Service, Servers and Success: One Student’s Journey to a Debt-Free Degree Through UNC Charlotte’s Tuition Benefit Partnerships
When Matthew Hampton walks into a UNC Charlotte classroom, he’s not just a student. He’s also a systems administrator in the Air National Guard, the server guy for the Air Force and a full-time cybersecurity hopeful with big goals and a zero-debt mindset.
He’s not your average junior.
Matthew is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science with a concentration in information technology. His mission? Land a career in cybersecurity, a field he describes as “hard to break into without IT experience,” but a challenge he’s facing head-on with military precision.
Why UNC Charlotte?
For Matthew, choosing UNC Charlotte was a family affair. His dad and sister both graduated from the University. But there was more to it than legacy.
“I wanted something close to home, flexible, and reputable,” he said. “I heard UNC Charlotte had a strong computer science program, and it lined up perfectly with what I wanted to do.”
He’s getting exactly what he hoped for: courses that mirror the real-world tech landscape, professors with industry insight, and a community that keeps him connected, both personally and professionally.
Tuition-Free Thanks to the Air Force
The real game-changer? The Tuition Benefits Partnerships program. Through the Air National Guard, Matthew’s entire degree is covered.
“I didn’t want debt. That was my main reason for enlisting,” he said. “Now I’m getting better at my job and getting a degree, without loans hanging over my head.”
He’s quick to recommend the program: “If you’re eligible, definitely do it. It gives you peace of mind knowing school is covered, and you can focus on your goals.”
Learning That Works Both Ways
Matthew isn’t just learning for the sake of a diploma. He’s applying his coursework directly to his job.
“There’s one networking class that lines up almost exactly with what I do,” he said. “I maintain and deploy systems and services for different clients. We’re talking IP addresses, protocols, firewalls. Real hands-on stuff.”
His cybersecurity courses go even deeper. One class, taught by an adjunct who works in the field, gives him a front-row seat to the real-world challenges cybersecurity pros face every day.
“Instead of just memorizing and moving on, I’m constantly asking: How does this help me at work? And vice versa.”
Juggling School, Service, and Life
As a full-time student, weekend warrior, and cyber club leader (he’s the External VP of the 49er Cybersecurity Division), Matthew’s schedule is… intense.
“The hardest part is time management. You’re juggling calculus, public speaking, weekend drills, a girlfriend, family time… everything,” he laughs. “I try to ‘win the week,’ not the day. I chunk things out, focus on the next goal.”
His Advice? Go for It.
For anyone thinking about using their employer’s tuition benefit to earn a degree at UNC Charlotte, Matthew’s advice is simple: “Do it. It’ll change your life.”
No debt. Real-world experience. A clear career path.
Sounds like a win-win.