Undergraduate Admissions

Pembroke is committed to the recruitment of an achievement-oriented and socially responsible student body that will enrich the intellectual, cultural, and social community of the University and the community at large. UNC Pembroke welcomes applications from persons who have earned a high school diploma or its equivalent and whose academic preparation and aptitude predict success in higher education. No single consideration dictates admission decisions; instead, numerous factors and their relationships to one another enter into such decisions. The University considers applications for admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, or disability.

Any student who supplies false or misleading information or conceals pertinent facts to secure admission to UNC Pembroke may be denied admission or, if admitted, may be immediately dismissed from the University. Such a student may be ineligible to receive any credit from the University.

Qualified applicants are admitted in the following categories:

1. New Freshmen
2. Transfer Students
3. Readmission Students
4. International Students
5. Special Students
   1. Enrichment (non-degree)
   2. Teacher Licensure/Renewal
   3. Second Degree
   4. Transient
   5. Joint Enrolled

Students may enter at the beginning of any semester or summer term. The application priority deadlines for undergraduate admissions are as follows: the fall semester is May 1; the spring semester is December 1; summer terms I and II are February 1. Applications are processed on a rolling basis; however, students who apply early will receive priority in scholarships, financial aid, and housing.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their application online by going to the apply now link at uncp.edu. Alternatively, first-time applicants may also submit their application through Common Application or College Foundation of North Carolina. Undergraduate Admissions may be reached by phone at 910-521-6262. Students may also contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions through email at admissions@uncp.edu or visit the UNCP home page at www.uncp.edu. The fax number for the Office of Admissions is 910-521-6497.

North Carolina immunization law requires all students enrolling in more than four hours to submit a copy of their immunization records to their respective institutions. All documents must be completed online via the Student Health Patient Portal at: uncp.medicatconnect.com

New Freshmen

Applicants for the freshman class must be graduates of an approved or accredited high school or home school. Non-graduates must possess a high school equivalency certificate and present evidence of maturity and the potential to achieve success in a university environment.

Submit completed application by one of the priority deadlines:

1. Submit a non-refundable $55 application fee with the application - this can be paid online at time of application.
2. Submit high school transcripts. These can be sent electronically to admissions@uncp.edu or sent via mail to: Office of Undergraduate Admissions, University of North Carolina at Pembroke, 1 University Drive, Pembroke, NC 28372.
3. We recommend, but not require, that you complete a writing sample, personal statement, short answer application for admissions.
4. We recommend, but not require, that you submit recommendation(s) from a school counselor or core academic teacher. These should be uploaded within your online application portal.
5. The submission of test scores (SAT/ACT) varies for students by entry term, please see the detailed requirements listed under the “Minimum Admission Requirements for Undergraduate Admissions” section. 
6. PLEASE NOTE IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
   1. If enrolled in dual enrollment course work, an official transcript of that college work must be submitted in order for a credit evaluation to occur. The official transcript should be sent prior to completing New Student Orientation. 
   2. Students enrolled in an Early College Program must also submit official college transcripts.
   3. For credit consideration, official records for Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) or College Level Examination Program scores should be provided to Undergraduate Admissions. With appropriate scores and official documentation, credit will be awarded.
   4. While an Admission determination may be made utilizing unofficial transcripts, final official transcripts and test scores (if applicable) must be submitted before matriculation. Admission decisions are contingent upon the successful completion of all requirements and the receipt of official documentation. If not submitted a hold is placed on the student record which will prevent enrollment and registration.

New Student Orientation

New Student Orientation serves as a campus leader in facilitating a supportive transition process for students to create a foundation of success at UNC Pembroke.  

New Student Orientation achieves our mission by empowering students to:​

Discover their passions through transformative educational experiences and self-exploration that fosters personal and academic growth.  ​

Belong at UNCP through active participation and commitment to their discipline, career, and campus community.​

Thrive academically and socially through shared campus experiences cultivated by UNCP’s unique history and resources in order to meet the changing needs of our diverse and inclusive community.

New Student Orientation offers several programs during the spring and summer of each year to acquaint new students and family members with the academic, co-curricular, and social opportunities offered at the University. All newly admitted undergraduate, first-year, transfer and online students are required to participate in an orientation session. These programs are designed to ease the transition of incoming students UNC Pembroke. Family members and guests are invited and encouraged to attend family orientation, which runs parallel to the student program.   

In addition, new undergraduate students are required to attend the Welcome Week in August to continue their transition to UNC Pembroke. 

