Why UNCP

Students on campus UNCP
Ask any of our students or faculty, and they’ll tell you the top reason to choose UNC Pembroke is the community.

Here, you’ll build lifelong friendships, create lasting memories and find a place that truly feels like home. But that’s just the beginning. At UNCP, you’ll also experience academic excellence, hands-on learning and opportunities that prepare you for what’s next — in your career and in life.

Discover the Brave Experience — and why UNCP is the right choice for you.

Reasons to Attend

14:1

student to faculty to ratio

150+

clubs and organizations

Top 50

best value schools

The Brave Experience

The Brave Experience is UNCP’s student success model — built by students, faculty and staff to support your growth in every aspect of college life.
Launched in 2019, it takes a holistic approach to your personal, academic and professional development. It encourages you to get involved, build meaningful connections and take ownership of your journey at UNC Pembroke. The model is rooted in four key areas inspired by Native cultural symbols and Lumbee traditions, reflecting the values that guide our BraveNation community.

Belonging

Cultivate a sense of belonging and purpose through active engagement — in your discipline, your career path and campus life.

The Brave Experience is built on four key areas that guide your development:

  • Social: Develop self-awareness while building positive, meaningful relationships with others.

  • Academic: Engage in academic exploration across disciplines and connect your learning to real-world opportunities.

  • Career: Discover your passions, gain hands-on experience and build the skills to confidently pursue your career goals.

Belonging at UNCP
UNCP students smiling for a picture

Community

At UNC Pembroke, community means learning and growing through shared experiences — both on campus and beyond. It’s about exchanging knowledge and resources to build stronger, more inclusive environments.

  • Service: Create positive change by addressing social injustices and making a meaningful impact in local, national and global communities.

  • Citizenship: Embrace civic responsibility and take an active role in shaping a better society.

  • Culture: Explore diverse perspectives through the arts, history and shared dialogue — and celebrate the stories and achievements of others.

Community on Campus
UNCP students in a classroom
Event where a the Lumbee the was playing the drums

Learning

Learning is a lifelong, self-driven journey — one that goes beyond the classroom and empowers you to grow personally, academically and professionally.

  • Self-Exploration: Understand your beliefs, values, skills and identity — and how they shape your motivation to grow and take action.

  • Experiential Learning: Apply what you’ve learned across disciplines to real-world experiences in and outside the classroom.

  • Reflection: Make meaning of your experiences, challenge your thinking and define your leadership through intentional reflection and critical self-awareness.

UNCP Academics
UNCP class being taught

Well-being

Wellness at UNC Pembroke means building a sustainable, healthy lifestyle — one that balances your mental, physical and emotional well-being.

  • Resilience: Develop the ability to overcome challenges by using positive coping strategies and persistence.

  • Health: Make informed, intentional choices that support a balanced body, mind and spirit.

  • Congruence: Align your thoughts, actions and beliefs with your personal values and the values of your community.

Support at UNCP
UNCP male student working out in wellness center
UNCP female working out in wellness center

Value & Affordability

One of the many benefits of attending UNCP is that it offers a high-quality education with the affordability of a public institution. Small class sizes provide a personalized learning experience, ensuring that you get the most value for your investment.
Student Jake Smith smiling
Because the class sizes are so small and the faculty connect with you, it feels like a private university. You get individualized attention, access to internships and opportunities to do research in your field of study. Then you see the tuition statement and realize — wow, I’m actually at a public institution. That feels great.
Jake Smith

UNCP Alumni

image of old main

A Long History
Of Culture

UNC Pembroke grew out of a vision to improve the circumstances of the American Indians of Robeson County through education. To this day, our programs and on-campus offerings highlight and uplift the American Indian community.
UNCP Community & Culture

Get In Touch

Our counselors are here to answer any questions you have.

or call us at 910.521.6262

Send us a message and one of our counselors will get back to you.