<P> North Carolina State University was founded by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1887 as a land - grant college under the name North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts . As a land - grant college, NC State would provide a "liberal and practical education" while focusing on military tactics, agriculture and the mechanical arts without excluding classical studies . Since its founding, the university has maintained these objectives while building on them . </P> <P> After opening its doors in 1889, NC State saw its enrollment fluctuate and its mandate expand . Due to the Great Depression, the North Carolina government administratively combined the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the Woman's College at Greensboro, and NC State . This conglomeration later became the University of North Carolina system in 1971 . After World War II, the university has constantly grown and changed . </P> <P> Although established in 1887, the North Carolina State University story begins in 1862 when President Abraham Lincoln signed the federal Morrill Land - Grant Act . This act created endowments that were to be used in the establishment of colleges that would provide a "liberal and practical education" while focusing on military tactics, agriculture and the mechanical arts without excluding classical studies . </P>

When did nc state college become nc state university