A&T Sets National Enrollment Milestone for 2023-24: 13,883

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Sept. 7, 2023) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University this fall continued its now decade-long trend of growth, enrolling 13,883 students for the 2023-24 school year, 400 more than the previous academic year.

The growth was largely driven by a rise in North Carolina students in the entering, first-year class, a significant increase in doctoral students and, most importantly, improved retention – the share of first-year students who persist to their second year.

The new student body headcount, up nearly 3% from 2022-23, is believed to maintain North Carolina A&T’s status as the nation’s largest historically Black college or university (HBCU) for the 10^th consecutive year. Enrollment totals for the past three years have also made it the largest HBCU ever and have contributed significantly to North Carolina’s position as having the highest HBCU enrollment of any state in America.

University leaders say A&T’s increasing size enables it to have greater impact as a doctoral, research, land-grant university. Already one of this state’s three most productive public research universities, A&T charted significant growth over the past year in research funding and in economic impact. Top faculty and graduate students attracted by the university’s ascent provide a stronger undergraduate experience for A&T students.  

“The ongoing expansion of our university is providing outstanding educational opportunities for high-achieving students who increasingly seek admission to the university,” said Chancellor Harold L. Martin, Sr. “Forty-thousand students sought admission to A&T this year, continuing a growth in applications that is among the strongest of any traditional university in America.

“We will continue to plan for and invest in critical systems, such as university housing, classroom spaces and campus safety, to accommodate growth in enrollment, academic programs, research and personnel.”

A&T’s new enrollment total includes several points of significant progress within the overall bottom line:

• Representation of North Carolina students in A&T’s first-year class grew by 4.5%. Those new students are academically distinguished, with an average GPA of 3.75.
• New transfer student enrollment grew by 3.86%, significant for A&T as it illustrates the university’s ongoing strategy to enhance partnerships with our outstanding community colleges.  
• A&T’s continued focus on improving retention paid off with an increase of 5.3%. This rise in retention is directly attributable to the university’s investments in support services and financial assistance related to student success efforts.

The application period for admission in the 2024-25 academic year opened last month and will continue through late Spring 2024.