NCCU chancellor responds after financial health concerns raised

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- North Carolina Central University’s chancellor is responding after a report found the school was the only UNC System campus not considered financially healthy.

The UNC System’s composite financial index showed NCCU fell below the minimum benchmark in 2024 and 2025, missing targets tied to reserves, debt coverage and financial stability.

In a statement, Chancellor Karrie Dixon acknowledged concerns but said the data does not reflect the full picture. She pointed to record enrollment — more than 9,000 students in fall 2025 — along with growth in programs and student success metrics.

In fall 2025, NCCU enrolled 9,281 students, marking the first time in the university’s 115-year history that enrollment surpassed 9,000. That figure represents an 8.2% increase over the previous year and positions NCCU among the fastest-growing institutions in the UNC System.

“Enrollment growth reflects confidence,” Dixon said. “Students and families choose institutions they believe will prepare them for successful futures.”

She also highlighted a strong nursing exam pass rate, improved academic performance scores and a stable A3 credit rating as signs of progress, noting the university is working to rebuild reserves and strengthen long-term finances.

NCCU’s nursing program recorded a 96% pass rate on the NCLEX licensure exam in 2025, outperforming other HBCU nursing programs in North Carolina.

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In athletics, the university achieved its highest-ever Division I Academic Progress Rate (APR) score of 992 for the 2024–2025 academic year. According to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, nine programs earned perfect APR scores of 1,000.

“When I arrived at NCCU in 2024, our administration committed to restoring fiscal discipline, strengthening accountability, improving student success and positioning the university for sustainable growth,” Dixon said. “That work has not always been easy.”

The university received a clean audit from the North Carolina State Auditor in December 2025, its first since 2022. NCCU also expects to add approximately $2.8 million to its institutional reserves this year.

The university has launched a five-year strategic plan, Vision 2030: Soaring to New Heights, aimed at sustaining long-term growth. Dixon said the plan includes investments in academic programs, student services and alumni engagement.

The UNC System has also taken note of the university’s progress. In a recent composite financial index report, UNC System President Peter Hans cited NCCU’s “consistent improvement” over the past two years.

While challenges remain, Dixon said NCCU’s trajectory should be measured by long-term improvement, not a single report.

“The conversation about NCCU should not be defined by a single meeting or a single headline,” Dixon said. “It should be defined by the trajectory of an institution that is growing, improving and preparing the next generation of leaders.”

“The facts tell the story,” she added. “And the story is one of progress.”

Editor's Note: Featured video is from a previous report.