College Entrance Requirements

The requirements for admission into college can vary depending on which schools you choose. Below are some minimum admission requirements for first-year students of North Carolina institutions. Make sure to check with your college of choice to ensure you have completed the appropriate steps to meet their admission requirements.

NC High School Graduation Requirements

All public high school students must meet minimum state graduation requirements called the Future-Ready Course of Study (FRC).  The FRC requires at least 22 credits to earn a diploma and graduate.  

The Occupational Course of Study is available for students with disabilities who are specifically identified for the program and has adapted course requirements and the same credit requirements as FRC.

While state requirements establish minimum graduation criteria, local school districts may recommend additional courses and credits to support individual student success. Students and families are advised to consult their high school to develop the most appropriate graduation plan.

Find detailed information on the High School Graduation Requirements web page from the NC Department of Public Instruction.

 

 

UNC Institutions

These requirements apply to students 20 years and younger with fewer than 24 transferable credits. If you meet any of the three conditions below, you are exempt from minimum High School GPA, test scores, and course requirements. Being exempt does not guarantee admission.

  1. 21 years or older
  2. Any age with 24 or more transferable college credits (does not include AP, IB or credit by exam)
  3. Active duty service member or veteran with 3 or more years of active duty service

Course Requirements

Course Units Requirements
English 4 Units
  • Emphasizing grammar, composition, and literature
Mathematics 4 Units
  • Algebra I and II, geometry, and one unit beyond algebra II, or
  • Algebra I and II, and two units beyond algebra II, or
  • Integrated math I, II, and III, and one unit beyond integrated math III
Science 3 Units
  • Including at least one unit in a life or biological science, at least one unit in physical science, and at least one laboratory course
Social Studies 2 Units
  • Including one unit in US history.  Students may be admitted on the condition of passing three semester hours in that subject by the end of their sophomore year.
Additional Courses 2 Units
  • Two additional academic courses from English, mathematics, science, social studies, world languages, or computer science. Foreign language courses are no longer required, but are still encouraged.

 

GPA and Test Scores

For students entering in the Fall 2025 or Spring 2026 semesters:

  1. High School GPA: A minimum weighted GPA of 2.5.
  2. Standardized Test Scores: Students with a weighted High School GPA greater than or equal to 2.50 and less than 2.80 are required to submit a standardized test score (ACT or SAT).

For students entering in the Fall 2026 semester and beyond:

  1. High School GPA: A minimum weighted GPA of 2.5.
  2. Standardized Test Scores: Students with a weighted High School GPA greater than or equal to 2.50 and less than 2.80 are required to submit a standardized test score of a 17 or higher on the ACT or a 930 or higher on the SAT.

 

Transfer Students Between an NC Community College and a UNC Institution

For students interested in transferring to a University of North Carolina institution upon attaining an Associate degree from the North Carolina Community College System, learn more about Transfer Guides, Transfer Agreements, Reverse Transfer, and the Transfer Assured Admission Policy through the Transfer Student Planner. 

 

North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities

Entrance requirements for North Carolina's 36 independent colleges and universities vary among institutions. Prospective students should contact the admissions office at individual colleges and universities to determine their specific entrance requirements. Find more information on your school of choice with the College Search.

 

North Carolina Community Colleges

The colleges of the North Carolina Community College System maintain an “Open Door” admissions policy. This policy provides for the admission of any persons who are 18 or over or who have attained a high school diploma or its equivalent (GED). Admission to a college does not imply admission to all programs of study as selected programs have limited enrollment. 

Applicants 18 or older who do not have a high school diploma or GED may enroll in classes leading to a high school equivalency (GED) certificate or an Adult High School diploma.

For more information, contact the admission office at the college where you wish to apply. Find contact information for your school with College Search.