Kaylee Roberts, News Writer 

This fall, UNC-Greensboro reached its highest enrollment in four years, with over 18,600 students now calling the university home, according to a UNC Greensboro publication on September 5, 2025. The surge reflects strong recruitment, academic programs, and a supportive environment that all continue to attract new and returning Spartans. Despite challenges, UNCG’s administration seems to have made it their goal to continue this upward rise. 

Several factors appear to be fueling this surge. The university has built a strong reputation in programs connected to future careers, including health sciences, business, and education. These programs provide students with a clear pathway, which is important for families and students who may weigh the cost of higher education. At the same time, UNCG maintains its reputation for accessibility and inclusivity. Initiatives supporting new students, transfer students, and other groups have made the campus an appealing choice. The incoming class shows striking diversity, with first-generation enrollment rising by over 18 percent and Hispanic/Latino enrollment growing by over 23 percent, as noted in a September 15, 2025, university publication. 

As reported in a September 24, 2025, university publication, this year, UNCG has been named the top university in North Carolina for social mobility, and this is UNCG’s seventh consecutive year receiving this top rank. This achievement is a testament to UNCG’s dedication and support for first-generation students, including those who depend on financial support. 

What further highlights this accomplishment is that it comes despite significant challenges in higher education. The past year has been marked by difficulties with the rollout of a new FAFSA process due to the FAFSA Simplification Act, as well as continued concerns about affordability and the value of a degree. Many institutions have seen these obstacles translate into lower enrollment. For UNCG to hold steady and continue to grow suggests that its recruitment strategies, student support systems, and community partnerships are paying off. 

According to an article posted last year, certain academic programs have risen in demand, leading to increased competition. With such a high enrollment this semester, there is no doubt that this competition and demand will continue to increase. 

Alongside higher academic demands, the North Carolina State Legislature has not yet passed a budget for the 2025-2027 school years. The UNC System removed its limit on a few public universities’ salary spending as of September 12th (including UNCG), as reported by Korie Dean for The News & Observer. Despite this, the delayed budget may restrict UNC universities’ ability to plan for the future.  

A larger student body puts pressure on housing, classrooms, and campus facilities. Ensuring that there is enough space for students to live, learn, and gather is an ongoing task. Larger enrollments also affect faculty workload and class sizes, making it more difficult to maintain the personal attention and close mentorship that many students expect. Student support services, including advising, tutoring, and counseling, must also expand to meet the rising demand. 

UNCG is steadily creating new spaces and improvements to campus for current and future students to enjoy. Jackson Library is undergoing renovation, with the goal of nearly doubling their current student capacity. Renovations began earlier this year and are expected to be completed in 2028. Just off campus, the Jeanne Tannenbaum Center for Creative Practice is under construction. Its main goals are to unite the Greensboro community in contributing to creative and academic innovations. More information about this project is available from Facilities Management. 

Looking forward, questions remain about how and if UNCG’s enrollment will continue to increase. Investments in new and existing programs, as well as the support for them, will need to rise. Infrastructure and technology upgrades must keep pace with student needs. Most importantly, UNCG will need to ensure that future growth does not compromise its mission of access and equity.