Military-affiliated student enrollment across the University of North Carolina System has climbed to 24,817, closing in on a benchmark target of 25,000 students set for 2027.
Four years ago, public universities in the state enrolled 20,688 military-affiliated individuals, encompassing service members alongside their spouses and children, according to northcarolina.edu. This expansion aligns with state workforce data indicating North Carolina will add 260,000 new jobs by 2034.
- Military-affiliated enrollment across the UNC System reached 24,817 students this year, up from 20,688 four years prior, northcarolina.edu reported.
- Project Kitty Hawk added more than 300 military-affiliated students to online programs, registering 364 total participants across five universities.
- State projections from April 2026 show an annual deficit of over 900 bachelor’s degrees in psychology through 2032.
Founded in 2022, Project Kitty Hawk serves as the UNC System’s education technology nonprofit, building flexible online degree tracks designed for adults balancing careers and family duties. These Flight Path programs operate as an alternative to traditional on-campus attendance.
To date, the nonprofit has enrolled 364 military-affiliated students into Flight Path programs. Participating institutions include Appalachian State University, East Carolina University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, North Carolina Central University, and the University of North Carolina Wilmington, northcarolina.edu reported.
Brandon Sumler, a 41-year-old in the U.S. Army, left East Carolina University in 2010 before completing his undergraduate education. Returning sixteen years later through Project Kitty Hawk, Sumler is set to graduate in December with a psychology degree.
“I am at the stage of my military career where retirement is near, and I finally am afforded an opportunity to finish school,” Sumler told northcarolina.edu. “I created a healthy work, family, and school life balance that also gave a boost to my confidence.”
North Carolina’s active duty, National Guard, and Reserve populations total 120,000 service members. State officials view this demographic as a vital talent pool for the civilian economy once service members transition out of the military.
NC Department of Commerce data projects 260,000 new jobs in the state by 2034. The UNC System functions as a primary talent pipeline for high-demand sectors facing severe labor shortages.
| Metric | Historical Figure (4 Years Ago) | Current Figure (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Total UNC System Military Enrollment | 20,688 | 24,817 |
| Projected New State Jobs (by 2034) | N/A | 260,000 |
Enrolled military students concentrate heavily on select disciplines. The most common programs include psychology, computer science and information technology, criminology and criminal justice, and health care administration, northcarolina.edu noted.
According to the UNC System’s April 2026 Workforce Alignment Report, psychology stands among the state’s most acute shortage areas, with a projected annual gap exceeding 900 bachelor’s degrees through 2032. Graduates in these tracks frequently enter essential fields like mental health, social work, education, and healthcare.
For students managing demanding schedules, the structural flexibility of online learning remains a primary draw. “This gives me a chance to finish what I started long ago,” Sumler told northcarolina.edu. “I would say that, if on campus learning isn’t an option for you currently, the Flight Path program is most certainly the way to go.”
Students like Sumler, that have families and other obligations, can still take classes as they see fit!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
