Best Colleges for Veterans

November 9, 2020 | Staff Writers

Are you ready to find your fit?

America’s veterans have fought for freedom across the globe, getting sent to armed conflicts in Korea and Vietnam, as well as to more recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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Even veterans who don’t see direct combat can be sent to far-off bases or military installations in Qatar, Germany, Kosovo or Israel, all at a moments notice.

But as difficult as their tours of duty can be, there is also a challenge facing them once they return home. When your everyday struggles switch from 5 am P.T. sessions and emergency preparedness drills to grocery trips and homework assignments, the disconnect between military and civilian life becomes far more clear.

This is especially true for student veterans, who face the dual challenge of transitioning out of military life and transitioning into academic life. There are entire books written about the difficulties facing kids leaving for college and offering countless tools and remedies for these woes, and very few of these books start with, “Once you leave Afghanistan…”

And so because veterans face such a unique set of challenges when starting up their academic careers, it’s important that the school veterans attend have the proper resources and support systems to make this transition as easy as possible. Veterans are well-trained and capable problem solvers, but they’re also used to working as a team: finding the right team of student veteran supports can be integral to these students’ academic experiences.

Many colleges offer supplementary scholarships through programs such as the Yellow Ribbon Fund, as well as Veteran-specific spaces complete with TVs and even pool tables, where vets can simply hang out, meet or even study. But overall what the most successful schools do is setup a vet-friendly culture at their school, which only happens through a holistic approach that engages the administrators, the student body, veterans, service members, and of course their families.

Sometimes this means slathering on the BBQ sauce at a welcome meeting for vets before the semester starts, other times it is simply engaging local VA hospitals or Veterans groups to help breed vet-friendliness into the broader campus culture. Each school has its own unique way of doing things, but at the end of the day the only thing that matters is that the school’s student veterans believe that they are part of a broader, campus team, and that the school does in fact have their six.

Of course, many veterans are trying to hold down a job and support a family, so a residential college program might not be ideal. In that case, they should take a look at College Choice’s ranking of the Best Online Colleges and Universities, where they can learn about the very best flexible, online program available.

What Are the Best Colleges for Veterans?

College Choice looks at a number of factors including institutional excellence, student satisfaction, and return on investment to develop rankings. Institutional excellence combines statistics such as graduation rates, student-to-faculty ratios, and endowment sizes to judge each school’s ability provide an excellent education for each student. Student satisfaction measures how happy current and former students felt with the programs and services offered by their school. And finally return on investment looks at the financial benefits students are likely to receive from their education, weighted against the costs of attending. In the end, we believe these schools represent the 50 Best College for Veterans.

University of South Florida

Location
Tampa, FL

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
The University of South Florida is a large, public university located in Tampa, FL. South Florida has around 50,000 students, more than 2,000 of whom are veterans. The Office of Veteran Success, located on the school’s main campus, employs student veterans who assist fellow veterans with anything they may need. The success of the office has resulted in USF being rated the #1 four year college for veterans by Military Times EDGE magazine in their “Best for Vets: Colleges 2017” ranking. One of these successes includes when USF helped to create the first ever VetSuccess program with the VA in May of 2009, helping to recognize their mutual responsibility to helping veterans transition into college life and the civilian workforce.
Academic Offerings
USF has 14 different colleges, which combine to offer more than 180 different undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs. There is an honors college for high-achieving students, as well as the Innovation Education program, which encourages continuing education through certificates, distance and online learning, workforce development learning and other supplementary educational programs.
Undergraduates at USF pursue a diverse cross-section of majors, but most commonly students will end up in programs focusing on:
- Biomedical Sciences
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Communications
- Business
- Criminology
Masters degrees are available in a wide range of subjects, as well as professional degrees in areas such as medicine, pharmacy, physician assistance, and physical therapy.
Notables
As part of the VetSuccess program that it helped to create, South Florida is able to staff a full-time Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor on-campus, as well as a part-time VetCenter counselor there to provide counseling services to qualifying veterans and dependents. USF boats an 83% retention rate and 68% graduation rate for its veteran students, which showcases their ability to support students in the tough transition from the military back to school. The Veteran Achievement Center (VAC) is a space located on campus that is intended to help veterans connect with one another socially and to find academic support, and including furnishings ranging from standardized test guides to longue chairs and a 60” plasma TV. USF offers a “Strategy for VetSuccess” class specifically for veterans, which fulfills a dual objective of providing student veterans with knowledge on pertinent university and VA topics, as well as the practical application of that knowledge through unique in-class experiences.
Rutgers University-Camden

Location
Camden, NJ

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
Rutgers University-Camden is one of the regional campuses of the Rutgers University system. It is a public research university located in Camden, NJ, and maintains an academic staff of around 254 professors, who teach a population of around 6,000 students. Camden has a Veterans Services office, which helps student veterans to connect with one another, as well as to apply for and coordinate the benefits that they are entitled to at the university.
Academics
Rutgers University-Camden consists of five separate undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools, including the College of Arts and Sciences, University College, Graduate College, Rutgers School of Business, and the School of Law. The College of Arts and Sciences also offers a highly selective Honors College for high achieving undergraduate students, and which offers challenging academic programs including seminars, junior and senior years projects, and extra curricular activities. Undergraduate students have a large number of degree options to choose from, but many students choose to pursue:
- Nursing
- Business Administration
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice
- Accounting
Graduate degrees offered include 3-year and 4-year JD programs, MBA, PMBA, and PMAc degrees from the school or business, as well as nursing degrees from the Rutgers School of Nursing-Camden.
Notables
Every few years, Rutgers-Camden hosts the Jeremy Kane Memorial 5K Run, which serves to honor Jeremy Kane, a Marine reservist who was enrolled as a student at Camden before being killed in action on January 23, 2010. Funds raised during the run go to fund the Jeremy Kane Memorial Scholarship, which goes directly to a number of student veterans each year. In 2014, four veterans each received $750 awards from the scholarship fund.
Stockton University

Location
Galloway, NJ

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
Stockton University is a public undergraduate and graduate university located in Galloway, New Jersey. Around 8,000 students attend the school each year, and there are around 300 academic staff members working at the university. Veterans’ affairs at the school are organized through the Office of Military & Veterans Services, which was created in January of 2009. The office offers a wide range of support services and seeks to connect veterans through Stockton’s Student Veterans Organization.
Academics
Stockton’s academic faculty and programs have been recognized by organizations such as The National Science Foundation, the Pulitzer Prize committee, and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning. Stockton offers traditional undergraduate programs, as well as graduate studies and continuing learning programs. Popular undergraduate offerings include:
- Business
- Psychology
- Biology
- Health Professions and Related Programs
In addition to its undergraduate offerings, Stockton has popular graduate programs in pursuit of:
- M.S. in Nursing
- M.A. in Education
- MBA
Stockton also offers less traditional graduate studies programs in subjects such as American Studies, Holocaust & Genocide Studies, and an M.S. in Social Work.
Notables
The Student Veteran Organization is a student group on campus that, according to its webpage, “is a unified body of diverse individuals who are able to communicate and share experiences which are needed to provide a foundation of support.” They also specifically emphasize the importance of their support network in the difficult process of transitioning from military to civilian/academic life. Members meet on the first & third Thursday of each month, as well as during special events sponsored by the organization.
San Diego State University

