History
UNCW, located in North Carolina, first opened its doors as Wilmington College on September 4, 1947. Initially, it was a junior college offering freshman-level courses to 238 students, with a significant number being veterans returning from World War II. The school operated under the New Hanover County Board of Education and quickly gained accreditation from the North Carolina College Conference in 1948. It also became part of the American Association of Junior Colleges, and in 1952, earned further accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
By 1958, Wilmington College transitioned to a state-supported institution under the Community College Act of North Carolina, moving its oversight to a board of trustees under the North Carolina Board of Higher Education. In 1963, the school took a major step forward, becoming a four-year liberal arts college with the authority to grant bachelor’s degrees. Just six years later, in 1969, it officially became part of the University of North Carolina system, marking its rise to university status.
UNCW continued to grow, and by 1977, it was authorized to offer graduate programs at the master’s level. Today, it stands as one of the best colleges in the US, offering a wide range of academic programs, including 55 bachelor’s degrees, 35 master’s degrees, and four doctoral degrees.
For students exploring US colleges or looking into top online MBA programs, UNCW is among the institutions in the United States that provide excellent academic opportunities. While colleges in California, such as the University of California system, often draw attention, schools like UNCW in Raleigh, NC, also offer some of the best online MBA courses. With its reputation for excellence, it is recognized among the best online MBA programs in the US, even ranking within the top 50 online MBA programs and among the most prestigious online MBA programs available.