The numbers are in. North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University has shattered enrollment records this fall with 15,275 students—a remarkable 6.7% increase from last year's 14,311, marking the institution's largest single-year growth in history.
The incoming freshman class of 3,021 students arrived with impressive credentials—an average GPA of 3.7 overall, with out-of-state freshmen posting an even higher 3.93 average. These high-achieving students represent 36 states plus Washington, D.C., underscoring A&T's growing appeal beyond North Carolina's borders.
"The 2025-26 student body reaffirms our commitment to the people of North Carolina, our national appeal and impact as an exponential, doctoral research HBCU and the promise that North Carolina A&T holds for students around the world," said Chancellor Dr. James R. Martin II. "We embrace the opportunity to prepare them for a world undergoing seismic knowledge and technology shifts and to guide their development as individuals, ready for lives of achievement and meaning."
The enrollment gains span multiple student populations:
In-State Growth: North Carolina student enrollment jumped by 849 students (9.3%), reinforcing A&T's land-grant mission to serve state residents.
Graduate Education Expansion: For the first time in university history, graduate student enrollment exceeded 2,000, reaching 2,018—an 11.2% increase. Doctoral enrollment surged 23.4% to 702 students, reflecting the success of new master's and doctoral programs launched over the past five years.
Transfer Student Success: Transfer enrollment rose 17% with 814 new students, as A&T capitalizes on community college partnerships amid increasingly competitive first-year admissions.
Retention Milestone: The freshman-to-sophomore retention rate hit 81% for the first time, surpassing the 80% threshold—a key institutional goal.
International Presence: Bucking national trends, A&T's international student population grew 10.3% to nearly 1,000 students, including approximately 500 from African nations.
Geographic Reach: Students hail from 97 of North Carolina's 100 counties, 43 states, and 103 foreign nations, demonstrating the university's broad appeal.
