the unc system is for you
Welcome to your next mission: earning your degree. Whether you’re active duty, a veteran, or a military family member, the UNC System is committed to being your partner in higher education. With 16 universities proudly serving more than 23,000 military-affiliated students statewide, we understand your service comes with unique challenges and opportunities.
That’s why the UNC System offers:
Military-friendly universities from the 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. Learn more about the UNC System’s 16 unique campuses and our commitment to serving more than 23,000 military-affiliated students across the state.
Flexible degrees in high-demand fields
There are a variety of degree programs offered across our institutions, including more than 450 online degree programs in high-demand fields like cybersecurity, data analytics, nursing, IT and computer science, business administration, and supply chain management. Use our program and degree finder to discover which institutions offer degrees in the field you want to study.
Course credit for military 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.
No application fees for service members and veterans
In-state tuition beyond the Choice Act
Dedicated support services for military-affiliated students
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.
paying for college
Paying for college is easier when you know what benefits are available to you. From using your GI Bill to qualifying for in-state tuition and scholarships, UNC System universities offer a range of resources to help military-affiliated students reduce the cost of earning a degree.
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.
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.
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.
FAFSA
Fill out your Federal Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA) and find out if you’re eligible for scholarships, loans, grants, and more!
University Programs
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:
Resources for military-affiliated students
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.
connect with your institution
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 the point of contact for your institution, listed below, or the UNC System military affairs team to learn more.
Appalachian State University
Bethany Gonzalez
828-262-2722
studentveteranservices@appstate.edu
East Carolina University
Jeff Netznick
252-737-2018
vets@ecu.edu
Elizabeth City State University
Jennifer Freshwater
252-335-3091
Jbfreshwater@ecsu.edu
Fayetteville State University
Dr. Mitchell Seal
910-672-2110
mseal@uncfsu.edu
North Carolina A&T State University
Col. Joshua Jones
336-398-8651
jtjones3@ncat.edu
North Carolina Central University
Rosalind McCarthy
919-530-5000
rdonald5@nccu.edu
NC State University
Nick Drake
919-515-3048
ncstatevets@ncsu.edu
UNC Asheville
G.T. Hobday
828-251-6439
ghobday@unca.edu
UNC-Chapel Hill
Rob Palermo
919-843-9551
rpalermo@email.unc.edu
UNC Charlotte
Chris Brasel
704-687-5488
military-veteran@charlotte.edu
UNC Greensboro
Chris Gregory
336-334-5632
cdgregor@uncg.edu
UNC Pembroke
Jasmine Coleman
910-775-4753
veterans@uncp.edu
UNC School of the Arts
Vickie Simmons
336-770-3296
simmonsv@uncsa.edu
UNC Wilmington
Bill Kawczynski
910-962-2933
militaryaffairs@uncw.edu
Western Carolina University
Briana Ford
828-227-3074
blford@email.wcu.edu
Winston-Salem State University
Jack Donald
336-750-3096
jackd@wssu.edu