Report shows 5,000 to 10,000 additional college graduates needed annually to meet NC job demands
MORGANTON — North Carolina’s economy is growing faster than its population of skilled workers, according to a new study from the University of North Carolina System. The study, 2026 UNC System Workforce Alignment Report, predicts significant talent gaps in critical fields such as nursing, engineering and education, and shows job growth across most sectors.
North Carolina is expected to add approximately 260,000 new jobs by 2034, according to the report, which references employer data from the North Carolina Department of Commerce.
And when North Carolina needs talent, it largely comes from the state’s public universities, according to data from the UNC System and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. UNC System institutions provide 71% of all North Carolina degrees at a bachelor’s level or above. In critical fields, that number is higher still. Statewide, the System provides 75% of all bachelor’s-and-higher degrees in areas such as nursing, engineering and education.
Even so, job openings are projected to exceed people with the skills to fill them. The study finds a need for 5,000 to 10,000 additional college graduates annually over the next few years. All to meet growing employer demands.
While other states struggle with declining college enrollment, public universities in North Carolina are serving more students than ever. Last fall, the UNC System experienced record growth, welcoming more than 256,000 students.
“Our public universities are critical infrastructure for our state, teaching the next generation of doctors, nurses, teachers, engineers and vital professionals that North Carolina needs,” said UNC System President Peter Hans. “Every day, we’re connecting talented students to fulfilling careers and meaningful lives.”
Steady enrollment growth is largely due to the System’s strategic outreach to adult learners, military-affiliated students and community college transfer students. These groups were the fastest-growing populations in the student body over the past year.
At the same time, the System is investing millions of dollars in state funds to grow enrollment in high demand areas where qualified students are turned away due to class capacity limits. Those include nursing, where the System has granted $29 million of a $40 million health care workforce fund to enroll and support more students across its 12 nursing programs.
Engineering education, too, has benefited from a one-time $125 million state appropriation, and millions of recurring dollars in additional support to expand engineering programs at four of the System’s 16 institutions.
Enrollment is rapidly growing in both nursing and engineering as a result.
“The opportunity for North Carolina is enormous, and we are grateful to live in a state that has a track record of strong support for higher education,” said UNC Board of Governors Chair Wendy Murphy. “Our focus is on preparing students for the jobs that will define our future, and we look forward to serving the state as it grows.”