Vance-Granville Community College is helping make the path from high school to college simpler for students across Franklin, Granville, Vance, and Warren counties through NC College Connect, a statewide effort that provides eligible North Carolina high school seniors with a direct path to college admission.
This fall, 105,036 North Carolina public high school seniors who are on track to graduate with a diploma and meet program requirements are eligible to receive direct admission to their local community college through NC College Connect. That represents more than 95% of current Grade 12 and 13 students in North Carolina public schools.
The program has also expanded this year to reach more students. In the previous two years, NC College Connect was limited to public high school seniors with a GPA of 2.8 or higher. This year, 37,429 additional students are being reached because eligibility for community college direct admission has been expanded to all public high school seniors who are on track to graduate, regardless of GPA.
Through NC College Connect, eligible students are guaranteed direct admission to their local community college with no essays, ACT or SAT scores, or letters of recommendation required. In addition, more than 67,000 students, or 64% of eligible seniors, meet criteria to receive direct admission offers from additional participating North Carolina colleges and universities.
“Ask a North Carolinian what a community college credential did for them, and you’ll hear about a career. NC College Connect makes that path easier to find,” said Dr. Monty Sullivan, Acting President & CEO of the North Carolina Community College System. “This year, it’s open to all students. Less time lost to paperwork, more time in the classroom, and a straighter line to a job that pays.”
NC College Connect is coordinated through a statewide partnership that includes the North Carolina Community College System, College for North Carolina, the UNC System, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, and North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities. A total of 99 North Carolina colleges and universities are participating in the program.
What Comes Next?
Eligible students can log in to their College for North Carolina account to view their direct admission matches and complete a short form to claim their spot. Applications to North Carolina community colleges are always free, removing another potential barrier as students take the next step in their education.
Students who claim their spot at Vance-Granville can choose from more than 45 programs in areas including advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, health sciences, information technology, skilled trades, and college transfer. College staff are also available to assist students with enrollment, financial aid, and choosing a program that aligns with their long-term goals.
“We will meet you where you are at VGCC,” said Sherri Alston, Director of Admissions & Enrollment Services at Vance-Granville Community College. “As we continue with our local One Front Door Initiative, we remain committed to having an inclusive onboarding experience for our students. We are committed to simplifying the enrollment process, connecting students with support services, and fostering a sense of belonging and community. Opportunities like NC College Connect support those efforts.”
Key 2026 NC College Connect milestones include:
-
September 15: Portal launch and direct mail
The NC College Connect portal opens on CFNC.org. Official admission letters will begin arriving at seniors’ homes following the launch.
-
October 19-25: NC Countdown to College
Students are encouraged to claim their spots and participate in statewide College Application Week activities, including completing residency determination and financial aid forms such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Students and families can learn more and access their personalized NC College Connect portal beginning September 15 at CFNC.org/NC-College-Connect/.
To learn more about enrolling at Vance-Granville Community College, visit VGCC.edu/how-to-apply, email [email protected], or call (252) 738-3327.
