More than 23,000 public high school seniors across North Carolina are moving closer to college through the NC College Connect program. According to a recent report, roughly 21% of the state’s Class of 2026 has accepted direct admission offers from participating colleges and universities, allowing students to secure placement without completing a traditional college application.
Between August and January, students accepted more than 88,000 offers of admission through the NC College Connect program, according to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. State Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green highlighted the program’s role in providing clear postsecondary pathways, noting that it allows students to learn about colleges where they meet admissions criteria. The program, designed to simplify the college admission process, currently includes 11 public universities, 29 private colleges, and all 58 community colleges in the state.
NC College Connect is a collaborative effort among multiple educational institutions and organizations, designed to streamline the admission process for eligible students, including those with a weighted GPA of 2.8 or higher. UNC System President Peter Hans said the program helps support the state’s youth by making the transition to postsecondary education simpler for high school graduates.
The program’s success has also contributed to increased participation in College for North Carolina’s College Application Week, during which several colleges waive application fees. Mary Shuping, executive director of the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority, noted that many students are taking advantage of both College Application Week and NC College Connect to apply to college. In October, over 117,000 applications were submitted, an 8.7% increase from the previous year. Additionally, February has been designated FAFSA February to encourage students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, a key step in securing college financial aid.
The growth of NC College Connect, which began as a pilot in fall 2024 serving more than 3,000 students, reflects increasing demand for higher education in North Carolina. NCICU President Dr. A. Hope Williams told the Department of Public Instruction that participation in the program helps students understand all their options, including the educational opportunities available within the state. The program is set to continue for the 2026–27 academic year, offering additional opportunities for North Carolina students.
