for Your Degree
Paying for your degree starts with a plan. At UNCW, you’ll find straightforward tuition, financial aid options and support to help you understand your costs.
The first step in any financial assistance plan should start with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It takes about 30 minutes and helps determine eligibility for a wide range of financial aid, and submitting early can make a difference.
Do I really need to fill it out?
The FAFSA is the starting point for grants, scholarships, work-study funds and loans — federal, state and institutional. Filing early gives you the best shot at the widest range of aid.
If you’re not sure whether it applies to your situation, file anyway, or talk it through with your admissions representative.
What do I need?
Grants and scholarships are forms of financial aid that don’t need to be repaid, making them one of the most valuable ways to pay for college. They’re typically awarded based on financial need, and can be applied toward tuition, fees, and other education-related expenses.
University Scholarship Application
UNCW awards donor-funded scholarships — including Honors and Education Abroad awards — to both new and current students through a single University Scholarship Application, open each year from December 1 through March 1. Scholarships range from merit-based to need-based, and each prompt you answer puts you in consideration for multiple awards at once.
External Scholarships
Some frequently used search engines are listed here for your convenience.
Understand your costs. Move forward with a plan.
Get a clear view of tuition, financial aid and your next step.
Federal student aid can help make your education more manageable through a range of funding options based on your FAFSA and enrollment status. Depending on your eligibility, aid may include grants, loans and work-study opportunities that can be used toward tuition, fees and other education-related expenses.
Federal Direct Loans
Federal Direct Loans are available to eligible students regardless of financial need and can bridge the gap between what other aid covers and what your degree costs. Interest accrues from disbursement, but repayment options after graduation are designed to be manageable. You will need to complete a Master Promissory Note and Entrance Loan Counseling before finalizing the loan process.
Pell Grants
Federal Pell Grants are awarded to eligible undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need and have not earned bachelor’s, graduate or professional degree. These grants do not need to be repaid. Grant amounts are determined through the FAFSA and may be used to help cover tuition, fees and other education expenses while you complete your degree.
Military education benefits — available to service members, veterans and eligible family members — can cover a meaningful portion of your degree costs at UNCW. Our enrollment team is familiar with how these benefits apply and can help you understand exactly what you’re entitled to use.
Available Benefits
These educational benefits programs are available through the VA:
- Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill®)
- Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill®, Fry Scholarship, and STEM Extension Scholarship)
- Chapter 35 (Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program)
- Chapter 1066 (Montgomery GI Selective Reserves)
- Chapter 1607 (Reserve Educational Assistance Program)
Enrollment Requirements
Full-time enrollment for regular undergraduate programs is as follows:
- Fall semesters: 12 credits, minimum
- Spring semesters: 12 credits, minimum
- Summer semesters: 4 credits, minimum
Enrollment rates for online accelerated programs and graduate programs may vary. Contact the VA-Military Financial Aid Counselors for assistance with determining your rate of enrollment and months of benefits usage specific to Flight Path programs.
There are always other options available to you if you know where to look.
Other Options Include:
Whenever You’re Ready, So Are We.
We’re flexible because you need us to be. That’s why we offer six start dates per year, more than most universities.
Fall Term 1
August
Fall Term 2
October
Spring Term 1
January
Spring Term 2
March
Summer Term 1
May
Summer Term 2
June
Frequently Asked Questions
Flight Path tuition is priced to reflect what it includes: dedicated success coaching, proactive advising, 24/7 technical support and tutoring services built into the program from day one. Students in Flight Path also pay a single consolidated fee.
Request
Information
Set your course with someone who knows the way.
This short form takes less than three minutes to fill out, and once you submit it, an admissions representative will reach out to answer any questions you have. No lines or gimmicks. It’s a straightforward conversation focused on your goals and experience.
You don’t need a perfect plan before you start asking questions.
Estephany G.
Admissions Representative
The goal isn’t to pressure anyone into enrolling. My goal is to answer your questions and help you understand the programs. That’s it.
Tangie W.
Admissions Representative
The right information early makes everything easier. That’s what our conversation is for.
Katwanna C.
Admissions Representative
Going back to school is a big decision. I’m here to make every step after this one a little easier.
Asjiah B. S.
Admissions Representative