For high school seniors across North Carolina, a college acceptance may already be waiting.
Beginning this week, every North Carolina public school senior who is on track to graduate with a diploma will receive direct admission to at least one participating college through NC College Connect. Statewide, that means more than 105,000 seniors have at least one college option available for fall 2027.
NC College Connect directly admits eligible students based on their academic record at the beginning of senior year. Students do not have to submit an essay, test score or recommendation letter to receive these offers.
Every senior who is on track to graduate is directly admitted to their local North Carolina community college, regardless of GPA. Students who begin senior year with a weighted GPA of at least 2.8 and are enrolled in a fourth-level math course may also receive direct admission offers from participating UNC System universities and independent colleges and universities.
This year, 64 percent of participating seniors — more than 67,000 students — received admission to at least 30 four-year colleges and universities in addition to their local community college. Some students with stronger academic records may see offers from as many as 41 institutions.
The program includes 11 UNC System universities, all 58 North Carolina community colleges and 29 independent colleges and universities. Participating schools include Appalachian State University, East Carolina University, UNC Charlotte, UNC Greensboro, UNC Pembroke, Western Carolina University and a number of private colleges and universities across the state. The program's participating institutions are also outlined in the NC College Connect student information materials.
What PCS seniors should do now
Seniors should log in to their College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) student account at NCCollegeConnect.org to see the colleges and universities where they have received direct admission. An official NC College Connect letter will also arrive by mail.
Students and families are encouraged to:
Review the admission offers in the student's CFNC account.
Talk with a school counselor about programs, costs, financial aid and other college options.
Complete the short form for any NC College Connect school they are interested in attending.
Take advantage of College Application Week, Oct. 19-25, when students accepting an offer can avoid most application fees.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal, state and institutional financial aid.
Continue meeting graduation, GPA and course requirements throughout senior year.
Receiving a direct admission offer does not require a student to attend that school. Seniors can compare their choices and continue applying to other colleges as they normally would.
Financial assistance may also be available. The Next NC Scholarship can cover tuition and fees at a North Carolina community college for many students from households earning $80,000 or less and can provide significant assistance at UNC System institutions. NC Promise also provides reduced tuition at Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, UNC Pembroke and Western Carolina University.
PCS seniors: check your offers, talk with your school counselor and explore the possibilities available to you.
For additional information, participating institutions and eligibility requirements, visit NCCollegeConnect.org. The program's student guide also directs families there for the complete list of schools and requirements.