What NC’s new military education benefits actually mean for your programs
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News
North Carolina’s new military education benefits are getting a lot of attention, and for good reason. But beyond the policy language, there’s a very real impact on enrollment, retention, and the kinds of students entering your programs.
Here’s what matters most.
A growing audience at the right time
The UNC System has reached a record 23,000 military-affiliated students, marking a 6% year-over-year increase.
At a time when traditional student pipelines are shrinking, this group is moving in the opposite direction and growing, motivated, and looking for flexible pathways to finish degrees.
What’s changed, and why it matters
Two recent legislative updates are lowering barriers in a meaningful way:
- HB 373 (Military Tuition Assistance Act)
Institutions can now reduce tuition to align with federal Military Tuition Assistance caps. For many active-duty students, this can bring out-of-pocket costs down to zero. - SB 118 (Residency Expansion)
Eligible veterans can now receive in-state tuition regardless of where they live, opening access to a much broader, national pool of students.
For program directors, this means more prospective students who can realistically say “yes” to enrolling.
Not just more students: different students
Military-affiliated students tend to change the dynamic of a classroom in noticeable ways.
They bring:
- real-world experience in leadership, logistics, and decision-making
- global perspectives that deepen discussions
- a level of discipline that often raises expectations across a cohort
Nationally, student veterans frequently earn higher GPAs than their civilian peers, contributing to stronger overall student outcomes.
A direct connection to workforce needs
This is especially relevant for STEM and professional programs.
Roughly 43% of service members have training tied to fields like cybersecurity, nursing, and data analytics. Programs that recognize prior learning—through tools like the Military Equivalency System (MES)—can help these students move faster to completion and into the workforce.
That’s not just good for the student. It helps address real talent gaps across North Carolina.
What this looks like in practice
Behind all of this are real students navigating work, service, and school at the same time.
For example:
- Carlos Hernandez-Rivera, a nursing graduate and Army Reserve member, used tuition assistance to complete his degree while working and serving. His experience shaped his goal to advocate for patients navigating language barriers.
“I just hope to fill in that gap one day for someone.”
- Matthew Hampton, a systems administrator in the Air National Guard, completed his degree debt-free through a Tuition Benefit Partnership while preparing for a cybersecurity career.
“I didn’t want debt… now I’m getting a degree, without loans.”
These stories highlight a simple truth: when cost barriers are removed, persistence and completion go up.
Why this matters for long-term program health
The UNC Strategic Plan has set a goal of 30,000 military-affiliated students by 2027. Reaching that number isn’t just symbolic. It strengthens institutional stability through:
- increased state support tied to enrollment targets
- deeper partnerships with North Carolina’s military installations
- stronger pipelines into research, workforce development, and community engagement
Where Tuition Benefit Partnerships fit in
UNC Charlotte’s Tuition Benefit Partnership Program is one way to operationalize this opportunity.
These partnerships:
- align academic programs with employer and workforce needs
- create consistent enrollment pipelines
- bring experienced, working professionals into the classroom
The result is a stronger connection between education and real-world application for both students and faculty.
The takeaway
This isn’t just a policy shift. It’s a moment.
Programs that make it easier for military-affiliated students to:
- understand costs
- transfer relevant experience into credit
- and move efficiently toward completion
…will be the ones that benefit most.