Location
San Diego, CA

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
San Diego State University is a public research university located in San Diego, CA: it is both the largest and the oldest institution of higher education in San Diego county. In the early 2000s, SDSU maintained a “Walk-Up Window” for veterans in the Registrar’s office, but in July 2008 the growing student veteran population helped to found and open the school’s Veterans Center, which was the first Veterans Center in the California State University System. Just over 9 years later, the office itself has grown to an area of more than 4,000 square feet, with over 20 VA work study students working for and with their fellow veterans.
Academics
San Diego State has a large number of both graduate and undergraduate programs available for students, divided within schools such as the Fowler College of Business, the Weber Honors College, the College of Professional Studies & Fine Arts, and the College of Education, among others. SDSU also has schools of accountancy and hospitality/tourism management, as well as smaller, focused schools with specialties in subjects such Exercise and Nutritional Science, Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, and Theatre, Television, and Film. Among these options, the most popular for undergraduates tend to be:
- Business Management
- Marketing
- Health Professions and Related Programs
- Psychology
- Engineering
Its large swath of colleges and schools also allows SDSU to offer a wide range of graduate degrees, including:
- Master’s in Fine Arts in Studio Art
- Master’s in Arts in Anthropology
- Master’s in Arts in Political Science
- Doctorates in Chemistry, Engineering, Public Health, and Geophysics
Notables
SDSU offers a number of programs and rewards aimed at supporting its veteran population, including offering course credit for completion of basic training. On campus, there is a war memorial etched with the names of 239 former SDSU students killed in action during World War II, as well as the wars in Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq. There is a Student Veterans house on campus, where veterans, active duty and reservists, spouses and dependents can all congregate for food, activities, napping or even networking. The house also hosts a number of workshops, meetings, and events relating to veterans’ issues throughout the year.
Lewis University

Location
Romeoville, IL

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
San Diego State University is a public research university located in San Diego, CA: it is both the largest and the oldest institution of higher education in San Diego county. In the early 2000s, SDSU maintained a “Walk-Up Window” for veterans in the Registrar’s office, but in July 2008 the growing student veteran population helped to found and open the school’s Veterans Center, which was the first Veterans Center in the California State University System. Just over 9 years later, the office itself has grown to an area of more than 4,000 square feet, with over 20 VA work study students working for and with their fellow veterans.
Overview
Lewis University is a private university located in Romeoville, Illinois, which offers both undergraduate and graduate programs for its 6,800 students. The school has an association with both the Roman Catholic tradition, as well as with the Brothers of the Christian Schools, also known as the Lasallian Brothers. Veterans do not have to pay application fees to apply to Lewis, and neither do Service Members’ families. Veterans access benefits through the Office of Veterans Affairs and Recruitment, which operates on campus to support and assist veterans with whatever needs they may have.
Academics
Lewis University’s academics are divided into five colleges: Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Nursing and Health Professions, and the School for Continuing and Professional Education. Lewis offers more than 80 undergraduate majors, which includes options for Air Force ROTC through the Aerospace Studies program and the Army ROTC through the Military Studies program. Outside of these areas, students at Lewis also tend to take an interest in:
- Nursing
- Criminal Justice
- Business
- Aviation/Airway Management
- Psychology
Lewis also offers graduate degrees through each of its four main colleges, a small sample of which would be:
- M.S. in Chemical Physics (Arts & Sciences)
- M.A. in Educational Leadership (Education)
- M.B.A. (Business)
- M.S.N. (Nursing)
Notables
Lewis University has received accolades as a military friendly school from publications such as Military Timesand GI Jobs, as well as from organizations such as Student Veterans of America and Vet Ally. The Office of Veteran Affairs and Recruitment office offers the Military Education and Resource center as a welcoming atmosphere designed to deliver textual, virtual, and human resources to veterans and their families. Lewis University is a global educational partner with the Department of Defense, and works to provide high-quality, affordable education throughout the world: Lewis offers active-duty service members reduced tuition rates, which combined with tuition assistance can significantly lower the cost of their Lewis education.
Texas A & M University-College Station

Location
College Station, TX

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
Texas A&M University is a coeducational public university located in College Station, Texas. Texas A&M has one of the largest student bodies in the United States, with just over 60,000 total students. Texas A&M was originally founded as a military academy in 1876, and proudly claims to have served student veterans since 1919. Veteran’s services are run through the Veterans Services Office, which helps serve a veteran population of more than 3,800 student veterans, reservists, active duty military and dependents. Texas A&M has even had eight Medal of Honor winners as former students.
Academics
The large student body at A&M and the school’s sizeable endowment have helped to create a massive number of colleges and degree programs which students may pursue at College Station. Texas A&M has 19 colleges and schools, which offer a total of 130 undergraduate degrees, as well as 268 graduate and professional degree options for study. While its hard to narrow down such a large group, some of the most common majors chosen by Aggie students tend to be:
- Business
- Engineering
- Agriculture
- Biology
College Station also offers graduate programs through 15 colleges and locations, including its campuses in Galveston and Qatar. Graduate students can pursue courses of study in law, engineering, geosciences, business, education, agriculture, architecture, and of course public policy/government at the Bush School of Government and Public Service (named for the 41st President of the United States, George H.W. Bush).
Notables
Veterans services are offered through three main sources, starting with the TAMU Veterans Resources website, which is the school’s online resources and includes links to veterans resources on campus. The Military Admissions Office is specifically devoted to helping veterans and their dependents gain admission to Texas A&M. And finally the Veteran Resource & Support Center is a welcoming space on campus for student veterans, who are looking for either in-person advice on how to access benefits or who simply wish to connect with other veterans or service members on campus. There are also workshops and social events offered at the VRSC throughout the academic year. There are also awards given out for Student Veterans of the Month, Student Veteran of the Year, and Student Veteran Supporter of the Year.
Eastern Kentucky University

Location
Richmond, KY

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
Eastern Kentucky University is a regional, comprehensive university located in Richmond, KY: around 16,000 students attend EKU annually, and there are around 700 academic faculty members employed there. Eastern Kentucky has the Office of Military and Veteran Affairs to help veterans access their benefits and to structure the transition from military to academic life. For four out of the past five years, EKU has been ranked in the top three Best for Vets colleges in the nation by Military Times. GI Jobs Magazine has also ranked EKU as a top military-friendly university on six separate occasions.
Academics
EKU has six colleges on campus: Business and Technology, Education, Health Sciences, Justice and Safety, Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences. Undergraduate students may pursue a wide range of studies, ranging from Aviation and African-American studies to Police Studies and German Studies. Military-associated students might be interested in majors such as Globalization and International Affairs and Veterans Studies, as well as the Military Leadership minor. Some of the most popular majors at EKU include:
- Homeland Security
- Law Enforcement
- Health Professions and Related Programs
- Business
- Education
There are also a large number of Masters degree programs available at Eastern Kentucky, including programs in Chemistry, Creative Writing, Criminology, and Music.
Notables
In 2010, Eastern Kentucky University began Operation Veteran Success, which involved a series of initiatives to make their campus more friendly and helpful to campus. Some of the most successful portions of this campaign have been their elimination of admission fees for undergraduate veterans or dependents, as well as the in-state-tuition for all out-of-state veterans nationwide. EKU also created an orientation course specifically for veterans, so that veterans know what support systems they have for making the transition back into civilian, student life. Veterans also receive priority registration, book vouchers and access to the Books for Boots exchange library; there are also active Vets club and Vet-2-Vet sponsorship program chapters at East Kentucky.
Florida State University

