Welcomes largest incoming first-year class since 2019 and sets new graduate enrollment record

GREENSBORO, N.C., Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — UNC Greensboro (UNCG) has surpassed 19,000 students this fall, reaching its highest total enrollment since 2020.

More than 2,700 first-time college students enrolled at UNCG this fall, the University’s largest incoming first-year class since 2019. Graduate enrollment has grown more than 8% in two years and is now the highest in the University’s history. UNCG also posted its highest first-time, full-time first-year retention rate on record, underscoring the University’s focus on supporting students once they arrive.

UNCG remains deeply rooted in North Carolina – with representation from 99 of the state’s 100 counties – while drawing from across the nation and around the world: 47 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and more than 70 countries.

“UNCG’s enrollment growth reflects the confidence students and families have in the value of a UNCG education,” said Chancellor Franklin D. Gilliam, Jr. “Our responsibility extends beyond providing access to higher education. We must equip students with the academic experiences, support and opportunities they need to earn a degree and build a strong future. More students choosing UNCG and succeeding once they arrive is a powerful measure of that commitment.”

University leaders credit the continued growth to strong recruitment, expanded partnerships with community colleges and K-12 school systems, connections with Triad employers and a sustained focus on student support and belonging once students arrive.

“Our enrollment and retention growth reflect both the wide welcome we offer students from all walks of life and the culture of care they experience once they’re here,” said Joel Lee, vice chancellor for enrollment management. “Students have a great experience at UNCG, and that word spreads through their communities, high schools and extended families. We have also leaned into partnerships with community colleges, Triad employers, K-12 systems and others to build natural bridges to higher education.”

Those partnerships are part of UNCG’s broader effort to create accessible pathways to higher education for students at different stages of their lives, while strengthening ties between academic programs and the workforce. That culture of care extends to military-affiliated students and their families, who represent more than 10% of UNCG’s student body. UNCG ranks among the Top 10 schools nationally for military friendliness and No. 1 in North Carolina.

About UNCG

UNCG is a diverse, learner-centered public research university with over 19,000 students enrolled in more than 150 undergraduate and 200 graduate programs. Recognized nationally for academic excellence, access and affordability, UNCG is ranked No. 1 in North Carolina for affordability by The New York Times, as well as No. 1 in North Carolina and No. 13 nationally for social mobility by U.S. News & World Report. Designated an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University by the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities, UNCG advances research, creative activity and community engagement that expands opportunity, drives economic impact and strengthens workforce partnerships across North Carolina. For more information, visit uncg.edu.

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SOURCE University of North Carolina Greensboro