North Carolina has introduced three new laws aimed at making higher education more accessible and affordable for veterans and military families. The measures come as the state observes Veterans Day and acknowledges its significant military population, which includes over 1 million military-affiliated residents and one of the largest active-duty communities in the United States.
The recently enacted laws—the Military Tuition and Residency Act (S.B. 118), the Military Tuition Assistance Act (H.B. 373), and the Military Deferred Enrollment Act (H.B. 378)—are designed to provide expanded tuition benefits and greater enrollment flexibility for students connected to the military within the University of North Carolina System.
S.B. 118 extends in-state tuition rates to eligible veterans living outside North Carolina, making it easier for them to attend UNC System institutions. H.B. 373 enables these institutions to offer discounted tuition to service members who receive federal or state military tuition assistance, reducing out-of-pocket expenses that may not be covered by existing aid programs. H.B. 378 provides at least a five-year enrollment deferment for active Armed Forces service members and their spouses, as well as a two-year deferment for reserve members and their spouses, allowing them to start their studies during or after their service commitments.
“These benefits reflect North Carolina’s deep respect for military families and our belief that service should lead to opportunity,” said UNC System President Peter Hans. “We’re grateful to the General Assembly and to Gov. Stein for their bipartisan support in making higher education more affordable for those who serve. By lowering costs, awarding credit for military service and expanding flexibility, we’re helping more service members build successful futures here in North Carolina.”
According to recent data, public universities in North Carolina enrolled more than 23,000 military-affiliated students this fall—a record high for the UNC System—and this group’s enrollment has risen by six percent compared to last year, marking four consecutive years of growth.
“North Carolina’s public universities are proud to serve those who serve our country,” said Wendy Murphy, chair of the UNC Board of Governors. “Our campuses see every day how veterans and military families enrich our classrooms and communities. These new policies strengthen that connection and ensure those families have every opportunity to succeed.”
