For the fourth consecutive year, the University of North Carolina System has reached record enrollment, according to census data for the Fall 2021 semester.
Total enrollment across the UNC System is 244,492 – an increase of .8% from the 2020 enrollment number of 242,446. Overall undergraduate enrollment declined by .35%. While full-time undergraduate enrollment was down, part-time undergraduate enrollment rose 3.2% from last year, and 11.9% since Fall 2019 – likely a consequence of the pandemic.
During the same period, graduate enrollment has grown substantially, rising 5.4% since last year and 9.6% since Fall 2019. This reflects a typical pattern of growth in graduate programs during times of economic uncertainty.
Of note, Appalachian State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and University of North Carolina School of the Arts each grew by more than 3%. Elizabeth City State University’s enrollment climbed 2.6%, continuing its growth trajectory.
| Total Enrollment | Fall 2020 Census | Fall 2021 Census | Percent Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASU | 20,023 | 20,641 | 3.1% |
| ECU | 28,798 | 28,005 | -2.8% |
| ECSU | 2,002 | 2,054 | 2.6% |
| FSU | 6,726 | 6,754 | 0.4% |
| NC A&T | 12,753 | 13,322 | 4.5% |
| NCCU | 8,078 | 7,953 | -1.5% |
| NC State | 36,042 | 36,831 | 2.2% |
| UNCA | 3,363 | 3,233 | -3.9% |
| UNC-CH | 30,092 | 31,641 | 5.1% |
| UNCC | 30,146 | 30,448 | 1.0% |
| UNCG | 19,764 | 19,038 | -3.7% |
| UNCP | 8,262 | 8,319 | 0.7% |
| UNCW | 17,915 | 18,031 | 0.6% |
| UNCSA | 1,070 | 1,119 | 4.6% |
| WCU | 12,243 | 11,877 | -3.0% |
| WSSU | 5,169 | 5,226 | 1.1% |
| UNC System | 242,446 | 244,492 | 0.8% |