Fayetteville State University Sets Another Enrollment Record, Surpasses 80% Student Retention for First Time in University History

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Fayetteville State University (FSU) has once again reached a historic milestone, enrolling more than 7,700 students for the 2026 academic year, setting a new all-time enrollment record. The achievement comes as FSU also surpassed 80% student retention for the first time in university history, reaching a record of 80.7%. The latest results continue the university's period of significant growth. Since 2021, FSU has added more than 1,000 students and increased student retention from approximately 63% to 80.7% in just 5 years, as the university comes off another milestone year in which it graduated more than 1,200 students.

FSU Students (Photo by FSU)

“As proud as I am about the overall enrollment in recent history, I am especially proud of how Fayetteville State University is remarkably raising the bar in the quality within those numbers. Along with our highest-ever graduating class last year of over 1,200, we are enrolling even more this year (7,700); moreover, this year's incoming first-year class enters with an average GPA of 3.45, the highest in university history. Students with higher academic profiles are choosing FSU, and our historic retention rate of nearly 81% illustrates that more students are not only choosing FSU but, most importantly, remaining and graduating in 4 years or less,” said Chancellor Darrell T. Allison.

The retention milestone is particularly significant given FSU's commitment to serving students from across North Carolina, including a substantial population from the state's rural and underrepresented counties.

FSU Continues Strong Service to Military-Affiliated Students

Fayetteville State also continues to distinguish itself through its service to military-affiliated students, with more than 2,500 military-affiliated students enrolled for 2026, also the highest in the school’s history. Located near Fort Bragg, FSU has made serving active-duty service members, veterans, and military families central to its enrollment and student-success strategy.

“Our military-affiliated students are an important part of the Fayetteville State University community, and we are proud that more than 2,500 have chosen FSU,” said Pamela Baldwin, vice chancellor for strategic enrollment and student success. “They need academic programs and student services that recognize the realities of military life and provide the flexibility and support necessary to complete their degrees. Our responsibility is not simply to enroll these students, but to help them persist, graduate and achieve their goals.”

High-Demand Academic Programs Driving Growth

FSU Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Scott Krawczyk (Photo by FSU)

FSU's enrollment momentum is also being fueled by growing student interest in academic programs aligned with workforce demand and strong career opportunities.

Programs in areas such as nursing, business, cybersecurity, computer science, construction project management, supply chain management, forensic science, and sports and fitness management continue to provide students with pathways into growing industries.

“Students and families are increasingly focused on the value of a college degree and where that degree can take them,” said Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Scott Krawczyk. “At Fayetteville State, we are intentionally aligning our academic portfolio with areas of workforce demand and career opportunity. Our growth in high-demand programs demonstrates that students recognize the value of an FSU education and the opportunities it can create after graduation.”

Recognizing FSU Diverse Student Population and Growth

The university has continued to expand and strengthen its academic offerings in response to changing workforce needs while maintaining its focus on affordability, academic quality and timely degree completion, while continuing to serve significant populations of transfer and adult learners through initiatives designed to create flexible pathways to degree completion. For Chancellor Allison, the latest numbers represent another step in Fayetteville State's transformation.

“There is something special happening at FSU,” Allison said. “From our founding in 1867 to today – nearly 160 years later. We are honoring that legacy while building an FSU prepared for the future. Record enrollment coupled with record retention levels, stronger students and graduates are how we measure real progress and success. Res Non Verba. Deeds Not Words.”