Fayetteville State University is a constituent institution of The University of North Carolina and the second-oldest public institution of higher education in the state. Founded in 1867 as the Howard School for the education of African Americans, today FSU serves a growing student body of over 5,300 and ranks among the nation's most diverse campus communities.

FSU's enrollment has increased rapidly in the past few years, while at the same time average SAT scores for entering students have also improved. Enrollment is projected to grow to 6,000 by 2008 and a $45.5 million campus construction and renovation campaign is underway to accommodate additional students. New degree programs have also been established, including FSU's first doctoral program in Educational Leadership. The university offers 39 undergraduate and 20 master's degree programs in the arts and sciences, business and economics, and education. The university boasts a faculty-to-student ratio of 1-to-20 and the FSU faculty puts teaching first. Students are guaranteed personal attention from their professors and benefit from innovative programs like the national award-winning Freshman Year Initiative, which helps freshmen make the transition from high school to university life. One measure of Fayetteville State's student-centered focus is the university's consistent high scores on the National Survey of Student Engagement.

A recent study of 3,000 higher education institutions identified Fayetteville State University as one of the most affordable four-year public universities in the country. Tuition and fees for a full-time, in-state student for the entire academic year in 2002-2003 total $2,343, which enables FSU to pursue its special mission of providing broad access to higher education opportunities.

In 2001, FSU was reaffirmed for full accreditation by SACS with commendations for 1) outstanding interaction with the university and the communities it serves, 2) for cultural outreach in the fine arts, and 3) for creating a positive environment for teaching and learning. FSU is accredited by or holds membership in over 20 higher education agencies.

FSU consistently ranks among the nation's top producers of African American baccalaureate and master's graduates. The university ranks particularly high in North Carolina and the country in producing African American and other minority graduates in disciplines like Mathematics, Psychology, Computer Science, Education, Social Sciences, and History.

FSU is also a growing presence in the CIAA Conference. Bronco teams have won eleven CIAA championships in recent years, most recently the 2002 CIAA Football Championship. Men's and women's athletic teams continue to uphold the FSU tradition of excellence in NCAA Division II sports. FSU scholar-athletes proudly excel in the classroom as well as on the playing field, and they regularly advance their careers into the ranks of professional sports.

With a growing and diverse student body, a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, an attractive campus with state-of-the-art facilities, and a nurturing faculty, Fayetteville State University offers all of the advantages of a large university while maintaining the atmosphere of a closely-knit liberal arts campus.