The University of North Carolina System achieved record enrollment this fall, with the total number of students up 3.4% over 2024. For the first time, North Carolina’s public universities surpassed a quarter of a million students – with total enrollment at more than 256,000, according to preliminary figures.
“We’re happy to welcome more students than ever at our state universities,” said UNC System President Peter Hans. “We have been focused on providing affordable, accessible education to all North Carolinians, while raising graduation rates and lowering student debt. Families recognize that the UNC System delivers opportunity and value.”
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The UNC System’s overall positive enrollment trend comes at a time of demographic challenge for higher education due to falling birth rates in the United States.
Fifteen of 16 universities recorded enrollment gains. After two years of growth, the University of North Carolina Asheville experienced a 6% decline this fall, a year after Hurricane Helene hit. Due to a lack of drinking water in the city last fall, the campus was closed for 33 days during the peak of recruitment and campus tours for prospective students. Despite the challenges, UNCA’s retention rate climbed higher and the campus is fully operational, thanks in part to strong recovery funding from state policymakers.
Historically black universities in the UNC System posted some of the largest percentage increases this year, including Fayetteville State University, at 7.3%, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, at 6.7%, and North Carolina Central University, at 6.8%. Recent policies raised enrollment caps on out-of-state students at campuses with strong demand and open capacity, bringing more talented students to North Carolina from across the country.
Other policies have smoothed the way for students to navigate the path to higher education, simplifying the transfer and admissions processes. This fall, a program called NC College Connect offers automatic admission to more than 62,000 high school seniors who have a weighted grade point average of 2.8 or above; 11 UNC System institutions are participating in the new initiative.
The UNC System is also working to help welcome back former students who may have stopped short of earning a degree. Ten UNC System universities have joined a partnership to engage and support adult students returning to higher education.
In-state undergraduate tuition has not increased for nine years straight in the UNC System, and a simplified financial aid program is helping more families afford higher education. The Next NC Scholarship provides at least $5,000 a year to North Carolina students from households making $80,000 or less.
“Higher enrollment is good for our universities, of course, but it’s also good for North Carolina,” Hans said. “More people pursuing education and opportunity benefits our state over the long haul.”