Durham's N.C. Central Breaks Enrollment Growth Record - Again
North Carolina Central University (NCCU) has set new records in enrollment growth this fall, marking the highest percentage increase among all University of North Carolina System schools for the second year in a row. A total of 8,579 students are now enrolled at NCCU, an 8.13% increase from last year. The university’s freshman class—largest in its 114-year history—includes 1,753 first-time students and 624 transfer and second-degree students.
Popular majors this year include business administration, biological and biomedical sciences, psychology, behavioral and social sciences, and criminal justice.
Online education is also seeing a significant rise at NCCU, with a 24% increase in online enrollment. This fall, 1,372 students—16% of the total student body—are pursuing their degrees remotely. The university offers 37 programs for bachelor’s, graduate degrees, and certificates, and has been ranked by Forbes Advisor as one of the top five HBCUs for online offerings.
NCCU’s Project Kitty Hawk initiative, a statewide program focused on adult learners, has led to a more than 2,000% surge in its enrollment, increasing from 10 to 221 students. NCCU was the first institution in the UNC System to launch an online degree program—RN-to-BSN—through this initiative. Other online degree options include business administration, health administration, information technology, and public health education. Chancellor Karrie G. Dixon, who serves on the board of Project Kitty Hawk, said the program is part of the university’s commitment to expanding opportunities for students.
In addition, NCCU has experienced growth in adult and military-affiliated learners, with a 13% increase in adult students and a 36% rise in military-affiliated students. U.S. News & World Report ranked NCCU No. 7 among the best colleges for veterans in the southern U.S.
To support its growing student population, NCCU has recently completed the construction of 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 provide a creative space and quiet study areas for students, particularly 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.”
NCCU continues to attract a majority of in-state students, with 6,779 students from North Carolina (79% of total enrollment), and representation from 43 states and 22 countries. The gender breakdown remains consistent, with 70.9% female and 29.1% male students.
Currently, 3,312 undergraduates, or 38.6% of the student body, live on campus, compared to 36% at public four-year colleges nationwide, according to the Urban Institute.
Credit: North Carolina Central University news release.
