Mission Statement

The North Carolina Council for Graduate Schools advocates for graduate education across the state of North Carolina, fostering economic and
societal growth and helping to ensure graduate students experience transformative opportunities in the classroom, through research, and in
engagement within their discipline. We articulate the needs of graduate education with internal and external stakeholders, including influencing
public opinion to advance graduate education for the betterment of the students, faculty, staff, and administrators, the citizens of North Carolina,
and the global community.

Fast Facts

56,000+ graduate students are enrolled in master’s, doctoral and professional programs across NCCGS member institutions.

79% of graduate students are North Carolina residents and many remain in the state after graduation, contributing to the workforce and tax base.

Workers with advanced degrees earn about 44% more than those with bachelor’s degrees, contributing greater spending power and tax revenue to the state economy.

Universities across the UNC System produce thousands of highly skilled graduates in fields like STEM and health sciences that keep North Carolina businesses competitive.

From 2024 to 2034, jobs that require a master’s degree are projected to grow by 10.2%, and jobs requiring a doctoral or professional degree by 5.6%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

More than 450 startup companies have emerged from research discoveries made at North Carolina universities.

Member Institutions