Enacts new GS 116-11.5 requiring the UNC Board of Governors to adopt a policy requiring constituent institutions to allow eligible applicants to defer admission to a constituent institution, if they provide notice at least 30 days before enrollment, for the following periods of time: (1) for applicants who are members of the reserve Armed Forces, for at least two years after the member accepts entry into the reserve Armed Forces; and (2) at least five years after accepting entry into active duty service for all other applicants. Eligible applicants are defined as a person who has been admitted to a constituent institution of UNC and who is a member of the uniformed service (Armed Forces, Reserve Armed Forces, or Merchant Marine) or a spouse of a member of the uniformed service. Prohibits a constituent institution of UNC from denying admission to any applicant who indicates their intention to serve in the uniformed service or a person whose application indicates that they may serve. Specifies that this statute does not supersede federal law or require a constituent institution to violate federal law. 
Amends GS 116-143.3 by extending the definition of Armed Forces to also include the Space Force, thereby making them and their dependents eligible under the conditions set out in the statute for the in-State tuition rate and applicable mandatory fees at any of the constituent institutions of the University of North Carolina and the community colleges under the jurisdiction of the State Board of Community Colleges. Also amends the statute to give the in-State rates for tuition and mandatory fees to any qualifying veteran admitted to any of the constituent institutions of the University of North Carolina and the community colleges under the jurisdiction of the State Board of Community Colleges who do not qualify as a resident for tuition purposes. Defines a qualifying veteran as a person who: (1) served active duty for no less than 90 days in the Armed Forces; (2) received an honorable discharge from service; and (3) one of the following: graduated from high school in North Carolina on or after January 1, 2004, served active duty with a permanent duty station in North Carolina for at least 90 continuous days, or was awarded a Purple Heart.
Applies beginning with the 2025-26 academic year.

Statutes affected:
Filed: 116-143.3
Edition 1: 116-143.3