Economic and Workforce Development

do business in a vibrant state

North Carolina is growing, and for good reason.

From welcoming communities, rich history, and friendly culture to lower corporate taxes, high business incentives, and regulatory reforms, North Carolina isn’t just a place to work. It’s a place to thrive.

North Carolina has been ranked by CNBC as the Best State for Business for three of the last five consecutive years, with economy, workforce, and infrastructure as its three top ranked criteria in 2026.

As the state’s top producer of bachelor’s-and-higher degrees, the University of North Carolina System plays an enormous role in growing the state’s business and industry, producing talent to support a booming economy.

From the mountains to the coast, UNC System institutions award 71% of all North Carolina degrees at a bachelor’s level or above.

Get to know our institutions

Statewide, the UNC System awards more than 75% of all bachelor’s-and-higher degrees in critical areas such as nursing, engineering, and education.

UNC System degrees

North Carolina’s got talent

In North Carolina, we know that talent can come from anywhere which is why we are committed to reaching students everywhere. Whether they come to us from high schools, from the military, from a community college, or from the workforce, we are here to serve through world-class education that adapts to individual needs.

Steadily growing enrollment

While many institutions struggle to grow college enrollment, the UNC System is seeing a steady increase in students. In fall 2025, for example, the UNC System experienced record growth, welcoming more than 256,000 students.

Strong military partnerships

North Carolina is home to one of the nation’s largest military populations, with nearly 120,000 service members across four branches of the armed forces.

Through strong military partnerships and pathways that convert military training into academic credit, the UNC System is drawing incredible experience into the state’s talent pool and building a valuable bridge between military and business sectors in North Carolina.

Opportunities for adult learners

North Carolina is committed to ensuring we have 2 million adults with a high-quality credential by 2030 and the UNC System is creating pathways for adult learners to reach this goal.

The UNC System – and its affiliate Project Kitty Hawk – is unlocking talent by creating pathways for adult learners to return to higher education and advance their skills and careers while remaining the workforce. That’s good for our people. It’s also good for businesses.

Community college pathways

The UNC System’s transfer partnerships with North Carolina’s 58 community colleges makes it easier than ever for students to continue their education.

Through transfer agreements and streamlined pathways, the UNC System is helping community college students earn bachelor’s degrees in high-demand fields. Many transfer students are working adults seeking career advancement or transition into one of the state’s fastest-growing industries. That makes for a more efficient, affordable education system, and translates into a reliable workforce pipeline for employers.

“After earning my radiography degree from Lenoir Community College, I began my career in diagnostic imaging and quickly realized I wanted to continue growing professionally while remaining in the workforce. Appalachian State University’s online Health Sciences program gave me the flexibility to complete my bachelor’s degree while working full-time as a CT Technologist. The program broadened my understanding of healthcare, public health, and patient education, and it reinforced my long-term goal of becoming a radiography educator. App State made it possible for me to advance my education without putting my career on hold.”

Mackenzie Thompson, Class of 2026

DEGREES FOR NORTH CAROLINA’S FUTURE

The state is projected to add 260,000 jobs by 2034, according to a recent UNC System workforce study. And though certain fields, like teaching, engineering, and nursing, are among the fastest growing fields, there continues to be growth across all sectors. This reflects North Carolina’s strength as the third most economically diverse state in the nation.

56% of UNC System degrees completed annually in high-growth fields like business, health professions, social sciences, physical and life sciences, and engineering.

In recent years, the state has successfully attracted renowned global companies and major investments, announcing a record-high number of more than 35,000 new job announcements and over $24 billion in new investments in 2025.

Additionally, the state’s growth and new investments cover a vast array of industries including advanced manufacturing, biopharma, military defense, and tourism.

Connect with our partners

Ready to connect with one of our partners? See the list below of our economic development partners across the UNC System. If you’re not sure where to start, contact Kathie Sidner at the UNC System Office.