Minimum Requirements for Undergraduate Admissions

Purpose. The University of North Carolina (UNC) Board of Governors has, since 1988, established minimum requirements for undergraduate admission to any constituent institution. These requirements serve to provide a common set of minimum standards to be considered for admission as an undergraduate student. Completion of these standards does not guarantee admission to any UNC System institution or program of study. Exceptions and special considerations to these minimum eligibility requirements are provided in Sections 700.1.1.1[R], 700.1.1.2[R], 700.7.1, and 700.7.1[R] of the UNC Policy Manual. 

• High School Diploma. All students should hold a high school diploma or its equivalent.  
• Minimum Course Requirements. The following courses must be completed at the high school level, although those courses may be completed at an earlier time (e.g., middle school).  
  • English: four course units emphasizing grammar, composition, and literature.  
  • Mathematics: four course units in any of the following combinations: 
    •  1. Algebra I, algebra II, geometry, and one unit beyond algebra II; or 2. Algebra I, algebra II, and two units beyond algebra II; or 3. Common core math I, II, and III, and one unit beyond common core math III; or 4. Integrated math I, II, III, and one unit beyond integrated math III; or 5. NC Math 1, 2, 3, and one unit beyond NC Math 3 identified as meeting the 4th level mathematics requirement for admission to UNC System institutions. 
  • Science: three course units, including at least: 1. One life science unit (e.g., biology, ecology, zoology); and 2. One non-life science unit (e.g., astronomy, chemistry, earth science, environmental science, physical science, physics); and 3. One laboratory science unit.  
  • Social Studies: two course units, including one unit in U.S. history. (An applicant who does not have the unit in U.S. history may be admitted on the condition that at least three semester hours in that subject be passed by the end of the sophomore (second) year.) 
  • Two additional academic courses from English, mathematics, science, social studies, world languages, or computer science. (Note: these courses should be selected in alignment with a student’s academic and career objectives. Completion of two sequential world language courses is recommended.)    

  • Consider taking the most rigorous courses available at their high school that they can successfully complete. 

  • Ensure to complete an academically challenging course load in their senior year, even if they have completed the minimum course requirements.  

•  High School Grade Point Average and Standardized Test Scores. All applicants for admission, except those exempted by UNC Policy or regulation, must meet the following criteria for admission.  

  • For students entering in the Spring 2026 semester: 1. High School GPA: A minimum weighted GPA of 2.5. 2. Standardized Test Scores: Students with a weighted High School GPA greater than or equal to 2.50 and less than 2.80 are required to submit a standardized test score (ACT or SAT).  
  • For students entering in the Fall 2026 semester and beyond: 1. High School GPA: A minimum weighted GPA of 2.5. 2. Standardized Test Scores: Students with a weighted High School GPA greater than or equal to 2.50 and less than 2.80 are required to submit a standardized test score of a 17 or higher on the ACT or a 930 or higher on the SAT.   
• Graduates of Cooperative Innovative High Schools (Early College) who earn an associate degree have the option of being considered for admission as a first-time (freshman) or as a transfer student. Early College students that apply as a transfer student may not be considered for scholarships and financial awards dedicated to first-time freshman.  
• Graduates of North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM). Graduates of NCSSM who attended the residential program at NCSSM are guaranteed admission to UNC Pembroke as a first-time freshman.  Admission  is contingent upon the applicant:  
  • Successfully completing all NCSSM graduation requirements and remaining enrolled and in good standing at NCSSM through the time of the student’s graduation. For the purposes of this policy, “in good standing” shall mean with no pending disciplinary charges or pending academic violations that could lead to dismissal as of the date of graduation; 
  • Meeting the academic program requirements as outlined in Section 700.1.1.3[R] of the UNC Policy Manual;  
  • Completing all application requirements established by the constituent institution by a standard public deadline; and  
  • Satisfying the provisions of Section 700.5.1[R] of the UNC Policy Manual. This guaranteed offer of admission shall apply only to acceptance to the respective constituent institutions, and shall not apply to any specific school, major, or program of study within the constituent institutions.  

Exception Procedures for Normal Admissions Requests:

The Chancellor, with the recommendation of the Director of Admissions and the Vice Chancellor for Enrollment, may allow a Special Talent Waiver or Special Consideration to a student who does not meet UNC minimum requirements but has otherwise demonstrated promise for academic success, as measured by grades, class rank, SAT or ACT scores (optional), when compared with other students admitted to the University.

