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Higher education Fayetteville has a public university, a private university and a community college that offer a number of courses and programs for those looking to expand their education. METHODIST UNIVERSIT Y Methodist University is Cumberland County's only independent, four- year institution of higher education. Its nearly 2,000 students come from across the U.S. and more than 40 countries annually. Methodist offers more than 80 areas of study, including multiple master's and doctoral programs. It also has 100% online degrees, a campus on Fort Bragg, more than 120 student clubs and organizations, and 20 NCAA sports programs. "Methodist is a vibrant community of students, faculty, staff and administrators who live, study and work together," says Stanley T. Wearden, the college president. "This process of sharing our lives together offers the opportunity for each of us to be better, wiser, stronger and more productive than we would be alone. Methodist offers a distinctive educational experience in an environment that supports individual growth." Graduate programs include the first doctoral- level program in occupational therapy in the state; business administration; biology; pre-nursing and nursing; psychology; criminal justice-forensic science; engineering; and social work. The golf management program has a 100% graduate job rate in the golf industry. The master's degree programs include criminal justice, education, business and health science, which includes physical therapy, physician assistant studies, occupational therapy and health administration. Contact: 910-630-7000 or methodist.edu FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSIT Y Fayetteville State University is part of the University of North Carolina System. It is the second-oldest public institution of higher education in the state, having been founded in 1867. FSU is a historically Black university that confers degrees at the baccalaureate, master's and doctoral levels. With more than 6,700 students, FSU is among the most diverse institutions in the nation. "FSU is perfectly positioned here in the Sandhills region to change the landscape on how we think about workforce readiness in today's ever-changing job market and how we in higher education can support veterans and their families in their transitions to the civilian workforce," says Chancellor Darrell T. Allison. "Fayetteville State University is proud to now be the premier destination, not just in North Carolina but in the nation, for educating military-connected students. With our diverse student population, there is something at FSU for everyone." In February, the university announced a military scholarship that will provide free tuition to FSU undergraduates who are military-connected, including active-duty service members, members of the National Guard and Reserve, military spouses and dependents, and veterans. FSU is also the state's newest NC Promise school, which means that its tuition rate makes a college education more affordable. Starting in fall 2022, undergraduate tuition will be $500 per semester for in-state students and $2,500 per semester for out- of-state students. Contact: 910-672-1111 or uncfsu.edu The bronze Bronco statue at Faye eville State University by Jon Hair FILE PHOTO FILE PHOTO 36 DestinationFAY 2022-2023

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