NC Community Colleges, NC State Launch ‘Wolfpack Connect’ Guaranteed Admissions Pathway

Raleigh, N.C. — The North Carolina Community College System has partnered with NC State University on a new initiative, Wolfpack Connect, that offers guaranteed admission to NC State for eligible community college students across the state.  

Wolfpack Connect provides a clear and supported pathway for students enrolled at participating North Carolina community colleges to transfer to NC State. Students that earn an A.A. or an A.S. degree, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and meet transfer application deadlines will be guaranteed admission to more than 100 majors and concentrations at NC State. 

“This guaranteed admissions partnership is an incredible opportunity for our community college students to join the Wolfpack,” said Dr. Brian S. Merritt, Senior Vice President and Chief Academic Officer at the System. “NC State is a world-class university with a proud tradition of innovation, research, and preparing students for the workforce. By creating a clear, supported pathway from our colleges to NC State, we are helping students see themselves as part of that community from day one and strengthening the talent pipeline that powers North Carolina’s future.” 

The program launched September 15 with three early-adopter colleges: Central Piedmont Community College, Forsyth Technical Community College, and Wake Technical Community College. All 58 community colleges have the opportunity to opt into Wolfpack Connect by October 17 with additional opportunities to join each year. 

“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.” 

In Fall 2025, nearly 1,700 transfer students enrolled at NC State, with more than half coming from North Carolina’s community colleges. Wolfpack Connect aims to build on this strong foundation by making the transfer process more transparent and accessible for students across the state. 

To be eligible, students must have fewer than 30 transferable credits completed or in progress, be enrolled at or planning to enroll at a participating community college, and plan to pursue an eligible NC State major. The program will begin accepting eligibility forms in January 2026 for fall 2026 admission. 

Wolfpack Connect expands opportunities beyond the existing C3 program, which is designed to support low-to-moderate income students who want to transfer to NC State.  

For more information on Wolfpack Connect, visit transfer.ncsu.edu/apply/wolfpack-connect.