UNC System application deadlines for fall 2027 cluster around November 1, 2026. That's the early deadline at NC State, East Carolina, NC A&T, UNC Asheville, UNC Charlotte, UNC Greensboro, UNC Wilmington and Western Carolina. UNC-Chapel Hill's Early Action deadline was October 15; its Regular Decision deadline is January 15, 2027.
Every date below is from the UNC System's "2027 Application Deadlines" guide (updated September 2026). Universities can change dates, so confirm on each school's site.
Fall 2027 first-year deadlines
| University | Early deadline | Regular or final deadline | Scholarships and honors |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNC-Chapel Hill | Early Action Oct. 15, 2026 (passed) | Regular Decision Jan. 15, 2027 | -- |
| NC State | Early Action Nov. 1, 2026 | Regular Jan. 15, 2027 | Park Scholarship Nov. 1, 2026 |
| East Carolina | Priority Nov. 1, 2026 (Honors College invitation) | Standard Apr. 1, 2027 | Scholarships Jan. 15, 2027 |
| NC A&T | Early Action Nov. 1, 2026 | Regular Feb. 1, 2027 | Priority scholarship and honors Nov. 15, 2026 |
| UNC Asheville | Early Action Nov. 1, 2026 | Regular Feb. 1, 2027 | Feb. 1, 2027 |
| UNC Charlotte | Early Nov. 1, 2026 | Regular Feb. 1, 2027, then rolling | -- |
| UNC Greensboro | Early Action Nov. 1, 2026 | Regular Mar. 1, 2027, then rolling | -- |
| UNC Wilmington | Early Action Nov. 1, 2026 | Regular Decision Jan. 15, 2027 | Scholarships and honors Mar. 1, 2027 |
| Western Carolina | Early Action Nov. 1, 2026; priority Jan. 2, 2027 | Regular Feb. 1, 2027 | -- |
| Appalachian State | Rolling (decisions in 2-4 weeks) | Suggested Apr. 1, 2027 | Complete application by Nov. 15, 2026 |
| NC Central | Priority Oct. 15 and Nov. 15, 2026 | Jan. 15, 2027, then rolling | Honors and scholarship priority Oct. 25, 2026 |
| UNC Pembroke | Early Action Dec. 1, 2026 | Priority Feb. 1, 2027; final Aug. 1, 2027 | -- |
| Winston-Salem State | -- | June 30, 2027 | -- |
| Fayetteville State | -- | July 30, 2027 | Scholarship portal Oct. 30, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Elizabeth City State | -- | Aug. 1, 2027 | -- |
| UNC School of the Arts | Film Oct. 15; Dance Nov. 2; Music Dec. 1, 2026 | Film Jan. 7; other programs Jan. 20, 2027 | -- |
Source: UNC System, "University of North Carolina System 2027 Application Deadlines." Dashes mean the guide lists no separate date.
What the early dates mean
- Early deadlines at most UNC System schools are non-binding Early Action or priority rounds. Applying early mainly gets you an earlier decision and, at many schools, first consideration for scholarships and honors.
- App State is rolling, so a complete application gets a decision within weeks, but its scholarship and honors date is Nov. 15.
- NC State gives North Carolina residents a December decision if they apply by Nov. 1 and confirm residency by Nov. 10; see UNC-Chapel Hill and NC State admissions.
- Already admitted through NC College Connect? Claiming that spot doesn't replace these scholarship and honors deadlines. See NC College Connect.
Requirements at every UNC System school
For fall 2026 and later, the UNC System requires a 2.5 weighted GPA and specific high school courses. Students with a weighted GPA from 2.5 up to 2.79 must also submit an SAT of 930 or ACT of 17; at 2.8 and above, scores are optional at the System level. Individual universities and programs can require more.
What this means for you
- Mark November 1. It's the early deadline at 8 of the 16 UNC System universities, and NC State's Park Scholarship deadline.
- Apply early if you want merit aid. NC A&T (Nov. 15), App State (Nov. 15) and NC Central (Oct. 25) tie scholarship or honors priority to fall dates.
- Don't forget the FAFSA. State aid has its own June 1 priority date; see North Carolina college financial aid.
- Look at NC Promise schools -- Western Carolina, UNC Pembroke, Fayetteville State and Elizabeth City State -- where in-state tuition is $500 a semester. See NC Promise explained.