Location
Tallahassee, FL

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
Florida State University is a public research university located in Tallahassee, FL. FSU is the oldest, continuous institute of higher learning in the state of Florida, having been founded in 1851. More than 40,000 students attend Florida State annually, and of those students many thousand are veterans or active-duty service members. To respond to the needs of this large population, Florida State runs the Student Veterans Center, which helps veterans through each step of their FSU education, from the admissions process all the way through post-graduation networking and career searching.
Academics
Florida State offers degrees and programs through 16 colleges and more than 110 centers, labs, facilities, and institutes. The school offers more than 129 undergraduate majors and 231 graduate degrees, in areas including traditional options such as education, medicine, and business, as well as more unique options in fields like physician assistance, dance, and hospitality. A large number or Florida State undergraduates tend to major in:
- Criminal Justice
- Psychology
- English language/literature
FSU offers graduate programs including business, classics, accounting, communication, history, finance, and many others. There are also professional degree programs in law, medicine, social work, nursing, and business administration. Florida State also offers doctoral programs, in a range similarly diverse to its graduate programs.
Notables
In addition to the Student Veterans Center, Florida State has also organized the Florida State University Veterans Alliance, which connects FSU resources for veterans into a centralized hub, so that each veteran can more easily pursue the benefits and resources that best fit their own, personal needs. The Alliance is comprised of the SVC, the Collegiate Veterans Association, the Veterans Student Union, Veterans Alumni Society, Students for America’s Military, Veteran’s Liaisons, Operation Family Caregiver, an Entrepreneurship Boot camp for Veterans with Disabilities, and the Veteran Friends and Family Group. In addition to these resources, the Veterans Alliance also incorporates veteran-centered research in psychology, engineering, and medicine, as well as scholarships for veterans throughout a diverse range of disciplines.
California State University-San Bernardino

Location
San Bernardino, CA

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
California State University- San Bernardino is a public university located in San Bernardino, CA, and has an enrollment of 21,000 students. US Veterans Magazine, The Military Times, and Military Friendly have all recognized CSUSB as one of the best colleges for veterans in the country. The Veterans Services Center, of VSC, veterans are provided with the support, resources, and information needed to make their journey successful. As part of their introduction for veterans, San Bernardino offers a CSUSB Veterans Success Center Handbook on their website, so that veterans know exactly how to begin accessing the services and benefits available to them on campus.
Academics
San Bernardino offers academic programs through six different colleges: Arts and Letters, Business and Public Administration, Education, Natural Sciences, Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Extended Learning. San Bernardino is the only CSU campus that offers programs in Arabic Language and Islamic history. They also have a Center for Developmental Disabilities, which has a clinical training program for students looking to provide supports for autistic children, their parents, and siblings.
Popular majors at Cal State SB include:
- Business
- Psychology
- Law Enforcement, Firefighting, and Related Services
- Health Professions and Related Programs
CSUSB also offers more than 40 masters programs, including traditional English and Social Science programs, as well as innovative programs in Entrepreneurship and Creative Writing.
Notables
The VSC offers a Veterans Support Group every Tuesday evening, where veterans can connect with one another, discuss issues they may be having relating to their academic experiences, and organize resources to help counteract some of those problems (many vets also simply enjoy the social aspect of hanging with other veterans). Every semester, the VSC organizes a resource fair, where all of the resources available to veterans are brought together into one location. The Student Veterans Organization on campus is a community organization that attempts to provide social connections for veterans and to aid veterans, service members, and their families in their academic and career pursuits. The SVO does this primarily through volunteering, at events such as the Fontana High School JROTC Drill Meet or the Marine Corps Ball.
Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Location
Fort Collins, CO

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
Colorado State University is a public university located in Fort Collins, CO: of the 38,000 students who attend the school, more than 2,000 are either veterans or active-duty service members. The Military Times ranked CSU fourth in the nation in its annual “Best for Vets” ranking in 2017. CSU boasts a 64.5% six-year graduation rate for student-veterans, which puts it in the top tier of schools nationwide in this category. Colorado State also offers the Dave and Gail Liniger Student-Veteran Scholarship program, which helps to bridge the gap between how much of a veterans’ education is paid for by the GI Bill and the real cost of attending school.
Academics
Colorado State University-Fort Collins hosts eight schools on its campus: Agricultural Sciences, Health and Human Services, Business, Engineering, Liberal Arts, the Warner College of Natural Resources, the College of Natural Sciences, and the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Fort Collins also offers online degree programs, including a Bachelor’s in Economics and a Master of Business Administration. In terms of on-campus students however, the most popular courses of study are:
- Business
- Biology
- Engineering
Graduate programs are also offered in a wide range of subjects, including psychology, fish, wildlife, and conservation biology, statistics, chemistry, and many others.
Notables
The Dave and Gail Liniger Student-Veteran Scholarship is awarded to over 300 student veterans, so that as many students as possible have excess to an education at CSU. The Colorado State Business School was also rated by The Military Times as one of the Best Business Schools for Vets in 2016. CSU has a connection with the SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society, which is the only group in the country committed to recognizing both the service and the academic achievements of student veterans. There is also a Student Veteran’s Organization on campus, which serves as a welcoming body of like-minded people whose personal and academic successes are top priorities. This year the SVO is hosting Operation Bear Hug, which aims to raise awareness of the high rate of suicide amongst veterans.
Western Illinois University

Location
Macomb, IL

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
Western Illinois University is a public university located in Macomb, IL; originally found as a normal school in 1899, WIU now serves around 9,000 students and maintains an academic faculty of a little over 500 professors. Veterans’ services on campus are run through the Veterans Resource Center, which has helped the school to earn a “Best for Vets College” award from Military Times EDGE magazine. Veterans who are honorably discharged after at least one year of active-duty military service will be admitted to WIU regardless of prior academic performance.
Academics
Western Illinois offers 69 undergraduate majors, including 51 bachelor’s programs and 13 pre-professional degrees taught at the undergraduate level. In addition to its bachelor program, WIU has 42 graduate degree and certificate programs. There are also two doctoral programs available, including an E.D. in Educational Leadership and a Ph.D. in Environmental Science. At the undergraduate level, Western Illinois students tend to focus on subjects including:
- Criminal Justice
- Business
- Liberal Arts
- Parks & Recreation
Graduate degrees are available in programs including economics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, geography, and theater, amongst others.
Notables
Veterans receive credit hours for their basic training, the amount of which is dependent upon the length and type of service: additional benefits might be available for those with further, specialized military training. In addition to GI Bill benefits, Veterans attending WIU might be entitled to benefits through the Illinois Veterans Grant, The Illinois National Guard Grant, or the MIA/POW Scholarship. The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs maintains a Veterans Services office in Macomb, where Western Illinois is located. Students on campus also maintain a vet-friendly culture, which includes a WIU Veterans Club, as well as the SITREP veterans magazine, which publishes veterans’ stories from combat and military life.
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Location
New York, NY

