Changing the admission model

More high school seniors – while still deciding where they’ll attend college – now have the opportunity to enter UNC-Chapel Hill knowing they’ll have a place in the Undergraduate Business Program (UBP).

The new Future Business Admits (FBA) Program offers selected UNC applicants a guaranteed pathway into the UBP beginning their sophomore year after they complete first-year pre-requisites. Applicants receive the FBA offer during their admission to UNC based on exemplary academic performance in high school, demonstrated leadership and meaningful extracurricular involvement.

“Our goal for guaranteeing admission to a larger cohort of students at the start of their academic journeys is to enhance their career success through earlier access to resources, mentorship and professional development opportunities,” says UBP Assistant Dean Jordan Hale. “This also provides a more predictable, supportive pathway for students interested in pursuing business education and makes it possible for them to spend more time engaging in campus life.”

A stronger start and more time to grow into business

FBA students will benefit from a three-year business experience compared to the two-and-a-half-year timeline.

Their first year at Carolina is intentionally broad and enriching, grounded in the “Ideas in Action” general-education curriculum, which encourages exploration, interdisciplinary thinking and reflective learning.

They will take two foundational UNC Kenan-Flagler courses while they complete their business pre-requisite courses and UNC general-education requirements.

In the fall they will take, along with all prospective business applicants, “Introduction to Business: People, Profits, Planet” to learn about the major disciplines, how they fit together and how business drives positive change. In the spring, they will take a specialized course designed just for them. In “Unlocking Your Leadership Potential” they will learn to identify their leadership strengths, explore career resources, develop critical-thinking skills and learn to navigate uncertainty with confidence.

FBA students will receive academic and career advising from the respective University offices in their first year. They may participate in UNC Kenan-Flagler career programming that is open to all UNC undergraduates, including the Undergraduate Business Symposium, career treks, case competitions, industry bootcamps and employer information sessions. Like all UNC undergraduates, they can join UBP clubs and affinity groups.

Easing stress, increasing access

The FBA model helps UNC remain competitive with peer institutions that offer direct admission to business majors and provides peace of mind for students and families seeking a more predictable college experience.

This change addresses wellness concerns associated with the intra-transfer application process. The high-stakes nature of applying to the UBP after their first year has contributed to stress and anxiety for students who are still making the transition from high school to college.

It also aligns with the State of North Carolina’s request to increase UBP enrollment, reflecting the growing demand for UNC graduates who contribute to the region’s economic development.

The UBP will admit approximately 200 FBA students in 2025 and up to 400 in 2026. Ultimately, this new admissions model will mean the majority of UBP students will be admitted when they enroll at UNC. The intra-transfer application process remains for students who discover their interest in business after arriving at UNC.

In addition to reducing uncertainty and expanding access to business programming, the FBA model offers long-term academic and personal benefits.

Entering UNC as part of a defined cohort, FBA students will build strong peer connections from the start – connections that deepen across their business coursework, co-curricular activities and broader Carolina experience. With early exposure to business concepts, leadership development and career exploration, they will start forming their academic and professional identities in their first year and approach their time at UNC with greater focus and confidence.

Starting their second year, the extended three-year business timeline provides added flexibility for students to pursue second majors, minors, study abroad, honors programs and undergraduate research to enrich their education.

“The FBA model reflects our commitment to putting students first,” says UBP Associate Dean Shimul Melwani. “By creating a clearer and more supportive path into the business major, we’re making space for students to thrive academically and personally while preparing them earlier for the challenges of a rapidly evolving business world.”

For more information, email ubpadmissions@kenan-flagler.unc.edu.