Project Kitty Hawk Enrollment Has Grown
North Carolina's online degree initiative saw enrollment climb 54% this fall to reach 2,889 adult learners.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Distance Learning
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Project Kitty Hawk, a state-run initiative designed for working adults, now serves 2,889 students across six North Carolina universities. Enrollment has surged by 54% compared to the previous fall as the program continues to expand its offerings.
Why it matters
The North Carolina General Assembly created the program in 2021 to help working adults earn college degrees and professional credentials. By providing online access, the initiative aims to increase educational attainment among the state's workforce.
The program supports 25 degree paths across six universities with a 90% term-to-term retention rate. Over 80% of the 2,889 students live in North Carolina, with an average age of 32.
The players
Project Kitty Hawk
This is a state-managed online education initiative launched by the North Carolina General Assembly to provide degree programs for working adults.
East Carolina University
This public research university is a partner in the project and recently surpassed 1,000 enrolled students in its online degree programs.
Winston-Salem State University
This public historically Black university is a participating institution that joined the online degree network this fall.
UNC Wilmington
This public university is a member of the University of North Carolina System that became part of the online degree program this fall.
The details
Winston-Salem State University and UNC Wilmington joined the program this fall, while East Carolina University now hosts over 1,000 enrolled students. To date, 249 students have successfully completed an online degree through the initiative.
Timeline
The General Assembly created the program in 2021.
The program launched its first degree offerings in October 2023.
Expenditures reached $91.2 million by January 2026.
Enrollment reached 2,889 students in the fall of 2026.
Culture Shift
The rise of Project Kitty Hawk reflects a broader shift toward flexible, employer-aligned higher education models designed for non-traditional students. The program follows the trajectory established by the 2021 North Carolina General Assembly legislative mandate for adult education.
Working adults in North Carolina can access 25 different degree programs, potentially increasing their earning power while remaining in their current full-time jobs. Prospective students should check the eligibility requirements for the six participating universities.
The takeaway
The program highlights the demand for flexible, university-backed credentials among the state's aging workforce. Adults considering a return to school should prioritize programs with high retention rates like the 90% mark maintained by this state network.
What happens next
Tuition receipts for the program are projected to reach $35.2 million by the end of the 2025-26 fiscal year.
Further reading
Learn more about state-sponsored online education opportunities in the North Carolina Distance Learning section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NC Newsline.
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