First Responders Program

Empowering First Responder Families: Affordable Online Degrees for a Brighter Future

Carolina University is committed to serving first responders, spouses, and their dependent children by offering high-quality, affordable, and flexible online degree programs. Our first responder-friendly tuition rates, support services, and transfer credit policies are designed to help you achieve your educational and career goals while balancing the demands of service and family life.

Ready To Get Started? - Step 1 of 2

Program of Interest

Desired Start Date

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Ready To Get Started? - Step 2 of 2

State

Country

Phone Number

Are you active duty, veteran of the U.S. Military or first responder?

By submitting this form I accept the privacy policy and understand that Carolina University may contact me via telephone, email, and/or text messages about online programs. If I reside outside the U.S., I consent to the transfer of my data to the U.S. body that governs the submission and handling of this data.

Exclusive First Responder Tuition Rates

At CU, we recognize the sacrifices made by first responders and their families. That's why we offer some of the lowest tuition rates in the nation of any accredited, private, nonprofit university:

UNDERGRADUATE

$6,000

per year ($250 per credit)

MASTERS

$4,950

per year ($275 per credit)

PhD

$5,400

per year ($300 per credit)

SPOUSES & DEPENDENT CHILDREN: ELIGIBLE FOR THE SAME DISCOUNT RATES

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Hear From Our First Responder Students

"As an adult learner who is a full time law enforcement officer, I love the flexibility that Carolina University offers with completing a Bachelor's Degree online! The application and admission process could not have been easier, with dedicated staff who are happy to help along the way. I was able to obtain my Bachelor's Degree quickly by taking advantage of the opportunity to exchange NC Basic Law Enforcement Training hours for college credits. This is a fantastic opportunity for those already in the law enforcement field who wish to further their education. I cannot recommend Carolina University enough!"

- Jennifer Smith, Currituck County Sheriff’s Office

I truly loved everything about Carolina University! From the quality of instruction to the ease of credit transfer and the dedication of the faculty and staff, it was an exceptional experience. The registration process was simple and straightforward — no stress, no confusion. And perhaps most importantly, CU accepted nearly every credit I had previously earned from my associate degree. CU respected the work I had already done, and that made all the difference. The instructors and professors were clearly experts in their fields. I had absolute confidence that the information and data I was receiving were accurate, relevant, and up to date. That kind of academic excellence made me feel like I was in very capable hands.

- Major Marilyn Henson, Retired, Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office

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Why Choose Carolina University?

100% Online Degrees – Flexible schedules designed for first responders
No GPA Requirement – Your service is proof enough of your capacity to succeed; we focus on your potential, not past academic performance
Additional Benefits – Tuitional Assistance can still be applied in addition to the tuition discount
Credit for BLET – Earn 1 year of credit in select undergraduate programs
Prior Learning Credit – Turn work and other professional experiences into college credit
Dedicated First Responder Support - Expert advisors to assist with admissions, tuition benefits, and career planning
Accredited & Respected - An accredited, nonprofit, private Christian university focused on student success.
Career-Ready Programs - Degrees prepare students for careers in high-demand fields such as Business, Computer Science, Biology, AI, Leadership, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Machine Learning, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, Public Health, and more

Next Steps:

Apply Today: Submit your application — an Admissions Officer will follow up with you directly
Submit Documents: Provide any required items, such as transcripts, to your Admissions Officer
Tuition Assistance: Contact your department's HR to enquire about Tuition Assistance
Financial Aid Inquiries: Contact CU's School Certifying Official or email Financial Aid for assistance
Tuition Assistance Course Approval: Tuition Assistance recipients should submit their Tuition Assistance course approval to the Student Accounts Office
Admissions Support: For admissions inquiries, reach out to our Admissions Office.

Join the CU First Responder Community Today!

Invest in your future with a university that understands and supports your first responder journey. Whether you're a first responder or a family member, CU is here to help you succeed.