RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — NC College Connect is the name of a new process that is intended to make applying to colleges and universities in the state more accessible to qualified students.
The freshly launched pilot program is described by the University of North Carolina System as a way to bypass the traditional application process in certain schools.
“It’s well known that one of the major barriers to students pursuing college is the application process,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt. “NC College Connect removes this hurdle, offering a streamlined and simplified way for our state’s future workforce to pursue their degree.”
Who’s Qualified?
NC College Connect is for all public high school seniors in North Carolina who had a weighted GPA of 2.8 or better at the end of their junior year.
To be eligible, these students must keep their weighted GPA at 2.8 or higher all through their senior year. They must also meet the state’s graduation requirements and the UNC System’s minimum standards.
The schools that are taking part are the 58 schools that make up the North Carolina Community College System, as well as:
- Elizabeth City State University
- Fayetteville State University
- University of North Carolina Asheville
- University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- University of North Carolina at Pembroke
- Winston-Salem State University
The president of the North Carolina Community College System, Dr. Jeff Cox, said, “NC College Connect will make higher education more accessible for many students in North Carolina who may not have previously thought about going to college.”
“The state needs to act quickly to meet the growing demand for workers and close the achievement gap in education. This new program will help thousands of students get into college.”
What Steps to Take
According to the announcement made on Thursday, qualifying high school seniors will receive a letter in the mail with an offer to participate in NC College Connect for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Recipients of the letter can scan the included QR code—or visit NCCollegeConnect.org —where they can access an online portal with a list of their matched colleges.
For more information, view the full announcement from the UNC System.