UNC System Announces Record Enrollment With Over 256,000 Students

Yesterday, the University of North Carolina announced a record number of students enrolled this Fall semester. For the first time, North Carolina’s public universities surpassed over a quarter of a million students, with a total enrollment of 256,000, a 3.4% increase from 2024.  

“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.” 

This increase in college enrollment stands in contrast to demographic challenges posed by falling birth rates. The UNC System is comprised  The UNC System highlighted that UNC Asheville experienced a decline as a result of Helene, but is on track to fully recover from the storm.  

Overall fifteen of the sixteen institutions saw enrollment gains. This included 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%. 

Several policies have contributed to the increase in enrollment. First, out-of-state enrollment caps were raised, allowing for more students. Additionally, eleven colleges participated in the automatic acceptance process for North Carolina high school seniors with a high enough grade point average. 

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.”