The University of North Carolina System is proud to support our military and is committed to the mission of educating members of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans, and their families.
Get to know THE UNC SYSTEM
The UNC System serves more than 22,000 military-affiliated students from the North Carolina mountains to the coast. Our world-class institutions have been nationally recognized as military-friendly universities for providing comprehensive financial assistance, dedicated support services, academic credit for military experience, and flexible learning options.
No application fees for service members and veterans
In-state tuition beyond the Choice Act
Course credit for military training and experience
450+ flexible online degree programs
Get your bearings
The UNC System has 16 unique universities – one of them is for you. Take a virtual tour or learn more about UNC System campuses across the state and use our program and degree finder to discover which institutions offer degrees in the field you want to study.
Online Degree Programs
UNC System universities offer flexible learning options, with more than 450 online degree programs in high-demand fields, including:
- Cybersecurity
- Data analytics
- Nursing
- IT and computer science
- Business administration
- Supply chain management
In-State Tuition Beyond the Choice Act
Certain non-resident military-affiliated students may be eligible for in-state tuition at all UNC System universities. These include:
- Active-duty service members with a permanent duty station in NC (and their spouses and dependents);
- Honorably discharged veterans who have served at least 90 days on active duty AND meet at least ONE of the following criteria:
- graduated from a NC high school on/after Jan. 1, 2004, OR
- served at least 90 continuous days with a permanent duty station in NC; OR
- were awarded a Purple Heart.
Additionally, veterans and family members covered under the Veterans Choice Act may be eligible for in-state tuition but must be living in North Carolina when classes begin.
National Rankings
With North Carolina being ranked the fourth largest active-duty military state in the US, our universities are highly attuned to the needs of military students. The majority of UNC System universities are recognized in national rankings such as the Military Times’ ‘Best for Vets’ and Military Friendly® Ratings. These rankings are based on comprehensive public data and survey questions aimed at measuring a university’s commitment, operations, and outcomes in supporting the success of service members and their families.
Get credit for your experience
You might be closer than you think to earning your degree! Use the UNC System’s Military Equivalency System to find out how much course credit you can get for your military training and experience, before you even apply.
GET Support
Paying for College
Using your GI Bill
Watch this GI Bill Basics short video series below to learn about how to use your GI Bill benefits at a UNC System university. For additional information about these benefits, contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or reach out to one of the university contacts listed below.
North Carolina Heroes Fund
North Carolina Heroes Fund provides emergency financial assistance and connects recipients to community resources, ensuring service members and their families receive timely, practical support during challenging transitions or unexpected crises.
Other Funding Opportunities
Fill out your Federal Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA) and find out if you’re eligible for scholarships, loans, grants, and more!
Connect with your university’s point of contact to learn about military-affiliated student-specific opportunities like VA work-study programs and scholarships such as:
Additional Resources
North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (NC DMVA)
NC DMVA provides information on benefits available beyond higher education, including emergency housing, employment assistance, and medical care. The NC DMVA staff can connect you with local veterans service officers (VSOs), who provide guidance on the VA claims process, share information about tax exemptions, assist with records requests, and more.
The North Carolina Residency Determination System (RDS)
RDS can help you verify your residency status and get your Residency Certification Number (RCN). RDS staff can also answer questions about how to become a North Carolina Resident. Remember, if your VA education benefits are fully exhausted before you graduate, you will need to contact RDS and establish your NC residency and continue receiving in-state tuition.
Veterans Bridge Home
Veterans Bridge Home connects veterans and their families with a network of state partners who provide integrated and ongoing wraparound services that can help them successfully transition and thrive in civilian life.
get in contact
Every UNC System institution has a team ready to assist military-affiliated students with academic advising, benefit certification, career counseling, and community building. Connect with your institution or the UNC System military affairs team to learn more.