Transfer Students

UNC Pembroke welcomes transfer candidates for admission. Transfer applicants must:

• Submit a completed application for admission.
• Furnish an official transcript from each higher education institution previously attended. The transcripts must indicate a cumulative “C” (2.0) average on all work attempted prior to admission to UNC Pembroke. Courses satisfactorily completed at institutions recognized by accepted institutional accreditors are evaluated in terms of courses offered and academic programs available at UNCP. Accepted institutional accreditors include but are not limited to the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC), Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS), New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Other US Department of Education recognized national accreditors such as the American Council on Education, which are not listed above are also be considered accepted institutional accreditors.
• Submit an official high school transcript if under the age of 21 or have not completed 24 transferable credit hours with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher from an accepted accredited institution.
• Complete minimum admission requirements for first time freshman if under the age of 21 and have not completed 24 transferable credit hours with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
• Issue payment of the  nonrefundable $55.00 application fee.
• Attain at least a grade of “C” (2.0) in a course for that course to be allowed for transfer credit. Grades from transferred courses will not count toward the cumulative quality point average at UNC Pembroke.

Special Note:

• While an Admission determination may be made utilizing unofficial transcripts, final official transcripts and test scores (if applicable) must be submitted before matriculation. Admission decisions are contingent upon the successful completion of all requirements and the receipt of official documentation.  If not submitted, a hold is placed on the student record which will prevent enrollment and registration for future terms. Transfer credit cannot be granted from an unofficial transcript. 
• Failure to indicate all institutions of higher education attended on any application for admission is considered falsification of the application and will result in forfeiture of the transfer of all credits from those institutions attended, and the offer of admission could be rescinded.

• Applicants 21 years old or older may be admitted as non-traditional freshmen or transfer student without meeting minimum course requirements outlined aboveMCR.
• Applicants 21 years old or older applying as a transfer student, must meet a minimum 2.0 cumulative college GPA for all college courses as calculated by the UNC Pembroke Undergraduate Admissions Office.

• All transfer students entering UNC Pembroke must attend a new student transfer orientation session

Because of differing admission requirements, transfer applicants who are candidates for teacher licensure degrees should refer to the admission requirements stipulated for the Teacher Education Program.

The classification of transfer students (freshman, sophomore, junior or senior) is determined by the number of transfer credit hours accepted by UNC Pembroke. A minimum of 25 percent of semester hours applied toward a bachelor’s degree must be earned through regular enrollment in UNC Pembroke courses, and students must satisfy all UNC Pembroke degree requirements for their chosen major.

UNC Pembroke is an active participant in the North Carolina Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA), which governs the transfer of credits between N.C. community colleges and public universities in North Carolina. UNC Pembroke accepts all credit under the guidelines of the agreement for courses in which a grade of C or better is earned. A link to full details on the CAA may be found at uncp.edu/admissions/undergraduate-admissions/transfer-students/transfer-resources.

UNC Pembroke follows the UNC System policies regarding transfer admission, and transcript evaluation.

Readmit Students

Students who have interrupted their course of study for at least two consecutive semesters (Fall/Spring) must apply for readmission through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions ($35 readmission fee). Students who are seeking readmission to UNC Pembroke after completing additional work at another accredited institution must reapply through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Transcripts of any academic work completed in the interim at any other accepted accredited institution must be provided prior to approval for readmission, along with an application, and $35 application fee.

Special Readmission Policy

Any former UNCP student who was academically dismissed, suspended, or placed on academic probation at the end of his/her final semester and has not attended UNCP for a period of two (2) academic years may apply for readmission under the Special Readmission Policy. All students admitted under this policy return on the same status and must follow the policies and procedures outlined under “Academic Probation” in the Academic Policies section of the UNCP catalog. In order to qualify for the Special Readmission Policy, students must earn a 2.0 or higher in their first 12 hours after being readmitted. Students may apply for readmission under this policy one time. Once approved, the decision will not be reversed.

Upon meeting the requirements for this policy, the student’s GPA will be computed excluding all previous grades below C (2.0). All grades will remain on the student’s transcript, but only those previous courses in which a grade of C or better was earned will count toward graduation. All coursework, however, will count toward attempted hours, and all grades, including those from the student’s previous GPA, will be calculated for honors purposes.

Students admitted under the Special Readmission Policy may not make use of the grade replacement policy and must continue to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00. Failure to maintain this minimum GPA will result in a two-semester suspension.

Departments with more rigorous GPA standards than the general University requirement of 2.0 have the right to deny admission to a program. Any student readmitted under this policy must complete a minimum of 30 semester hours at UNCP after readmission to qualify for graduation.

Students must apply for the Special Readmission Policy through the Center for Student Success.

