How NC College Connect Guides Eligible Students to Higher Education

A new direct admission initiative is set to simplify higher education access for eligible students in North Carolina. Beginning this fall, over 62,000 public high school seniors will benefit from the NC College Connect program, streamlining their admission to select colleges and universities statewide. Students who finish their junior year with a weighted GPA of 2.8 or higher can qualify, encompassing various institutions, including UNC System universities, independent colleges, and community colleges. Eligible seniors will receive a letter this fall confirming direct admission for the 2026-27 academic year. For eligibility inquiries, they can visit NCCollegeConnect.com or consult with their school counselors. Peter Hans, UNC System president, emphasized the program's transformative impact on college admissions. With expanded participation and a streamlined process, NC College Connect aims to dismantle barriers, facilitating clearer pathways to higher education. For financial support, students can explore opportunities like the Next NC Scholarship, covering tuition and fees for many from qualifying families.