This fall, North Carolina’s public universities enrolled more than 23,000 military-affiliated students, a 6% increase since fall 2024. It’s the fourth consecutive year the University of North Carolina System has seen enrollment increase among this group, which includes veterans, active-duty military and students from military families.

“We’re proud to see so many service members and their families choosing our universities and making North Carolina their home,” said Bradley Wrenn, the UNC System’s program manager for military and veteran student success. 

Last year, the UNC System launched its Military Equivalency System, which allows prospective students to see how military occupations and training can translate into college course credit, speeding up the time to graduation. Additionally, the growth of online programs — now more than 450 across the System — and other support resources have helped military-affiliated students connect with degree pathways that are flexible, affordable and aligned with long-term goals.  

North Carolina has one of the largest military footprints in the country, including the fourth-largest veteran and active-duty military populations. Over the past year, the North Carolina General Assembly passed legislation to improve affordability and access for service members, providing in-state tuition for certain honorably discharged veterans and Purple Heart recipients.  

 “Our service members bring hard-earned leadership skills and resilience to their educational experience,” Wrenn said. “The UNC System is committed to helping them find successful and rewarding pathways as they look to build a career inside or outside the military.”