Enrollment soars 7.71%; Strategic growth seen in online programs, adult learners and military-affiliated students, positioning NCCU as a state leader in higher education
It’s official— North Carolina Central University (NCCU) has cemented its position as a leader in higher education with record-breaking enrollment growth this fall, achieving the highest percentage increase among all University of North Carolina System institutions for the second consecutive year. A total of 8,579 students have enrolled at NCCU, marking an 7.71% increase from last year. The freshman class alone, the largest in NCCU’s 114-year history, brings in 1,753 first-time students, along with 624 transfer and second-degree students.
The most popular majors are business administration, biological and biomedical sciences, psychology, behavioral and social sciences and criminal justice.
In a sign of the times, online education is also on the rise. NCCU saw a 24% uptick in online enrollment from last year, with 1,372 students (16% of total) now pursuing their degrees remotely. The university offers 37 programs for bachelor’s or graduate degrees and certificates, and Forbes Advisor ranks NCCU among the top five HBCUs with online offerings.
A standout in the online space is the Project Kitty Hawk initiative. This statewide program aimed at adult learners has driven a more than 2,000% increase in its enrollment at NCCU (from 10 to 221 students). The university was the first in the University of North Carolina System to launch an online degree program — RN-to-BSN — through this partnership, and other online options include business administration, health administration, information technology and public health education. NCCU Chancellor Karrie G. Dixon serves on the board of Project Kitty Hawk.
NCCU’s commitment to serving adult learners and military-affiliated students is also paying off. The university saw a 13% increase in adult learners and a 36% surge in military-affiliated students, thanks to strong partnerships with state military bases and a dedicated Veterans Affairs Office. U.S. News & World Report ranked NCCU No. 7 among the best colleges for veterans in the southern region.
Supporting this growth, the university recently constructed three new residence halls, a state-of-the-art School of Business and a new Student Center. The university will soon open a 24/7 Collaborative Learning and Research Center, designed to foster creativity and provide quiet study spaces for students, especially those living off-campus.
“The growth at North Carolina Central University reflects our pledge to provide bold, transformative experiences for our students,” said Chancellor Dixon. “With the largest first-year class in school history and notable increases in online, adult and military-affiliated students, we are dedicated to offering accessible, high-quality education. We will continue to strategically invest in innovative programs and facilities to empower our students for academic and professional success.”
Additional statistics:
- NCCU remains a top choice for students from North Carolina, with 6,779 in-state students (79% of total) enrolled, and it also draws from across the nation and around the world, representing 43 states and 22 countries.
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Consistent with previous years, the gender breakdown is 70.9% female and 29.1% male.
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3,312 undergraduates (38.6%) are living on campus, compared to 36% of students at public four-year colleges nationwide, according to the Urban Institute.
To view the NCCU Class of 2028's first week on campus, visit here.
