NC State Launches Guaranteed Admissions Program for All North Carolina Community Colleges

NC State University, in collaboration with the North Carolina Community College System, announced a new program, Wolfpack Connect, that provides a guaranteed admissions pathway to NC State for North Carolina community college students. 

Students in the program who earn an associate’s degree from a participating community college, maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher and meet NC State’s transfer admission deadlines can enroll in more than 100 eligible NC State majors and concentrations. 

Within weeks of its launch, all 58 N.C. community colleges signed up to participate in the program.

“Wolfpack Connect represents a bold step forward in our commitment to expanding access to NC State for students across North Carolina,” said Don Hunt, NC State senior vice provost for enrollment management and services. “By providing guaranteed admission for those who meet the criteria, we are not only simplifying the transfer process – we’re making it possible for more students to see themselves thriving at NC State.” 

Wolfpack Connect represents a bold step forward in our commitment to expanding access to NC State for students across North Carolina.

In fall 2025, NC State welcomed nearly 1,700 transfer students, with 54% coming from the state’s community college system. NC State officials see Wolfpack Connect as an opportunity to build on transfer student successes and increase access for students across the state. 

“This program has the potential to transform lives and uplift communities across our state,” said NC State Chancellor Kevin Howell. “It reflects the very heart of our land-grant mission to serve the people of North Carolina through education and opportunity. I’m thrilled to launch another pathway for students to pursue their goals and dreams.”

“Our data clearly show that students who transfer from our community college system are successful in completing their degrees and finding employment within their chosen fields,” said NC State Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Warwick Arden. “This program builds on our strong track record of transfer student success at NC State, and opens up opportunities for students across North Carolina to pursue their goals.”

In order to qualify for Wolfpack Connect, students must have less than 30 transferable credits completed or in progress, be enrolled at or planning to enroll at one of the participating North Carolina community colleges, and plan to pursue one of NC State’s eligible majors.

For more information on the program and eligible majors, please visit transfer.ncsu.edu/apply/wolfpack-connect. The program will begin accepting eligibility forms in late January 2026 for a fall 2026 start in the program. Forms are due by June 1.  

This page was last updated October 22, 2025.