North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is proud to announce it has been named a , earning the impressive #2 national ranking in the category of 鈥淧rivate Institutions Not Offering Doctorate Degrees.鈥 In addition, NCWU has been ranked #1 as a 2025-2026 鈥攁 testament to the University鈥檚 unwavering commitment to military-connected students and their families.
These prestigious designations reflect NCWU鈥檚 dedication to fostering an environment where veterans, active-duty service members, and their spouses can thrive academically, socially, and personally. Out of more than 1,800 participating institutions, only 830 earned special recognition for going above and beyond in serving military students. Rankings were determined through a combination of public data, proprietary surveys, and rigorous assessment criteria including student retention, graduation, job placement, and loan default rates鈥攕pecifically for military and veteran students.
鈥淎t 麻豆原创, we are deeply grateful for the service and sacrifices made by our nation鈥檚 veterans and their families,鈥 said Laura Brown, Associate Dean of Veteran Services. 鈥淭hese designations reaffirm our mission to support military-connected students through accessible education, dedicated resources, and a community that recognizes and honors their unique experiences.鈥
One such example of this support is Nicholas and Amelia Hosine, a Bishop couple and U.S. Army veterans who are now pursuing their degrees in Organizational Leadership at NCWU with plans to graduate in December 2025. Having transferred from Wake Tech Community College, they found the University鈥檚 flexible online programs and transfer-friendly pathways ideal for balancing academics and family life.
鈥淭he transition from military to college life was both challenging and rewarding,鈥 Nicholas shared. 鈥淣CWU provided a welcoming environment where I felt supported from the moment I applied. The advisors, faculty, and staff have gone above and beyond to ensure student veterans are set up for success.鈥
The Hosines highlight NCWU鈥檚 quarterly class schedule as a key benefit鈥攌eeping them focused, engaged, and moving steadily toward their goals. They credit their time in service with instilling discipline and leadership, while Wesleyan has sharpened their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. 鈥淭he combination of military experience and a Wesleyan education is preparing us for impactful careers where we can lead, support others, and continue to grow,鈥 Nicholas added.
When asked what it meant to them to attend an institution that received these rankings, Nicholas responded 鈥淚 truly believe NCWU deserves this award and I am proud to be part of a school that values and supports military-affiliated students. the support I have received throughout the registration process and while working with advisors has been outstanding. Everyone has been helpful, understanding, and committed to student success, especially for veterans.鈥
The full list of recognized institutions will be published in the May and October issues of G.I. Jobs magazine and at .
Kayla Lopez, National Director of Military Partnerships at Military Friendly庐, stated, 鈥淚nstitutions that earn these distinctions show true commitment to the success of military students and their families. They set a benchmark for excellence and help raise the bar across higher education.鈥
Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Viqtory with input from the Military Friendly 庐 Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution鈥檚 survey scores with the assessment of the institution鈥檚 ability to meet thresholds for Student Retention, Graduation, Job Placement, Loan Repayment, Persistence (Degree Advancement or Transfer) and Loan Default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.
As NCWU prepares the next generation of leaders, it remains steadfast in its mission to meet students where they are鈥攚hether in a classroom, online, or transitioning from military service to civilian life.
鈥淢ilitary Friendly庐 is committed to transparency and providing consistent data-driven standards in our designation process. Our standards provide a benchmark that promotes positive outcomes and support services that better the educational landscape and provide opportunity for the Military Community. This creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages Institutions to evolve and invest in their programs consistently. Schools who achieve awards designation show true commitment in their efforts, going over and above that standard.鈥 – Kayla Lopez, National Director of Military Partnerships, Military Friendly. 庐
麻豆原创 Military Friendly 庐 Schools:
The Military Friendly庐 Schools list is created each year based on extensive research using public data sources from more than 8,800 schools nationwide, input from student veterans, and responses to the proprietary, data-driven Military Friendly庐 Schools survey from participating institutions. The survey questions, methodology, criteria and weighting were developed with the assistance of an independent research firm and an advisory council of educators and employers. The survey is administered for free and is open to all postsecondary schools that wish to participate. Criteria for consideration can be found at .
麻豆原创 Viqtory:
Founded in 2001, VIQTORY is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities through its G.I. Jobs庐 and Military Friendly庐 brands. VIQTORY and its brands are not a part of or endorsed by the U.S. Dept of Defense or any federal government entity. Learn more about VIQTORY at .
NCWC Named 鈥淢ilitary Friendly鈥 Again in 2018
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA鈥&苍产蝉辫;For the fifth consecutive year, 麻豆原创 has been named a Military Friendly School by Victory Media. This year, the college was awarded the Bronze Designation. Bronze Award winners have programs that scored within 40 percent of the 10th-ranked institution within a given category.
鈥淎t Wesleyan, we are committed to serving our active military, veterans, and their families,鈥 commented President Dewey Clark, 鈥淲e want to do our part in helping make college affordable and attainable.鈥
Wesleyan offers a 10% discount on tuition to all active duty military students, veterans and their spouses.鈥
Victory Media鈥檚 鈥渕ilitary friendly鈥 designation places Wesleyan in the top 15 percent of schools nationwide that are embracing military service members, veterans and spouses to ensure their success on campus. Institutions earning the Military Friendly庐 School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey completed by the school. For the first time, student survey data was taken into consideration for the designation. More than 1,300 schools participated in the 2017-2018 survey with 849 earning the designation. Victory Media鈥檚 Chief Product Officer Daniel Nichols stated, 鈥淥ur ability to apply a clear, consistent standard to colleges creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages colleges to invest in programs to provide educational outcomes that are better for veterans.鈥
Wesleyan offers students a program in Military Science (ROTC鈥揜eserve Officers鈥 Training Corps) that combines college courses with summer training sessions to prepare students who show potential to serve as commissioned officers in the Army, Army Reserve, or the Army National Guard. U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, James Mercer heads Wesleyan鈥檚 Army ROTC program. He is a 25-year highly decorated Army veteran and public safety program professional who has worked for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, FEMA and as the Director of Emergency Management Services for the City of Raleigh.
LTC James Mercer USA (Ret) stated 鈥淭he NCWC ROTC鈥檚 aim is to develop student leadership skills, provide an understanding of military customs and traditions, and offer students鈥 excellent ways to jumpstart their military or civilian careers.鈥
Enrollment in ROTC is open to all Wesleyan students, including those at the community colleges that participate in a Comprehensive Articulation Agreement with NC Wesleyan University.
A complete list of the 2017-2018 Military Friendly庐 Schools can be found at . More information on Wesleyan can be found at ncwu.edu. Contact ROTC@ncwu.eduor 252-985-5340 or more information on the NCWC ROTC program.
