Fayetteville State University Achieves Top Ranking for Military Support
Fayetteville State University (FSU) has been recognized as the leading institution in North Carolina by the 2026 Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges rankings, which were released on November 9. The university also stands out as the top historically Black college or university (HBCU) in the United States within this year’s assessment.
Significant Improvement in National Ranking
In the overall national rankings, FSU made a notable leap from its previous position at No. 33 in 2025 to No. 14 this year, reflecting its enhanced commitment to supporting veterans, active-duty personnel, and military families. Additionally, FSU secured the fourth spot in the Southeast region.
This annual evaluation by Military Times assessed 370 colleges and universities across the country, an increase from 357 in the prior year. Each institution was evaluated based on multiple criteria, including student success rates, military-specific resources, financial support, and academic policies tailored for military-affiliated students.
Commitment to Military Students
Chancellor Darrell T. Allison commented on the achievement, stating that the university’s ranking underscores FSU’s dedication to creating an environment conducive to the educational and professional aspirations of military service members. He emphasized that validation from Military Times reinforces FSU’s commitment to military families.
Located near Fort Bragg, FSU serves a significant population of military-affiliated students, with over 2,500 enrolled in fall 2025. This group includes veterans, active-duty members, reservists, and their families.
Supportive Academic Environment
The university’s initiatives include affordable tuition rates and flexible academic programs designed to accommodate the unique experiences of military students. FSU offers a Military Tuition Scholarship that provides eligible military-affiliated students with free tuition for four years, aiming to alleviate financial burdens while pursuing their degrees.
Through its Military Ready initiative, FSU allows students to translate their military training and experiences into academic credits, helping them meet their degree requirements more efficiently.
Veteran-Focused Programs and Leadership
Pamela Baldwin, Ed.D., vice chancellor for strategic enrollment and student success, noted the importance of supporting military-affiliated students, emphasizing their unique contributions and experiences. The university has also enhanced its support systems through the TRIO Student Support Services Veterans program, which was established in September 2025 with a federal grant, allowing it to assist a full cohort of 120 participants.
Scott Krawczyk, Ph.D., provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs at FSU, highlighted the leadership qualities and skills that veterans bring to the academic community. His background as a retired U.S. Army brigadier general informs the university’s efforts to align rigorous academic opportunities with the strengths of military students.
Consistent Recognition in Military Times Rankings
This latest ranking reflects FSU’s continued progress in the Military Times evaluations, having previously ranked sixth in North Carolina in 2024 and second in 2025 before achieving the top position this year.
Source: Fayetteville State University