International Students

UNC Pembroke recognizes international students as students seeking to study in the United States on a non-immigrant visa. Undergraduate Admissions processes applications, evaluates credentials, makes admissions decisions, and serves in a consultant capacity to prospective students, academic advisors, sponsors, and agencies representing international students. When students are admitted, Undergraduate Admissions provides documentation to the Office of Global engagement for immigration purposes. It is preferred that all admission documents be sent to the Admissions Office six months before the intended term of entry.  All documents relevant to the immigration certification request must be received by the Office of Global Engagement and evaluated before a DS-2019 and I-20 can be issued. Documents generated through SEVIS and the department of Homeland Security are issued and maintained by the Designated School Official in the Office of Global Engagement.

International applicants must submit:

• A complete admissions application and $45.00 non-refundable application fee.
• English Translated high school transcripts that include a U.S. equivalent GPA or academic summary and indication of completed high school graduation requirements.
• English Language Proficiency scores meeting the undergraduate minimum requirements. TOEFL (71), IELTS (6.0), and Duolingo (105).
• International applicants who have previously attended an institution of higher education or college must submit a NACES approved course-by-course evaluation.
• For immigration purposes international students must submit a copy of their passport, and proof of financials.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the Office of Global Engagement webpage for further details: https://www.uncp.edu/departments/global-engagement

English Language Institute

The English Language Institute (ELI) at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke offers intensive English language instruction pre-academic training, and/or cultural orientation to international students preparing for university study in the United States. Students who do not meet UNCP’s minimum English language requirement can apply to the ELI and matriculate to academic classes upon successful completion of the program. 

• Undergraduate requirements -71 on the TOEFL iBT or 6.0 on IELTS or 105 on Duolingo, 
• Graduate requirements - 79 on the TOEFL iBT or 6.5 on IELTS with a minimum score of 6.0 on each of the four bands or 105 Duolingo.

Special Students

Persons applying for admission as Special Students should meet the qualifications described in one of the following categories: Enrichment, Teacher Licensure/Renewal, Second Degree, Transient, and Joint Enrolled. A $55 nonrefundable application fee is required.

Enrichment: Applicants not enrolled in a degree program at another institution who wish to complete courses at UNC Pembroke for personal or professional enrichment may qualify for admission as Special students. Such applicants must apply for admission, a $55 nonrefundable application fee, and a final high school or college transcript. Enrichment (non-degree seeking) students may earn up to 15 semester hours in this classification. Continuation of enrollment in additional courses will require the approval of the Director of Admissions. These students enroll without entering degree programs, and they may not later become degree candidates unless they have been admitted as regular students. Students under academic suspension from any university are not eligible to enroll as special students.

Teacher Licensure/Renewal: Individuals who have a baccalaureate degree may be admitted to earn a teacher licensure or take courses for renewal purposes. An application for admission, $55 nonrefundable application fee, and a copy of the transcript reflecting the baccalaureate degree awarded must be submitted prior to admission to the University. In addition to applying to UNC Pembroke through the Admissions Office, individuals must also contact the Director of Teacher Education (and submit any additional required documentation) to design an individualized education plan. All licensure candidates must meet the admission and retention standards of the Educator Preparation Program and the National Teachers Examination requirements established by the State Board of Education. (See Teacher Education Program/Educator Preparation Program) See Graduate Admissions for MAT program admissions.

Second Degree: Applicants who wish to enroll at the University to complete a second undergraduate degree must submit the application for admission, a $55 nonrefundable application fee ($35 if applying for readmission), and a transcript reflecting the receipt of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. (See Requirements for a Second Baccalaureate Degree.)

Transient Students: Transient students are students enrolled in a degree program at another college or university who qualify to study for one semester or summer session(s) at UNC Pembroke and plan to transfer credits earned back to the institution at which they are pursuing a degree. To gain admission as transient students, applicants must be in good academic standing and be eligible to return to their parent institution. They must also have permission from their institution to study at UNC Pembroke. Students should complete the transient application within the online application portal. A $55 non-refundable application fee is required. 

Joint Enrolled: The Joint Enrollment Program is designed for high school students who have excelled academically in high school and prove ready for college-level work. Students may register for no more than one course per semester while completing their high school curriculum, and they cannot take courses that are offered at their high school. Interested students must submit a special Joint Enrollment Application, an official high school transcript, SAT/ACT scores (if available), and class rank. Permission must be granted from the student’s high school principal or guidance counselor and the Director of Admissions, prior to admission as a Joint Enrolled student. An application fee is not required.