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
The John Jay College of Criminal Justice is a senior college within the City University of New York system, located in New York, NY. John Jay was the first liberal arts college founded in the United States with a specific focus on criminal justice and forensic science. The Office of Military and Veterans services is the group on campus that helps manage veterans’ affairs at John Jay; the office is headed by a retired Navy chaplain and the Veterans’ Services Manager. The office maintains a full-time Veteran Certifying Official and Military Point of Contact, who can assist veterans their dependents with accessing benefits through John Jay.
Academics
John Jay offers undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as certificate and professional programs. There is also a John Jay Online option, for a student who’s academic needs would be better suited by an online education. As the name would imply, CUNY John Jay is primarily known for its programs focusing on:
- Criminal Justice
- Forensic Science
- Forensic Psychology
- Public Affairs
However, the school also offers undergraduate and graduate programs in:
- Anthropology
- Legal Studies
- Biology
- Gender Studies
- Global History
The school also recently added Bachelor’s programs in Toxicology and Spanish, as well as new Master’s programs in Economics and Public Accountability and Law.
Notables
There are a number of on-campus groups that help support and recognize student veterans, including the John Jay Veterans Association, which is a student-led group organized with goal of providing peer-based support to veterans on campus, as well as social and professional programs and general community outreach. There is also a chapter of the SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society, which dually recognizes the academic accomplishments and service of veteran and military students. The curriculum at John Jay includes an academic justice course that focuses specifically on the interests and needs of student veterans and military students. The campus also maintains a Veterans’ Center, with a longue and technology center, as well as study and meeting spaces.
Quinnipiac University

Location
Hamden, CT

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
Quinnipiac University is a private, nonsectarian university located in Hamden, CT. The school is home to the famed Quinnipiac University Polling Institute, and is located directly adjacent to Sleeping Giant State Park. In 2016, Quinnipiac was named one of the best four-year colleges for veterans in the country by Military Times magazine. Veterans or military students attending Quinnipiac access their benefits through The Office of Veteran and Military Affairs. Students also have a Quinnipiac University Student Veterans Organization, where student veterans meet for social and professional development.
Academics
Quinnipiac maintains nine schools on its campus: Arts & Sciences, Business, Communications, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, Law, Medicine, and Nursing. Popular undergraduate programs at these colleges include:
- Health Professions and Related Programs
- Business
- Psychology
- Social Services
In addition to its undergraduate programs, Quinnipiac also offers a number of graduate programs, as well as professional degrees in Medicine and Law. Masters offerings include:
- MS in Journalism
- MS in Molecular and Cellular Biology
- Master of Social Work
Notables
Since 2009, the school has participated in the “Yellow Ribbon Program”, which provides funds for eligible veterans who served after September 10, 2001: Quinnipiac will match portions of a veteran’s VA contribution, up to $15,000/year, through its grant and scholarship programs. The school offers the Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship, which amends the Post-9/11 GI Bill to include service members who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001. To assist with disabled veterans, Quinnipiac offers job training, resume development and other job-related skills. In addition to being recognized for its overall quality as a school for veterans, Quinnipiac was also ranked to have the best safety net for student veterans by Military Times.
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Location
Ann Arbor, MI

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is a public university located in Ann Arbor, MI. Michigan is considered one of the top research universities in the country, and serves a student body of around 45,000 students each year: 29,000 undergraduate and 16,000 graduate. Ann Arbor has been consistently applauded for its veteran-friendly campus, including awards from The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency and Military Advanced Education Magazine, in addition to being ranked a “Best for Vets” college by Military Times in 2015. Military and veterans services are operated through the Veterans and Military Services Program (VMSP), which is run through the Office of New Student Programs.
Academics
The University of Michigan has 13 undergraduate schools and colleges, with the three largest schools being the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, the College of Engineering, and the Ross School of Business. The Rackham Graduate School serves as the overarching head of graduate studies at UM, with 18 graduate schools and colleges, including the Law and Ross Business schools. Professional degrees are offered by the colleges of Architecture, Public Health, Dentistry, Law, Urban Planning, and Pharmacy. And while these graduate and professional programs are some of the more famous parts of Michigan offerings, there are also many popular and engaging undergraduate programs, including:
- Business
- Economics
- Psychology
- Political Science/Government
Notables
Famous student veterans of UMich-Ann Arbor include the voice of Darth Vader, James Earl Jones (’55, ’70), as well as journalist Mike Wallace (’39) and astronaut Jack Lousma (’59, ’73). The Student Veterans Council serves as an on-campus support team, with representatives from many important student services offices, including the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, the Office of Financial Aid, the Registrar’s Office, University Housing, and Counseling and Psychological Services. The U-M Veterans’ Network is an alumni group which helps connect former student veterans with current students making the transition from military to school life. These alumni have gone through this transition already, and are therefore able to provide invaluable advice from students who are now making the transition for themselves. The P.A.V.E. program, or Peer Advisors for Veteran Education, also pairs current students with those just entering school, to offer further assistance in that key military to civilian transition.
University of Nebraska at Omaha

Location
Omaha, NE

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
The University of Nebraska-Omaha is a public research university located in Omaha, NE; Omaha has rapidly expanded in the last two decades, more than tripling its on-campus housing and growing its student body to just over 15,000 students. The Office of Military and Veterans Services is the departments on campus in charge of helping veterans access their benefits, as well as with providing them resources and services designed to help them success in their academic careers. The office employs a full-time VA employee, advises on and processes veterans’ benefits, helps Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve students access tuition assistance and helps coordinate faculty advisors to the Student Veteran Association.
Academics
The University of Nebraska- Omaha is home to eight colleges/schools: Arts & Sciences, Communication, Fine Arts, and Media, Education, Public Affairs and Community Service, Graduate Studies, International Studies, the Service-Learning Academy, and the College of Business Administration. Through these schools Omaha is able to offer a wide range of undergraduate majors, including topics such as African-American studies, IT Administration, Islamic Studies, and Robotics Engineering. And while there is a large variety in the majors offered, some of the most popular majors at Omaha include:
- Criminal Justice
- Business
- Finance
- Elementary Education/Teaching
- Psychology
In addition to these undergraduate offering there are also graduate degree programs available in fields such as business, economics, computer science, mathematics, and a number of others.
Notables
The Veterans office includes a longue with a full service computer lab, free printing, scanning, and faxing, as well as a coffee bar and quiet study area. All military and veterans students receive a waiver from the $45 application fee when applying to the University of Nebraska-Omaha. The Student Veterans Organization offers weekly coffee talks on Wednesday, where students can meet for casual conversation, connection to campus, and a cup of coffee. There are also semi-weekly support groups offered every other Thursday, which bring together the UNO Veterans Success Group, Veteran Affairs, and UNO’s counseling service to offer a variety of resources and foster connections between peers, staff, and community support.
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

Location
Rapid City, SD

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, sometimes shortened to SDSM&T, Tech, or Mines, is a public college located in Rapid City, SD: the school was originally founded in 1885 as the Dakota School of Mines, and is currently attended by 2,300 students each year. The Veterans Resource Center (VRC) is an on-campus department that strives to offer student veterans with a relaxing place to study or to connect with other campus veterans. The VRC is jointly sponsored by the School of Mines and Western Nebraska Community College TRIO Veterans Upward Bound, which is a program funded by the Department of Education. Military Times rated SDSM&T as one of the “Best of Vets” colleges in 2017.
Academic Life
SDSM&T offers undergraduate degree programs in 16 different scientific fields, as well as 12 master’s programs and 7 doctoral programs. Popular undergraduate majors at SDSM&T include:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Students wishing to continue their scientific studies to the graduate level may pursue master’s programs in subjects such as:
- Physics
- Biomedical Engineering
- Construction Engineering and Management
- Paleontology
There are also doctoral programs available in many subjects, including:
- Physics
- Atmosphere and Environmental Sciences
- Nanoscience and Nanoengineering
- Chemical and Biological Engineering
Notables
The VRC offers math and writing tutors, job, internship, and scholarship search/application assistance, referral services for VA and GI Bill benefits, academic and life skills workshops, as well as small treats such as hot chocolate, a popcorn machine, flat-screen TV, recliners, and other such amenities. There are more than 30 scholarships available to SDSM&T students or their dependents, including the Veterans United Foundation Scholarship and the Folds of Honor Foundation Scholarship. Resume and scholarship resources are also available to spouses and dependents of student veterans, as well as moving resources for families who are being redeployed/moved to a new military location. The SD Mines Veteran’s Club is a chartered member of the Student Veterans of America, which connects 330+ member chapters on college campuses in 47 states, along with the District of Columbia.
Webster University

