CALS Celebrates Third Year of Record Enrollment
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
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Employee Portal | CALS Magazine | CALS News
Fall 2025 Issue | Archive
CALS Celebrates Third Year of Record Enrollment
September 30, 2026
Amanda Kerr
In just three years, NC State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) has seen a 18% increase in total enrollment, reaching a record high of 4,538 students this fall.
Here’s a breakdown:
- 777 new students joined for the fall 2026 semester.
- 836 students are enrolled in Animal Science.
- 530 students are pursuing Agricultural Business Management.
- Biological and Agricultural Engineering Technology enrollment grew by 57% since 2023, with 148 undergraduate students.
- Biochemistry saw a 33% increase, now with 437 undergraduate students.
David Crouse, associate dean and director of CALS Academic Programs, attributes this success to a student-centered approach and personalized support, including:
- Financial aid and scholarship counseling.
- Strategic outreach.
- Academic advising.
"Across the college and departments, we are committed to meeting our students and their families where they are, providing resources and support, and creating a welcoming environment with community-building activities and mentorship," Crouse says.
CALS offers integrated student advising, pairing department-level academic guidance with college-level resources like career services and peer mentorship programs.
"We are embracing a layered support approach that starts closest to the student to build an integrated system for student success," Crouse adds.
This fall, CALS welcomes students from across North Carolina, around the country, and throughout the world. Meet four first-year students ready to make their mark at CALS:
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Lillie Inge, Major: Poultry Science, Hometown: Holly Springs, North Carolina
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"I chose CALS because the hands-on experience of the program, paired with the kindness of all the members, creates a space that feels like home."
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** [Other student profiles can be included here, if present in the original text] **