From Community College to the Pack: NC State Guarantees Admission for Local Students

It’s called Wolfpack Connect, and it guarantees admission to NC State for qualified students graduating from select North Carolina community colleges. That means local students at places like Central Piedmont Community College and Forsyth Tech have a clear pathway to one of the state’s top universities.

How It Works

• Start at a participating NC community college.
• Complete your associate’s degree.
• Maintain at least a 3.0 GPA.
• Submit your transfer eligibility form by NC State’s deadline.

Do those things, and you’re in—no waiting game, no crossed fingers.

Why It Matters for Charlotte

For years, many Charlotte students have started their higher education journey at Central Piedmont or other local colleges. This new program gives them confidence that if they put in the work, the door to NC State will be wide open.

The first group of participating colleges includes Central Piedmont, Forsyth Technical, and Wake Tech. All 58 NC community colleges have until October 17, 2025 to decide if they want in on the program, and more are expected to join soon.

A Growing Opportunity

NC State already welcomes a big transfer community—nearly 1,700 students transferred in fall 2025, with more than half coming from NC community colleges. Wolfpack Connect expands on that by turning “possible” into “guaranteed” for students who meet the requirements.

“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’s senior vice provost for enrollment management.

When to Apply

Starting January 2026, students can begin submitting their eligibility forms for fall 2026 admission. The deadline will be June 1, 2026.

Want In?

If you’re a community college student in Charlotte thinking about the next step, this program could be your ticket.

Check out the full details and eligible majors at NC State Transfer – Wolfpack Connect.