Location
Saint Louis, MO

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
Webster University is a private university located in Webster Groves, MO; the school operates as an independent, non-denominational university and has branch locations throughout the United States. Military Times included Webster on its “Best for Vets” Colleges 2017 list, ranking it first in Missouri and eighth nationally among private, four-year institutions. Veterans access services and benefits through the Office of Military Affairs, which oversees groups such as the Webster University Student Veterans Organization and local Army and Air Force ROTC units. Webster University is also a participant in the VA Yellow Ribbon Fund, which assists military students in making their educational dreams come true.
Academics
Webster University has five colleges on its campus: Art & Sciences, Fine Arts, Business & Technology, Communications, and Education. Webster has more than 80 undergraduate programs offered through these colleges, as well as more than 50 masters and doctoral programs. Webster also offers online degree options for a number of their undergraduate and graduate programs. For on-campus students, some of the most popular majors are:
- Business
- Cinematography/Film
- Education
- Psychology
- Nursing
Popular graduate programs are also available in pursuit of degrees such as a Masters in Health Administration or Teaching English as a Second Language. Doctoral programs are also available through the school of business and the school of education.
Notables
Webster has a number of programs dedicated to making school more affordable for student veterans, including the Montgomery GI Bill, the Reserve Educational Assistance Program, the National Call to Service Program, and the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program. Webster has partnered with the VA to bring one of its VetSuccess programs to Webster’s campus: VetSuccess provides a counselor on campus, who helps to communicate with student veterans and their dependents, with outreach to community and on-campus organizations, and with education and vocational assessments and counseling. Webster is one of only 94 schools nationwide who have a VetSuccess counselor on campus full-time.
South Dakota State University

Location
Brookings, SD

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
South Dakota State University is a public university located in Brookings, SD; it is both the largest and the second-oldest university in South Dakota, and has a student population of around 12,500 students annually. There is a Veterans Affairs Office on campus, the mission of which is, “to assist military veterans, their family members and their survivors in obtaining all federal and state educational benefits and entitlements they have earned by serving in the United States military.” The office also seeks to provide guidance and support services to help veterans with the transition from military back to civilian life.
Academics
SDSU has 175 fields of study, which are divided through the colleges of Agriculture and Biological Sciences, Arts and Sciences, Education and Human Sciences, Engineering, Nursing, Pharmacy, and the Graduate School. Their undergraduate offerings include 80 majors and 87 minors, as well as 35 specializations and 15 certificate programs. Among these, the most commonly chosen programs tend to be:
- Health Professions and Related Programs
- Communications Technologies
- Social Sciences
- Engineering
- Family and Consumer Sciences
On top of its undergraduate offerings, South Dakota State also has a number of popular graduate programs, including several Master of Science programs, Master of Education, and a large number of PhD programs, most of which have a scientific focus, such as Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences and Civil Engineering.
Notables
South Dakota State was included on the Military Times “Best for Vets” colleges list in 2017. SDSU offers scholarships for veterans including the Michael Goodale Scholarship in Veterans Affairs, as well as scholarships through the Pat Tillman Foundation, the Navy Seal Foundation, and many others. The Veteran Affairs Office supports the Armed Forces Association (AFA) and the Veterans Resource Center, which help to plans events, foster camaraderie, and offer supportive spaces for veterans. SDSU has a writing workshop and book club specifically for veterans: this program seeks to help military veterans share the stories they have gathered through their service with one another, to help foster community and support in the veterans community at SDSU.
Western Kentucky University

Location
Bowling Green, KY

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
Western Kentucky University is a public university located in Bowling Green, KY. The school has expanded greatly in the past three decades, and now boasts a student population of approximately 21,000 students. The Office of Veteran Affairs is the campus resource dedicated to assisting campus veterans with accessing their benefits or finding vet-specific campus resources. There is also a WKU Military Student Services office, which also serves to help students who are still active-duty military members, national guardsmen or reservists with tuition assistance and resources such as therapy programs
Academics
Western Kentucky University has six colleges offering a range of eighty majors and seventy minors, which are divided between The College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, The Gordon Ford College of Business, Ogden College of Science and Engineering, Potter College of Arts and Letters, University College, and College of Health and Human Services. Within these colleges and majors, students tend to end up choosing majors such as:
- Nursing
- Elementary Education
- Biology
- Business
- Psychology
In addition to its Bachelors programs, WKU also offers Masters programs in Accountancy, Arts, Education, Business, Science, Nursing, Social Work, Public Administration, Health Administration, and Public Health. They also offer three doctoral programs in Education, Nursing, and Physical Therapy.
Notables
Western Kentucky runs a Veterans Upward Bound program, which is a federally-funded college opportunity program specifically intended to help U.S. military veterans enter into and success in postsecondary school. All services, books, and instruction provided to qualifying applicants are absolutely free, and the program serves veterans from an eight county area surrounding Bowling Green. The Western Kentucky Student Veteran’s Alliance is a student run organization for veterans, designed to provide resources, support, and advocacy for veterans, Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve, and dependents needed in higher education. WKU was ranked as a “Best for Vets” 4-year college by Military Times for a sixth consecutive year in 2017, and has been ranked as high as 7th nationally for their veterans services.
Overview
Western Kentucky University is a public university located in Bowling Green, KY. The school has expanded greatly in the past three decades, and now boasts a student population of approximately 21,000 students. The Office of Veteran Affairs is the campus resource dedicated to assisting campus veterans with accessing their benefits or finding vet-specific campus resources. There is also a WKU Military Student Services office, which also serves to help students who are still active-duty military members, national guardsmen or reservists with tuition assistance and resources such as therapy programs.
Academics
Western Kentucky University has six colleges offering a range of eighty majors and seventy minors, which are divided between The College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, The Gordon Ford College of Business, Ogden College of Science and Engineering, Potter College of Arts and Letters, University College, and College of Health and Human Services. Within these colleges and majors, students tend to end up choosing majors such as:
- Nursing
- Elementary Education
- Biology
- Business
- Psychology
In addition to its Bachelors programs, WKU also offers Masters programs in Accountancy, Arts, Education, Business, Science, Nursing, Social Work, Public Administration, Health Administration, and Public Health. They also offer three doctoral programs in Education, Nursing, and Physical Therapy.
Notables
Western Kentucky runs a Veterans Upward Bound program, which is a federally-funded college opportunity program specifically intended to help U.S. military veterans enter into and success in postsecondary school. All services, books, and instruction provided to qualifying applicants are absolutely free, and the program serves veterans from an eight county area surrounding Bowling Green. The Western Kentucky Student Veteran’s Alliance is a student run organization for veterans, designed to provide resources, support, and advocacy for veterans, Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve, and dependents needed in higher education. WKU was ranked as a “Best for Vets” 4-year college by Military Times for a sixth consecutive year in 2017, and has been ranked as high as 7th nationally for their veterans services.
Syracuse University

