#United States #Raleigh #NCICU #college admissions #NC College Connect

Introduction

In an effort to enhance accessibility to higher education, the North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) launched the NC College Connect program this fall. This initiative provides over 62,000 North Carolina public high school seniors with a faster and more straightforward admission pathway to various colleges and universities throughout the state.

Background and Overview

The NC College Connect program serves as a joint endeavor among multiple education organizations and aims to make college admissions less convoluted. As stated by NCICU President Dr. A. Hope Williams, this initiative integrates the unique attributes of the state’s independent colleges and universities, which include smaller class sizes, specialized programs, and personal guidance for students.

Implementation will be initiated this fall, targeting public high school students who have completed their junior year with a weighted grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.8. With 29 campuses participating in this year’s program, students can expect to receive detailed information in the form of an official letter regarding their eligibility.

Goals and Benefits

The broader goal of NC College Connect is to support North Carolina’s myFutureNC educational attainment initiative. By facilitating access to quality education, the program aims to assist students in finding institutions that align with their educational goals. Additionally, it addresses a crucial need for enhanced college completion rates in the state.

The Admission Process

Qualified students will receive an NC College Connect letter that confirms their direct admission for the upcoming academic year (2026-27). It is also important to note that these students can verify their eligibility through the program's website, NCCollegeConnect.com, or by consulting their high school counselors.

According to Peter Hans, President of the University of North Carolina System, NC College Connect represents a paradigm shift in college admissions by reducing complexity and allowing students to focus on their educational aspirations rather than bureaucratic issues.

Expansion and Inclusivity

Originally piloted last year, NC College Connect provides a critical pathway for students, and the current expansion to include more colleges emphasizes the commitment to inclusivity. The 2025 initiative is also enhanced by previous successes, having already positively impacted over 70,000 students.

Maurice