Transfer Student Resources

The UNC Military Equivalency System was developed as a centralized resource to help military members see potential credit equivalencies for military training courses or occupations before applying for admission to a UNC System university.  The MES allows service members to quickly compare potential credit equivalencies across all our UNC System universities.

Anyone with a Joint Services Transcript (JST) can use the Military Equivalency System including active-duty members, veterans, and members of the National Guard or Reserves, including enlisted, warrant officer, and officer ranks. 

Please note that MES does not contain equivalencies for Community College of the Air Force (CCAF).  CCAF is an accredited institution, and you can submit your CCAF transcript directly to your university of interest just like you would any other college transcript.

Great question! You can request a copy of your JST at https://jst.doded.mil/jst/

The MES displays credit equivalencies for military training courses and occupations that are listed on your JST and that are reflected in the American Council on Education’s Military Guide.  The American Council on Education (ACE) assigns military training courses and occupations an identification number (ACE ID).  The MES matches ACE IDs to UNC course credits.

Possibly. The MES only shows equivalencies for military training courses and occupations with an ACE ID.  There are some military experiences without an ACE ID – like general education, health or physical education – for which you can receive credit.  Also, some UNC institutions may award additional credits based on other military documents such as the DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) or through credit-by-examination (e.g. CLEP exam). 

No.  While the Military Equivalency System provides guidance on credits that can be awarded, the final determination rests with each UNC institution and is based on which major and/or degree you choose.  You will need to work with an advisor at your university of interest to understand which credits will apply towards your specific degree or credential.

No, an account is not needed to search MES.  However, we encourage you to create an account in case you’d like to save your search.  And, no, we won’t robo-call you; MES is here to provide you information as you consider your university options.

If your military training course or occupation does not show an equivalency in MES, check that the ACE ID – and the format (for example, no dashes in the ID) - are correct. If the ACE ID and format are correct, there may not be an established equivalency (meaning, that ACE ID has not been evaluated by a UNC university), or a UNC course may have been discontinued or changed significantly. You can contact the Registrar’s office at your university of interest to explore evaluation options.;

That’s fantastic news! You’re one step closer on your college journey!  Now that you’ve got your MES results, we encourage you to connect with interested UNC universities and start your admissions application!  You can find contact info – and the military-affiliated student website – for all our universities on our Military Affairs Website. 

Also, you can connect with the Registrar’s or Admission’s Office at your interested university to request more information on how the credit equivalencies shown in MES could apply toward your desired degree or credential.

Yes, you must meet all general admission requirements for the university to which you apply.

Yes, after you have enrolled at an institution, you can submit a transfer credit appeal using the UNC System Transfer Student and Credit Appeals Portal.

Drop us an email at military@northcarolina.edu.