Location
Syracuse, NY

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
Syracuse University is a private, research university located in Syracuse, NY. The school maintains a relationship with the United Methodist Church, but has identified itself as nonsectarian since 1920. Syracuse has two different major resources for student veterans: the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) and the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA). The IVMF has helped more than 23,000 veterans, service members, and military spouses access its veterans support programs and gave out nearly one quarter of a million dollars last year to advance government support of veterans and their families. The OVMA serves as the point of entry for all veterans and military related programs and initiatives, with the self-described goal of being the “Best Place for Veterans.
Academics
Syracuse University offers more than 200 undergraduate majors offered through the colleges of Architecture, Arts and Sciences, Education, Sport and Human Dynamics, Engineering and Computer Science, Information Studies, Management, Public Communications and the Visual and Performing Arts. Syracuse also offers more than 40 joint degree programs with universities abroad, allowing students to earn degrees both from Syracuse, as well as from schools globally. Students who do choose to keep their education domestic usually choose majors including:
- Business
- Engineering
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Marketing
The same colleges that offer some of these undergraduate programs also offer a number of graduate programs, with more than 200 advanced degrees available from Syracuse’s 13 schools and colleges. These include both Masters and Doctoral programs in a wide variety of subjects.
Notables
In addition to the IVMF and the OVMA, the school has plans for a National Veterans Resource Complex, billed as a first-of-its-kind facility in the United States that will house efforts towards academic research, actionable programs, and community-connected innovation in service of the nation’s veterans. In its 2017 “Best for Vets” Colleges awards, Military Times ranked Syracuse the #1 private school in the nation for Vets, as well as the #3 school in the country overall. There is a Student Veterans Organization on campus, which hosts events such as the Meet-And-Greet BBQ to foster social connection within the veteran community at Syracuse. There is also a Veteran Legacy fund, which helps to sponsor programs and resources for student veterans, on-campus ROTC groups, and veteran-employees/families.
Bowling Green State University

Location
Bowling Green, OH

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
Bowling Green State University is a public research university located in Bowling Green, OH. Originally founded as a normal school in 1910, Bowling Green now offers a wide range of academic degree programs and has around 17,000 students as of 2016. Bowling Green was ranked #1 in Ohio and #46 in the nation by the Military Times “Best for Vets” college rankings. Veterans access their benefits through BGSU’s Certifying Official located in the Office of the Registrar.
Academics
Bowling Green State offers undergraduate and graduate degrees through eight colleges: Arts & Sciences, Business Administration, Education and Human Development, Firelands College, Graduate College, Health and Human Services, Musical Arts, and Technology. Many of its most popular majors include:
- Liberal Arts
- Education
- Psychology
- Biology
- Kindergarten/Preschool Education
Bowling Green also offers graduate programs, including masters degree programs in many subjects, including English, Geology, Psychology, and Special Education. There is also a diverse offering of doctoral degrees, including offerings in statistics, English, psychology, and theatre.
Notables
Bowling Green has a specific procedure set up for students serving in the National Guard or in a military reserve unit who are called to serve on active duty: this process helps reduce much of the hassle and difficulty if students need to withdraw from classes or wish to finish class requirements early. A VA clinic is located in the immediate vicinity of the Bowling Green campus, which makes access to VA health benefits and care far more accessible for veterans and active duty military members attending Bowling Green. Bowling Green works closely with the Ohio and United States Departments of Veterans Services to provide quality access to educational, financial, and support resources both on and off campus.
Texas Tech University

Location
Lubbock, TX

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
Texas Tech University is a public university located in Lubbock, TX. Texas has around 36,000 students and shares its campus with the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, which makes it the only campus is Texas with a law school, medical school, and an undergraduate university. Military & Veterans Programs (MVP) is the campus program in charge of assisting veterans and their dependents on campus: MVP is a part of the Division of Institutional Diversity, Equity & Community Engagement. MVP states that its mission is to make Texas Tech the choice for military personnel, veterans, and their families.
Academics
Texas Tech has 10 colleges and two schools on its main campus, including the college of Education, the Honors College and their school of law. They also have an online learning program, which offers a number of fully-online degrees for students who cannot or do not wish to pursue a more traditional educational track. Among its undergraduate offerings, Texas Tech students tend to select majors including:
- Business
- Engineering
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Consumer Sciences
On top of its undergraduate programs, Texas Tech also offers a large number of graduate degree programs, ranging from certificate and masters programs all the way up to juris doctorate and doctoral programs.
Notables
MVP programs are centered around four key values: Service, Commitment, Integrity, and Growth. One of the most popular programs centered around these values is their TechVets Boot camp, which occurs before the start of the semester and helps incoming student veterans or active service members with engaging in best practices during their transition into college life at Texas Tech. It is billed as a great way to connect and engage with other veterans on campus, especially before the difficulties of campus and academic life get in the way. There is also a chapter of the Military and Veterans National Alumni, which encourages a continuation of the connections made between veterans at Tech, even once they’ve graduated onto new careers in industry.
Old Dominion University

Location
Norfolk, VA

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
Old Dominion University is a public research university located in Norfolk, VA. ODU was originally the Norfolk division of the College of William & Mary, but became an independent college in 1962 and now serves as one of the largest universities in Virginia, with around 25,000 students. Veterans’ benefits and services are provided through Veteran Affairs Services, which serves as an advocate for students by providing information about and assistance with the Veteran’s Administration programs and certification. Students taking classes at ODU Distance Learning Sites in Virginia or through the ESME program can also access benefits through this office.
Academics
ODU has 15 departments and programs, which offer degrees in the Arts, Humanities, and Sciences. Within these departments there are more than 100 majors and minors to choose from, including African American studies, English, Marketing, and International Studies, among others. From within this diverse cross-section of offerings, students have tended to pull out majors including:
- Health Professions and related programs
- Business
- Marketing
- English Literature
- Psychology
11 departments also offer graduate and professional degrees, which include degrees from the school of business, education, engineering and technology, and health sciences. There are also online and distance learning programs available, for students looking for less traditional options.
Notables
Old Dominion also offers services through its Military Distance Learning offices, which provide veterans, reservists, and active duty military members with a host of support and assistance programs. Students can receive help with online registration, testing for the Writing Sample Placement Test, Military Career Transition Program (MCTP) advising, and information/intake counseling regarding baccalaureate degrees, master’s programs, and doctoral programs, among other services. Old Dominion also offers online educational services for military, veterans, and dependents who’s skills or schedules would presently be better suited towards online learning.
Armstrong State University

