GREENSBORO, NC — North Carolina A&T State University has made history this fall, becoming the first HBCU in the nation to enroll more than 15,000 students in a single semester. The university reported a record-breaking 15,275 students for Fall 2025, shattering its previous record of 14,311 just one year ago.
This 6.7% jump not only cements A&T’s place as the largest HBCU in America but also reflects its growing national and international appeal.
A Record-Breaking Freshman Class
The entering freshman class this fall is one of A&T’s strongest yet. 3,021 new students have joined the Aggie family, bringing with them an impressive average GPA of 3.7. Out-of-state freshmen raised the bar even higher, averaging 3.93 GPAs—a sign that A&T continues to attract high-achieving students nationwide.
But the story doesn’t stop with first-year students. Transfer enrollment jumped 17% with 814 new transfers. This speaks to A&T’s ongoing efforts to strengthen pathways from community colleges and make higher education more accessible to students seeking to continue their journeys.
Graduate Growth and Research Expansion
Graduate education is another area where A&T is seeing exponential growth. This fall marks the first time the university has surpassed 2,000 graduate students, with 702 doctoral candidates—a 23.4% increase from last year.
This signals not only that A&T is fulfilling its mission as a doctoral research university, but also that it is expanding its influence in critical fields of innovation, science, and technology.
Student Success and Retention
Equally important to enrollment is student retention, and this year, A&T crossed a major threshold: over 80% of first-year students returned for their sophomore year. This milestone shows the university’s investment in creating a strong academic and community support system that allows students to thrive once they arrive on campus.
That success is also paying off for graduates. A&T reports that 10 years after graduation, its bachelor’s degree holders earn a median salary of $112,000, placing them among the top HBCU earners nationally.
Growing Global Reach
The impact of A&T stretches far beyond North Carolina. Students now represent 97 of the state’s 100 counties, 43 U.S. states, and 103 foreign nations. International enrollment grew by 10.3%, including nearly 500 students from Africa.
This widening geographic reach highlights how A&T has become a destination for students seeking both academic excellence and the cultural pride of an HBCU experience.
What Leadership is Saying
Chancellor James R. Martin II called the achievement “a reaffirmation of our national appeal and impact as an exponential, doctoral research HBCU … the promise that North Carolina A&T holds for students around the world.”
Associate Vice Provost for Enrollment Management Joseph Montgomery emphasized that the university remains committed to “a holistic process that ensures we select students who will excel at A&T and become future leaders.”
Why This Matters for HBCUs
North Carolina A&T’s historic enrollment growth is not just about one school—it’s a landmark moment for all HBCUs. At a time when higher education faces enrollment challenges nationwide, A&T’s success is proof of the enduring relevance, excellence, and power of HBCUs to attract and prepare the next generation of leaders.
With its balance of academic rigor, global reach, and commitment to student success, A&T continues to show why it is a flagship institution in the HBCU community.