Fayetteville State University Recognized as No. 1 in North Carolina in Military Times Best for Vets Rankings
FSU ranks No. 1 among all HBCUs in the nation, earning recognition for its military student support, affordability and academic opportunities.
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Fayetteville State University has earned the distinction of being No. 1 among all institutions in North Carolina in the 2026 Military Times Best for Vets: College rankings, released Nov. 9. The university also emerged as the nation’s highest-ranked historically Black college or university among institutions included in this year’s evaluation.
In the national ranking for all institutions, FSU climbed 19 places, from No. 33 in 2025 to No. 14, strengthening its standing among colleges and universities recognized for supporting veterans, active-duty service members and military families. The university also secured the No. 4 spot in the Southeast region.
The annual Military Times evaluation included 370 colleges and universities across all 50 states, up from 357 institutions in 2025. Institutions were assessed on student success, military-specific resources, academic policies, financial assistance and institutional support for military-affiliated students.
“Reaching No. 1 in North Carolina and climbing into the nation’s top 14 reflects the intentional work we have done to make Fayetteville State University a place where those who serve our country can pursue their educational and professional goals,” said Chancellor Darrell T. Allison. “It’s one thing to state that FSU’s military community is an essential part of who we are, but to have the Military Times validate our intentions with this recognition only reinforces FSU’s commitment and responsibility to provide the academic opportunities and support to our military families even more.”
Located minutes from Fort Bragg, FSU serves one of the largest military-affiliated student populations among North Carolina’s public universities. In fall 2025, the university enrolled more than 2,500 military-affiliated students, including veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, and military family members.
The university’s approach combines affordable tuition, flexible academic pathways and specialized services that recognize the experience military students bring to higher education.
Through its Military Tuition Scholarship, FSU provides free 4-year undergraduate tuition to eligible military-affiliated students, including active-duty service members, veterans, reservists, spouses and dependents. The scholarship covers qualifying tuition costs after applicable financial assistance, helping students pursue their degrees while reducing financial barriers.
FSU also recognizes military training and experience for potential academic credit through its Military Ready initiative, allowing eligible students to apply previously acquired skills and knowledge toward degree requirements.
“Our military-affiliated students bring valuable experience to the university, along with responsibilities that often require flexibility in how they pursue their education,” said Pamela Baldwin, Ed.D., vice chancellor for strategic enrollment and student success. “We’ve focused on strengthening the pathways that help these students enter the university, receive credit for what they already know and stay on track toward graduation. Their success is central to how we measure our progress.”
FSU has also expanded support through its federally funded TRIO Student Support Services Veterans program. Established in September 2025 with a $1.3 million U.S. Department of Education award, the program reached its full capacity of 120 participants during its first year. Six participants had graduated as of October 2026, with three pursuing advanced education.
The university’s military connections also extend to its academic leadership. Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Scott Krawczyk, Ph.D., is a retired U.S. Army brigadier general who served 30 years in the military before continuing his career in higher education.
“Veterans and service members arrive in higher education with leadership experience, technical knowledge and an understanding of responsibility that can enrich the entire academic community,” Krawczyk said. “Our role is to recognize those strengths, connect them to rigorous academic opportunities and prepare students to succeed in the next stage of their careers.”
The latest ranking continues FSU’s upward trajectory in the Military Times evaluation. In 2024, the university ranked No. 6 in North Carolina before advancing to No. 2 in 2025 and securing the state’s top position this year.
The complete 2026 rankings are available at https://bestforvets.militarytimes.com/colleges/2026/.