Location
Savannah, GA

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
Armstrong State University is a public university located in Savannah, GA; the school is a part of the University System of Georgia. Armstrong was originally founded as a junior college in 1935, but expanded to become a four-year university in 1964: ASU now has just over 7,000 students and 300 academic faculty members. Despite its smaller size, Armstrong State was ranked #4 in the nation by Military Times on its 2017 “Best for Vets” colleges list. The school offers both a Military Resource Center for military-affiliated students, as well as a Veterans Affairs office to support veterans and help them access benefits.
Academics
Armstrong State offers more than 100 different degree programs, including bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees; these programs are offered through the Colleges of Education, Health Professions, Liberal Arts, Science and Technology, and Graduate Studies program. Armstrong also offers a number of online, multidisciplinary, and associate degree programs, which cover a similarly wide range of subjects to Armstrong’s undergraduate offerings. Undergraduate students pursuing a traditional, four-year bachelors degree tend to choose majors such as:
- Health Professions and Related Programs
- Education
- Biology
- Liberal Arts
Armstrong State offers a number of Masters degrees, most with educational or scientific focuses and many available online, including M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education and M.S. in Criminal Justice. ASU also offers a doctoral degree program in Physical Therapy.
Notables
Armstrong State is a member of the Yellow Ribbon Fund program, which provides funds for those who served after September 10, 2001. Armstrong State offers military students credit for training completed during their time in the military: the amount depends upon the length of their training/service and the branch that they served in. The Armstrong Green Zone is a designation put on various campus locations that have been identified by veterans as safe places to aid their transition from military to university and civilian life. The objective of the Green Zone program is to increase the knowledge and skills of the faculty and staff, and to address the needs of campus veterans, as well as to assist them in successfully completing their transition to ASU.
Fordham University

Location
Bronx, NY

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
Fordham University is a private research university located in New York, NY. It is the oldest Catholic institute of higher education in the Northeastern United States and shares an affiliation with the Roman Catholic Church, specifically identifying as a Jesuit school. Veteran support and benefits are organized primarily through the Fordham University Veterans Initiative, which helps to provide financial and academic support for student veterans. Fordham offers advising specifically for military-associated students, and emphasizes its flexibility in scheduling, to meet the unique needs of veterans, reservists, active duty military members, and military families.
Academics
Fordham University has four undergraduate and six graduate schools, and heavily draws its academic traditions from its Jesuit tradition, namely by emphasizing the principles of mutual respect, challenging oneself, and the importance of charity and service. Fordham’s undergraduate students select majors from a wide range of academic subjects, the most popular of which include:
- Business
- Economics
- Finance
- Psychology
Fordham also has a number of graduate schools and programs, which are taught through the schools of Business, Arts and Sciences, Education, Religion and Religious Education, Social Service and the Fordham School of Law. There are also a number of postbacc pre-med/pre-health programs, as well as professional and certificate programs.
Notables
Fordham proudly supports the Yellow Ribbon Fund, even increasing its commitment to cover all tuition and fees for eligible Post-911 veterans (or dependents), in spite of the national cap on VA benefits. Fordham has been ranked as a top Military Friendly Yellow Ribbon University by Military Times for five consecutive years. It is one of only five universities in New York state to be included on the United States Department of Education’s “Keys to Veterans Success” listing. The Veterans Student organization maintains a weekly newsletter called the Ramparts Weekly Newsletter, which showcases unique opportunities for Military and Veteran associated students. There are numerous other on-campus resources and services for veterans, including the Edge4Vets Transition Support Workshops, the Four Block Internship Program, Barnes and Noble Assists Veterans, free yoga class for veterans and many others.
University of the Incarnate Word

Location
San Antonio, TX

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
The University of the Incarnate Word is a private, Catholic university located in San Antonio, TX: the school has an affiliation with the Roman Catholic Tradition, specifically the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. There are around 11,000 students who attend the school annually, with around 800 full-time academic faculty members. The school runs a Veterans Center to, “welcome and recognize all service members who are serving and who have served to protect the rights and freedoms of our country.” The Center includes a VA Coordinator, who may assist veterans and service members in accessing and applying for their benefits through the VA, the GI Bill, and other veterans’ benefits.
Academics
The Incarnate Word offers 90 undergraduate majors, minors, and concentrations, as well as more than 20 graduate and doctoral programs. The University also partners with EArmyU, the US Army’s portal for online learning, which allows soldiers to access the same quality education online that is offered in San Antonio. The school’s most common undergraduate majors are:
- Biology
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Accounting
- Elementary Education and Teaching
There are a number of graduate programs also offered at the university, including a Masters of Art in Teaching degree.
Notables
The University of the Incarnate Word is a proud support of the Yellow Ribbon Fund, which helps soldiers who served after September 10th, 2001 to afford their education. UIW veterans receive a special stole for graduation, as way to recognize and celebrate their accomplishments both as service members and as students. Veterans are eligible for work study grants in San Antonio VA Work-Study Sites, including the local VA Hospital, other local colleges and the local Department of Labor.
East Carolina University

Location
Greenville, NC

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
East Carolina University is a public research university located in Greenville, NC. ECU originally opened in 1907 as a teacher training school, but to a 1,600 acre campus which serves almost 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students each year. Veterans on campus access benefits and services through Student Veterans Services, which describes its mission as wanting to facilitate a soldiers’ transition from military to university life. SVS provides information for veterans and active duty soldiers, and also helps to connect faculty and staff with these students, to further ease the transition pains.
Academics
ECU has nine colleges, a graduate school, and four professional schools: together these groups offer 16 doctoral degree programs, 4 first professional degree programs, 76 masters degree programs, and 102 bachelors degree programs. Harkening back to its roots as a teacher training school, the College of Education is the oldest and largest school at ECU; however, there is a diverse group of popular major offerings at the school, including:
- Health Professions and Related Programs
- Business
- Marketing
- Education
- Biology
In addition to these Bachelors programs, there are also Master’s programs covering a wide variety of academic subjects, as well as professional degrees in medicine, dentistry and nursing.
Notables
In the past several years, East Carolina has begun to participate in the green zone training program, which seeks to discover and designate so called “green zones”, which are safe and recognized spaces on campuses where veterans can go for support and advice on services and resources available to them. Spaces are marked by a green emblem placed on their door, as well as on the syllabi of staff members who’s offices are green zones. Veterans also receive priority registration at ECU, to better enable them to meet the needs of their unique schedules.
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Location
Eau Claire, WI

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
The University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire is a public, liberal arts university located in Eau Claire, WI. The school is housed on a 333 acre campus, which serves the needs of around 500 academic staff members and 11,000 students. Veterans’ benefits are run directly through the Veterans and Military Benefits Office, which is a part of the campus registrar’s office. In addition to this, the campus also has a Veterans Center located on campus, where student veterans may go to learn about benefits available specifically to them or to meet with other faculty, staff, or students. The Veterans Center also allows veterans to directly access support groups and health networks through the Veterans Administration Hospital in Minneapolis.
Academics
University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire offers more than 80 majors and 14 graduate degree programs, offered through their four colleges: Business, Arts and Sciences, Education and Human Sciences, and Nursing. There are also pre-professional and certificate programs available for students, including pre-law programs and information systems certificate programs. Within the undergraduate schools, most students tend to prefer majors including:
- Business
- Health Professional and Related Programs
- Education
- Psychology
There are also Graduate programs available in English, Language Pathology, Nursing, and History, among others.
Notables
Student Veterans may be able to access benefits through a variety of sources, including the National Guard Tuition Reimbursement Grant, the Wisconsin G.I. Bill, as well as through Federal Education Benefits. Resources and staff are available at both the Veterans and Military Benefits Office and the Veterans Center to help student veterans to determine their eligibility, as well as to apply for the benefits to which they are entitled. UWEC has a veterans club, which organizes social events throughout the academic year to further strengthen the veteran community at Eau Claire.
Ohio State University