Auditing

All persons, whether regularly enrolled in the University or seeking to take a course for enrichment, who desire to audit a course must complete an enrichment application using the online application portal and secure the permission of the instructor and the Enrollment Office. Audits may not be added to a student’s schedule after the last day to add a class. The fee charged for auditing a course will be the same as if the course were taken for credit. Students who are regularly enrolled at the University must file a copy of the permission letter from the Registrar’s Office with the instructor at the beginning of the course. Audited classes are listed on the permanent record and are designated by the letters “AU.” Class participation by and requirements of auditors are at the discretion of the instructor. An application fee of $55 is required.

Graduate Admissions

Inquiries concerning graduate admissions should be directed to the Dean of Graduate Studies. Admissions requirements are stated in The Graduate School  section of this catalog.

Degree Completion Program for Military Personnel

Credit for Military Training

UNC Pembroke provides educational programs for veterans, active military personnel, and retired military personnel who wish to continue their career development in higher education and to complete an educational program leading to a college degree.

The university will award applicable and appropriate undergraduate credit to students who have presented an official Joint Service Transcript (JST) or other official academic record. Recommendations from the American Council on Education (ACE) Military Occupation and Military Course will be considered to determine credit awards. Military personnel are also asked to submit official transcripts from other higher education institutions previously attended. See Transfer Students section above for more information.

International Baccalaureate Course Equivalencies

The University of North Carolina at Pembroke awards college-level credit for acceptable completion of  International Baccalaureate courses that meet UNC Pembroke’s credit granting standards.  A table of accepted courses and the credit granting score requirements and course equivalencies can be found at uncp.edu/admissions/ib-ap-clep-and-other-exams-credit.

College Level Examination Program

UNC Pembroke participates in the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and accepts CLEP examinations which measure mastery of college-level, introductory course content in a variety of subject areas. Students meeting the credit-granting score on CLEP Examinations may earn up to 30 semester hours of college-level credit. Transfer students may earn credit through prior CLEP exams provided the following criteria are met: 1) their scores must meet UNCP’s credit-granting standards and 2) an official transcript of their scores must be sent to the UNCP Admissions or Registrar’s Office. CLEP credit will not be granted for previously failed courses.

CLEP Examinations may be taken prior to or during the student’s enrollment with the following exception: no CLEP examination credit will be accepted during the final 25 percent of a student’s course- work. Successful completion of each Examination earns three to twelve semester hours of credit and may exempt the student from certain General Education or major requirements. In some cases, only general elective credit will be awarded. A list of accepted exams with the credit granting score requirements and course equivalencies can be found at uncp.edu/admissions/ib-ap-clep-and-other-exams-credit.

Advanced Placement

The University of North Carolina at Pembroke participates in the Advanced Placement program of the College Entrance Examination Board. Credit may be earned in various subject matter areas. UNC Pembroke especially welcomes applicants with preparation in Advanced Placement courses. A list of accepted exams with the credit granting score requirements and course equivalencies can be found at uncp.edu/admissions/ib-ap-clep-and-other-exams-credit.

Esther G. Maynor Honors College

The Esther G. Maynor Honors College is designed to recognize outstanding students and to promote the scholarly growth of the students selected for the program by providing interdisciplinary around a learning community of honors students and include selected general education courses, small interdisciplinary seminars, cultural and service programs, and shared residential facilities with other honors students. The Esther G. Maynor Honors College offers an intellectually stimulating social environment, greater curricular flexibility, more personal contact and scholarly discussion with students and faculty from the various disciplines, and closer interaction with individual faculty members in the College. Each Esther G. Maynor Honors College student prepares an Honors Capstone Project under the supervision of a faculty mentor. For program description, see Maynor Honors College.

Program participants are selected on the basis of class rank, high school grades, Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores or American College Testing (ACT) scores (test scores optional), and extra-curricular and community achievements. Esther G. Maynor Honors College students are appointed by the Dean of the Esther G. Maynor Honors College upon the recommendation of the University Honors Council.

Brave Start

The Brave Start program is designed to admit a limited number of students who meet the minimum requirements, but not all, of The University of North Carolina at Pembroke’s regular admission standards. Students are selected based on of high school academic record, scholastic standing in the high school graduating class, and SAT or ACT scores (optional). The application for admission should be filed as early as possible.

Students enter Brave Start based on recommendations from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, and students enroll in courses designed to develop academic skills necessary for their success at UNC Pembroke. In the Fall and Spring semesters, the student is allowed to register for 15-17 hours of academic courses. In addition, students meet regularly with the Brave Start advisors for academic counseling as well as participate in special programs throughout the academic year. Students who meet the University’s academic eligibility requirements and have successfully completed the Brave Start program (made a “C” or higher in ENG 1040, UNV 1000, ENG 1050, and ENG 1060) then continue at the University as other regularly admitted students.