North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) has been named a 2026–2027 Military Friendly® School, earning a Silver designation for the 13th consecutive year. The University also earned Gold status as a Military Spouse Friendly® School, reaffirming NCWU’s longstanding commitment to supporting veterans, active-duty service members, military spouses and their families.
The Military Friendly® Schools designation recognizes institutions that demonstrate a strong commitment to serving military-connected students. More than 3,200 organizations participated in the 2026–2027 Military Friendly® survey and were evaluated using a combination of public data and responses to a proprietary survey.
The evaluation considers an institution’s ability to meet and exceed established benchmarks related to student recruitment and retention, academic progress, graduation rates, career placement and support services for veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses. Methodology and criteria are developed in consultation with the Military Friendly® Advisory Council, a group of independent leaders within the military community.
“At North Carolina Wesleyan University, we are deeply grateful for the service and sacrifices made by our nation’s veterans and their families,” said Melanie Hudak-Williamson, VA School Certifying Official. “These designations reaffirm our mission to support military-connected students through accessible education, dedicated resources and a community that recognizes and honors their unique experiences.”
The Student Perspective
That commitment is reflected in the experiences of Nicholas and Amelia Hosine ’25, a Bishop couple and U.S. Army veterans who earned their degrees in Organizational Leadership from NCWU in December 2025.
After transferring from Wake Technical Community College, the Hosines found NCWU’s flexible online programs and transfer-friendly pathways to be an ideal fit for balancing their education, careers and family life.
“The transition from military to college life was both challenging and rewarding,” Nicholas said. “NCWU 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.”
The Hosines also point to NCWU’s quarterly class schedule as an important part of their experience. The accelerated format helped them remain focused and engaged while steadily progressing toward their degrees.
Their military experience provided a strong foundation in discipline, leadership and perseverance, while their Wesleyan education strengthened their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
“The combination of military experience and a Wesleyan education is preparing us for impactful careers where we can lead, support others and continue to grow,” Nicholas said.
For Nicholas, being recognized as a Military Friendly® institution reflects the experience he and Amelia had throughout their time at NCWU.
“I truly believe NCWU deserves this award, and I am proud to be part of a school that values and supports military-affiliated students,” he said. “The support I 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.”
More than a Badge of Honor
“Earning the Military Friendly® designation is more than a badge of honor; it is a reflection of an institution’s deep-rooted values and strategic commitment to those who served,” said Kayla Lopez, Vice President of Memberships, Military Friendly®. “These schools don’t just open doors for veterans and military spouses; they build sustainable pathways for academic success and long-term impact. Their support is transformative, proving that investing in military-connected students is both a moral imperative and a standard for educational excellence.”
NC Wesleyan will be featured in the 2026–2027 Guide to Schools® in the April issue of Military Friendly G.I. Jobs® magazine and on MilitaryFriendly.com.
As NCWU prepares the next generation of leaders, the University remains committed to meeting students where they are — whether in the classroom, online or as they transition from military service to civilian life.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students.
NCWU offers a best-in-class value and a personally tailored private higher education experience. We invest in each and every student we accept by providing individualized awards, scholarships and grants. Wesleyan is YOUR hometown University that is Personal. Practical, and Purpose-Driven. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. In addition to its educational mission, NCWU serves as a vital economic engine for the region, contributing over $209 million to the local economy.
To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
About Military Friendly ® Schools:
Military Friendly® is the standard that measures an organization’s commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community. Over 3,200 organizations compete annually for the Military Friendly Schools® designation. Military Friendly® is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business. Military Friendly® is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or the federal government. Results are produced via a rules-based algorithm. The data-driven Military Friendly® lists and methodology can be found at https://www.militaryfriendly.com
