Fayetteville State University is a public historically Black university located in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Established in 1867, it is one of the oldest public institutions of higher education in the state and is part of the University of North Carolina system. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs across fields such as education, business, health sciences, social sciences, and the arts and sciences. Fayetteville State University serves a diverse student population, including many first-generation college students and military-affiliated students from the nearby Fort Liberty installation. The campus is situated in an urban setting and competes in NCAA Division II athletics as the Broncos.
With a 82.15% acceptance rate, Fayetteville State University is moderately selective. Applicants are expected to show good academic performance and readiness for college-level coursework. Students with consistent grades, extracurricular involvement, and a well-prepared application are typically competitive for admission.
Fayetteville State University was founded on November 29, 1867, as the Howard School in Fayetteville, North Carolina, shortly after the Civil War. Established by seven African American citizens with support from the Freedmen’s Bureau, the school was created to educate newly freed Black children. Robert Harris served as the first principal. In 1877, the North Carolina legislature designated it the State Colored Normal School, making it the first state-sponsored institution in the South for training African American teachers. Under long-serving leader Ezekiel Ezra Smith, appointed in 1883, the institution expanded its campus and academic scope. It became Fayetteville State Teachers College in 1939, Fayetteville State College in 1963, and achieved university status as Fayetteville State University in 1969. Today, Fayetteville State University is a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina system.
Fayetteville State University has a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio, meaning classes may be larger, especially in introductory courses. While lecture-based learning may be more common, students still have opportunities to connect with professors through office hours, discussion sections, and academic advising.
Applying to Fayetteville State University involves submitting an online application, official transcripts, and any required test scores or supplemental materials depending on the program. As a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina system, Fayetteville State University follows state guidelines for admissions while maintaining a mission of expanding access to higher education. Prospective students should review program-specific requirements and application deadlines to ensure a complete and timely submission.
Fayetteville State University offers a range of financial aid options, including federal and state grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and student loans. Many students qualify for need-based assistance, and the university participates in North Carolina financial aid initiatives. Completing the FAFSA is an important first step for students seeking aid at Fayetteville State University.
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