Best Military-Friendly Colleges in North Carolina

If you have experience as a reserve or active-duty service member in the U.S. military, you may be eligible for various military education benefits. Though many of these programs are available through the government, some come from military-friendly colleges and universities.

If you live in North Carolina, perhaps you're wondering which schools in your state offer the greatest support and resources for military-affiliated students. As it turns out, many North Carolina schools are very friendly toward student veterans. These include the University of North Carolina (UNC) and Duke University.

Keep reading to learn more about these and other best colleges for military service members and veterans in North Carolina.

Military-Friendly Colleges in North Carolina

Students can use military benefits for college in North Carolina. If you have an active-duty military history or have served in the U.S. Armed Forces in any capacity, this experience can benefit you as you pursue higher education. Consider the following schools in North Carolina that are known for showing support for service members or veterans, their dependents, and military spouses.

1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) is the flagship campus of the University of North Carolina System. It is a prestigious public school enrolling nearly 32,000 students.

The university enrolls all military students as transfer students, awarding college credits for service experience and enabling these students to finish school sooner. Students with military backgrounds also receive tuition benefits to help them graduate more affordably.

2. North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, or NC State, is located in Raleigh. It is a large public school with an enrollment of nearly 38,000 students.

The school provides many military benefits including college credit for military service, Yellow Ribbon benefits, and military-specific payment plans. Students also receive step-by-step support in navigating their VA benefits and learning how to use them.

3. East Carolina University

East Carolina University is a public school in Greenville. It boasts an enrollment of more than 28,000 and is known as being a military-friendly school.

Some benefits and services available to military-connected students include transfer credits for military service, a military-specific study area, Yellow Ribbon funds, and more. Veteran student support services are also available to ensure those with a military background have every chance for academic success.

4. Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University is located in Boone. This public school provides a range of online and in-person degrees for military and civilian students.

This school is a VIQTORY-designated, military-friendly institution. Military students at this school receive transfer credits for their service and training. They may also receive veteran resources like scholarship opportunities and VA benefits specialists to help them navigate the financial aid process.

5. Duke University

Duke University is a private school in Durham offering many degree programs for students from all walks of life. It enrolls almost 17,000 students.

The school provides generous Yellow Ribbon benefits and veteran services to help students navigate the process. Additional educational benefits may be applied to help students cut college costs.

6. Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville State University is a public school in Fayetteville. This historically Black school enrolls around 6,700 students and provides online and in-person degree programs.

Many military resources and benefits are available, including scholarship opportunities and support services to help military students navigate their college journey. Flexible learning options make education accessible for all students, including those still on active duty.

7. North Carolina A&T State University

North Carolina A&T State University is a public university located in Greensboro. The school was founded in 1891 and has an enrollment of more than 13,000 students.

The school offers various support services through its Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, ensuring students receive the educational benefits they are entitled to and answering questions as needed. Various online degree program options make education accessible for military students.

8. Queens University of Charlotte

Queens University of Charlotte is a small private school affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. It enrolls around 1,900 students.

Many military benefits and resources are available at this Yellow Ribbon school. Military students receive support and guidance as they navigate VA benefits. Personalized degree programs are available to recognize military experience. Military-specific lounges and honor societies make it easy to connect with other military students.

9. William Peace University

William Peace University is a private school in Raleigh. Fewer than 1,000 students attend this institution, which offers undergraduate degrees in various fields.

This school waives the application fee for military-connected students and offers unlimited Yellow Ribbon scholarships, ensuring that many military students receive their education tuition-free. Various other military resources are available, including VA connections and employment opportunities.

10. Meredith College

Meredith College is a private women's college in Raleigh. About 1,800 students attend this school, which offers coeducational graduate degree programs.

This military-friendly school provides various resources to help students take advantage of the veterans benefits available to them. Various military benefits are accepted, and support services are in place to help students navigate each step of the process.

Does the U.S. Military Offer Free College?

Military personnel and their families may qualify for various programs and benefits to help them cover their education. Though these programs don't guarantee free college, they can go a long way in helping you pay for your degree program. Let's look at some of the programs available.

GI Bill Benefits

The GI Bill is available through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It provides financial aid for military-connected students and their families, potentially providing up to full tuition coverage.

There are different versions of the GI Bill: the Post 9/11 GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill, and the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserves. Those eligible for more than one must choose which VA benefits to accept; they cannot combine benefits.

Department of Defense (DoD) Tuition Assistance

The Department of Defense provides a tuition assistance program for service members and veterans. The program partially covers tuition costs by providing up to $250 per semester credit hour or $166 per quarter credit hour.

Benefits may not exceed $4,500 yearly or 18 semester credit hours per year.

Military College Funds

The Marine Corps, Army, and Navy all provide college fund programs collectively referred to as the GI Bill Kicker. These funds provide additional assistance over and above those received through the GI Bill.

To receive these funds, students must qualify for the GI Bill. Funds vary depending on various factors. Students receive monthly stipends, in addition to the GI Bill, to be used toward college expenses.

FAQs About Military-Friendly Colleges in North Carolina

Do you still have questions about getting a bachelor's or master's degree as a vet or service member in North Carolina? Read on as we answer some commonly asked questions.

Are There Online Military-Friendly Colleges in North Carolina?

Yes. Several schools discussed in this article offer online degree programs to make education more accessible for busy and nontraditional students. Some of the schools with online programs include:

• Appalachian State University
• North Carolina State University
• Fayetteville State University

Does North Carolina Offer Veterans Free College Tuition?

North Carolina does not offer any state-funded programs guaranteeing free tuition for veterans. However, military scholarships and grants can combine with federal programs (e.g., GI Bill) to help military students to graduate affordably. Depending on the total benefits received, you may be able to attend college with no out-of-pocket costs.

Is It Hard to Get into Military-Friendly Colleges in North Carolina?

Each school outlined above has a different acceptance rate, and some are harder to get into than others. For example, The University of North Carolina is a highly selective school with an acceptance rate typically between 16% and 17%. Queens University of Charlotte, on the other hand, accepts around 71% of applicants, and Fayetteville State University accepts around 81%.