All schools
University of North Carolina School of the Arts logo
PublicUrban

University of North Carolina School of the Arts

UNCSA

Winston Salem, North Carolina 27127-2738

Visit website

Data last updated: May 29, 2026

Campus Vibe

Tight-knitUrban

Close-knit campus — excellent value

University of North Carolina School of the Arts is a public urban institution in Winston Salem, North Carolina. The school is accessible to a wide range of students, with an average SAT of 1250.

A small campus of 902 undergraduates with a 6:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.

79% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $38,357 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $12,372.

Established
1963
Mascot
The Fighting Pickle
Type
Public art school

Campus Visits

29 upcoming visits · Next: Fri, May 29 · Campus Visit

Plan Your Visit

33%Acceptance
1250SAT Avg
902Students
6:1Student:Faculty
79%Grad Rate
$38,357Earnings 10yr
$12,372Net Price

Admissions

Acceptance Rate33.1%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1250

Reading & WritingMid: 643
600710
MathMid: 628
550640

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 25
2427

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$9,477
Tuition (out-of-state)$27,211
Room & Board$13,410
Books & Supplies$1,440
Total Cost of Attendance$25,553
Average Net Price$12,372
Median Debt at Graduation$23,870
Monthly Payment (10yr)$253

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$4,932
$30–48K$6,698
$48–75K$10,547
$75–110K$21,768
$110K+$24,061

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.

Debt & Aid Detail

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

53.0%

Median Debt at Grad

$19,500

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

7

Peer Average

3

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

Campus security, emergency notification system

Incident Breakdown (2024)

2

Burglary

0

Aggravated Assault

0

Robbery

1

Motor Vehicle Theft

1

Sex Offenses

0

Arson

2

Drug Arrests

1

Liquor Arrests

Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).

Programs (10)

Student Life

Student Satisfaction

Retention Rate

88%

Positive

Student Body

Undergrads
902
Gender Split
62% / 38%
Women / Men
Pell Grant Recipients
25%

Race & Ethnicity

White 60%
Black 11%
Hispanic 15%
Asian 3%
Two+ 6%
Int'l 3%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate79.2%
Freshman Retention88.1%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$24,537
10 Years$38,357

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.

More About This School

History & Fun Facts

  • State funds were appropriated, and a North Carolina Conservatory Committee was established.
  • The School of the Arts became a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina system in 1972.
  • Vittorio Giannini was the school's founder and first president.
  • Giannini served as president of the fledgling institution until his death in November 1966.
  • In 1974, Robert Suderburg became UNCSA's third chancellor following Martin Sokoloff, the administrative director, who served as interim chancellor from 1973 to 1974.

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

106Above Average

Estimated from NC state average + large city premium

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 5"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

Charlottepop. 880K
68 mi(118 min)
Raleighpop. 470K
92 mi(159 min)
Washingtonpop. 690K
263 mi(456 min)

Getting There

Nearest Airports

CLT Charlotte72 mi
RDU Raleigh-Durham82 mi
RIC Richmond189 mi

Distance to Cities

Boston, MA655 mi · ~18h 55m drive
New York, NY465 mi · ~13h 26m drive
Hartford, CT565 mi · ~16h 19m drive
Providence, RI618 mi · ~17h 51m drive
Albany, NY571 mi · ~16h 30m drive
Syracuse, NY528 mi · ~15h 15m drive
Rochester, NY509 mi · ~14h 42m drive
Buffalo, NY476 mi · ~13h 45m drive
Philadelphia, PA384 mi · ~11h 6m drive
Pittsburgh, PA302 mi · ~8h 43m drive
Harrisburg, PA342 mi · ~9h 53m drive
Newark, NJ460 mi · ~13h 17m drive
Washington, DC263 mi · ~7h 36m drive
Baltimore, MD298 mi · ~8h 37m drive
Atlanta, GA285 mi · ~8h 14m drive
Charlotte, NC68 mi · ~1h 58m drive
Raleigh, NC92 mi · ~2h 39m drive
Miami, FL713 mi · ~20h 36m drive
Orlando, FL525 mi · ~15h 10m drive
Tampa, FL576 mi · ~16h 38m drive
Nashville, TN365 mi · ~10h 33m drive
New Orleans, LA709 mi · ~20h 29m drive
Richmond, VA185 mi · ~5h 21m drive
Chicago, IL564 mi · ~16h 18m drive
Detroit, MI458 mi · ~13h 14m drive
Minneapolis, MN918 mi · ~26h 31m drive
St. Louis, MO575 mi · ~16h 37m drive
Kansas City, MO812 mi · ~23h 27m drive
Indianapolis, IN411 mi · ~11h 52m drive
Columbus, OH308 mi · ~8h 54m drive
Cleveland, OH383 mi · ~11h 4m drive
Milwaukee, WI631 mi · ~18h 14m drive
Dallas, TX970 mi · ~28h 1m drive
Houston, TX979 mi · ~28h 17m drive
Austin, TX1087 mi · ~31h 24m drive
San Antonio, TX1154 mi · ~33h 20m drive
Los Angeles, CA2140 mi · ~61h 49m drive
San Francisco, CA2313 mi · ~66h 49m drive
San Diego, CA2105 mi · ~60h 49m drive
Seattle, WA2276 mi · ~65h 45m drive
Portland, OR2285 mi · ~66h 1m drive
Denver, CO1368 mi · ~39h 31m drive
Phoenix, AZ1808 mi · ~52h 14m drive
Salt Lake City, UT1734 mi · ~50h 6m drive
Honolulu, HI4695 mi · ~135h 38m drive
Southern (mild winters, hot summers)

University of North Carolina School of the Arts Application Checklist

Decision Notifications