The following school profiles highlight key enrollment and student population data for the Top 10 4-year schools that the class of 2026 Crosby Scholars chose to enroll. Each write-up was created by Nakia McMillan, Mattie Reeves, and Breanna Chadwick based on campus visits in June and July of 2026. Our goal was to give advisors a quick feel for each campus by combining enrollment statistics with observations from our visits and conversations with current students and staff. The format was inspired by the narrative style used in the Fiske Guide to Colleges.
College Enrollment List for Class of 2026
UNC Charlotte NC State
CAMPUS TRADITIONS
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TOP PROGRAMS AID FACTS
When accepted to NC State - Students will apply to scholarships through PackASSIST. Students are not automatically considered for scholarships with their applications.
Students who are seeking a bit of good luck on their next exam rub the head of the Strolling Professor statue, which is modeled after former NC State chemistry professor William R. Johnston.
UNC Charlotte UNC Charlotte
CAMPUS TRADITIONS
The Rings: Near the College of Health and Human Services there are 4 silver rings. If students run through each rings without touching them in under 10 seconds, they will end the semester with a 4.0 GPA.
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TOP PROGRAMS AID FACTS
When accepted to UNCC, students will have access to the NinerScholarships portal. This scholarship portal serves as a match base system where students will be matched with multiple scholarships that they can apply for.
UNC Charlotte UNC Chapel Hill
After winning a basketball game against rival, Duke, or a National Championship, the student body will all rush nearby Franklin Street to celebrate the Tar Heel victory!
Carolina First supports first-generation students by pairing them with faculty and staff mentors who were also first-gen, while connecting them to academic guidance, campus resources, and a strong support network to help them succeed.
UNC CharlotteAppalachian State
Appalachian State University, commonly known as App State, offers a welcoming, academically strong environment that combines the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains with a close-knit campus community. Widely recognized for its commitment to sustainability and the environment, App State integrates eco-conscious practices throughout campus life and is known for its forward-thinking approach to environmental responsibility. Students often choose App State for its scenic campus, the vibrant town of Boone, and the ability to easily connect with friends both on campus and downtown. Prospective applicants should explore the university's wide variety of academic offerings and consider whether its mountain location and campus culture align with their interests and lifestyle. The university offers more than 150 areas of study, with notable strengths in business, education, and psychology. First-year students are required to live on campus, and the university provides a supportive residential experience, including nine residential learning communities. App State is highly connected to the surrounding Boone community, with the free “AppalCart” bus system providing convenient access to locations such as Walmart, shopping centers, and other off-campus destinations. Student life is vibrant, with more than 400 clubs and organizations, strong school spirit, and large athletic events that foster a strong sense of community. Support systems include designation as a FirstGen Forward institution, the FirstGen Ascent residential learning community for first-generation students, and the Diversity Scholars Program, which is one of Appalachian's Signature Scholarship programs that offers mentorship, leadership development, service-learning, and cultural engagement opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds. App State is an excellent fit for students seeking a strong business program, an active campus community, and an outdoor-oriented lifestyle. App State is deeply connected to the local skiing culture in and around Boone. Students can earn physical education credits in skiing, join the competitive Appalachian State Ski Team, or take advantage of discounted night sessions. Students should also be aware that mountain winters can be especially cold and windy, and some visitors noted that additional emergency call boxes would further enhance campus safety. Overall, Appalachian State is a strong choice for students looking for a supportive campus community, beautiful natural surroundings, and a well-rounded college experience that balances academics and student involvement
CAMPUS TRADITIONS
After intense and crazy football games, App State students will all jump into the duck pond - located just down the hill from their stadium.
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TOP PROGRAMS AID FACTS
Business
Education Psychology
Communication
App State automatically considers students for many merit-based scholarships when they apply for admission by the priority deadline.
UNC Charlotte UNC Greensboro
CAMPUS TRADITIONS
An Apple for Minerva is a tradition surrounding UNCG’s Spartan Mascot.
Students who are looking for extra luck on their exams will take a bite out of an apple and leave it on her statue They say the higher the apple is, the more wisdom you’ll get
TOP PROGRAMS AID FACTS
Business
Many scholarships are awarded automatically as part of the admissions process for students who apply Early Admission Current UNCG students can apply each spring for a variety of scholarships available through their specific academic departments
UNC Charlotte NC A&T
UNC Charlotte Winston-Salem State
UNC CharlotteWake Forest
CAMPUS TRADITIONS
Students at Wake Forest celebrate their wins by tee-peeing the trees on the Quad. Don’t worry! Wake Forest provides their students bio degradable toilot paper for this occasion Whether big or small, this tradition brings students together to celebrate victories
PROGRAMS
Biomedical
Wake Forest requires students to submit a FAFSA and a CSS profile with their application Wake Forests merit aid is extremely competive with only 3% of students recieving merit aid
UNC Charlotte UNC Wilmington
CAMPUS TRADITIONS
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Incoming freshman kick off the new year by unvailing their class flag, gathering for their traditonal class photo, and making the trek to the Trask Coliseum for the formal convocation ceremony 4
TOP PROGRAMS AID FACTS
Students are automatically selected for merit based scholarships at UNCW They do have to apply for other types of scholarships through their MySeahawk portal opening Decemeber 1 and before March 1 st st