Location
Columbus, OH

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
Ohio State University is a public university located in Columbus, OH; it is the third largest university in the United States, with nearly 60,000 students annually. Military and Veterans services at Ohio State focus on getting veterans the financial benefits that they are entitled to through the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Ohio State is a participant in the Yellow Ribbon program, which helps fund veterans’ educations at the undergraduate level; the program also allows non-Ohio residents not covered under the GI promise to attend school at in-state tuition rates.
Academics
Ohio State’s large size and student population allow it to offer an incredibly wide and diverse cross-range of undergraduate majors, minors, and concentrations, as well as graduate, professional, and doctoral programs. There is also an honors college for high-achieving undergraduate students, which culminates with original research and the creation of an Honors thesis under the guidance of a faculty member. Most students, however, will choose to simply pursue a bachelor’s degree, with many choosing to study:
- Psychology
- Finance
- Biology
- Marketing
In addition to its large number of undergraduate offerings, Ohio State also offers a long list of graduate programs and doctoral programs, as well as professional degrees such as law and dentistry.
Notables
Additional programs offering veterans assistance at Ohio State include the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP), Survivors & Dependents Assistance (DEA), Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP), Educational Assistance Test Program, the Montgomery G.I. Bill, and the National Call to Service Program. OSU offers a Veterans Transition Orientation, which focuses specifically on helping veterans, military students, and their family members to make the transition from military to student life.
Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix

Location
Phoenix, AZ

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix is the phoenix campus of the Arizona State University system. The campus has a student population of around 11,500, and was part of ASU President Michael Crow’s “One University, Many Places” initiative. Arizona State was listed on the “Best for Vets” colleges list published by Military Times in 2017. Veterans’ services are organized and run through the Pat Tillman Veterans Center, where students can learn about and apply for educational benefits available to them at ASU.
Academics
ASU-Downtown Phoenix has ten different schools and colleges, including the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, and Barret, the Honors College. Arizona State offers multiple fast track plans, concurrent programs, as well as traditional undergraduate programs. Within the traditional undergraduate program, students tend to select majors including:
- Business
- Biology
- Engineering
- Visual and Performing Arts
In addition to these undergraduate degrees, ASU offers graduate degree programs in Business, Psychology, Health & Wellness, and many others. They also offer professional degrees such as a J.D. through the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law.
Notables
Each Arizona State University campus includes a Pat Tillman Veterans Center, which is named in honor of the ASU alumnus who left a career in the NFL behind to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan after the September 11th attacks: Tillman joined the Army Rangers and completed several tours of duty before being killed in action in 2004. ASU has Veterans specific introductory classes, which serve to forge positive relationships among small groups of veterans with the common goal of succeeding academically. There is also a Veterans Upward Bound Project at ASU, which is a federally funded educational program serving first-generation or low-income student veterans.
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

Location
Denver, CO

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
The University of Colorado Denver is a public research university located in Denver, CO, along with its medical campus, which is located in neighboring Aurora. The shared name is a result of a 2004 consolidation of the University of Colorado Denver and the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. Veterans access support and benefits through Veteran & Military Student Services (VMSS): the school prides itself on being a self-described “Military Friendly University”. The school even has a special dental program just for service members and veterans, to ensure that the smiles its’ programs bring out are good and healthy ones.
Academics
UC Denver offers bachelors, masters, PhD, and certificate programs throughout a number of disciplines. Undergraduate programs are available in scientific disciplines such as biology and astrophysics, as well as in more humanities-type subjects such as music & entertainment and visual & creative arts. From within this wide range of academic offerings, the most popular majors among Denver undergrads are:
- Business
- Nursing
- Biology
- Economics
- Psychology
In addition to these bachelors programs, Denver also offers a large sampling of masters programs, as well as PhD programs in subjects such as architecture & design and applied mathematic, among many others.
Notables
The University of Colorado Denver offers a scholarship through the Colorado Veterans Project, an organization that hosts special events in order to raise awareness and funds for local veterans and veteran organizations. The school uses its so-called “Boots to Suits” program to help veterans make the transition from military to civilian/academic life, as well as the transition from the classroom to the workplace after graduation. The program offers peer-to-peer mentors, mental health services, tutoring, scholarships, and professional development throughout a student’s time at the university.
University of Arkansas

Location
Fayetteville, AR

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
The University of Arkansas is a public research university located in Fayetteville, AR. It is the main campus of the University of Arkansas System, and has more than 26,000 students enrolled in over 188 academic programs. Arkansas was ranked included in Military Times magazine’s “Best for Vets” colleges ranking in 2017. The Veterans Resource and Information Center, which is part of the division of Student Affairs, serves as the main point of contact for potential or current student veterans, and assists them with the admissions process, applying for educational benefits and scholarships, as well as with referrals to various academic departments around campus.
Academics
Arkansas offers more than 70 undergraduate major programs, as well as over 30 masters programs, 30 doctoral programs and 20 certificate programs. Programs are divided between ten different schools/colleges on campus, including the Honors College, the Sam M. Walton College of Business, and the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design. At the undergraduate level, some of the most popular majors at Arkansas include:
- Business
- Marketing
- Engineering
- Health Professions and Related Programs
Master’s programs are also offered in a large number of subjects, including:
- M.F.A. in Art
- M.S. in Agricultural Economics
- M.A. in Journalism
- M.S.N. in Nursing
There are also a number of doctoral programs, such as:
- Ph.D. in Biology
- Ph.D. in Economics
- Ph.D. in Engineering
- J.D. in Law
- D.N.P. in Nursing
Notables
The University of Arkansas offers a number of scholarships to veterans, military personnel, and their dependents to help combat the cost of pursuing a college education. Scholarships offered at Arkansas include the University of Arkansas Military and Dependent scholarships, the Student Affairs scholarships, Academic Challenge scholarships, the Major Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship, and the Folds of Honor Scholarship. Student Veterans is the on-campus student veteran association, both for veterans and those who support veterans: the group has weekly meeting and aims to aims to be a voice for the military/veterans on campus.
Mississippi State University

Location
Mississippi State, MS

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
Mississippi State University is a land-grand university located in Starkville, MS. Mississippi State started out as The Agricultural and Mechanical College of the State of Mississippi, and has since grown to become the second largest university in Mississippi. Veterans attending MSU access benefits and services through the G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Center for America’s Veterans, which bills itself as a national leader in, “providing comprehensive support through a University based Veteran Resource Center.” The center is named for the 15-term U.S. Congressman who authored the Montgomery G.I. Bill, and honors his legacy by providing, “nothing less than comprehensive, professional services to all of our student veterans, servicemembers, dependents, and survivors.
Academics
Miss. State has 12 colleges on its campus, including the Richard C. Adkerson School of Accountancy, James Worth Bagley College of Engineering, and the Shackouls Honors College. Students can pursue baccalaureate, masters, specialist and doctoral degrees through these colleges, in a diverse range of subjects, including agriculture, education, veterinary medical technology, and electrical engineering. From these choices, most students tend to pursue studies in:
- Business
- Engineering
- Education
- Psychology
The graduate and doctoral degrees offerings are similarly diverse to the offering of undergraduate majors.
Notables
In addition to the general veterans advocacy and support services offered by the Center for America’s Veterans, Miss State also offers a Veterans Transition program, to help bridge the gap between leaving the military and starting up college life. There are also events specifically intended to boost on-campus awareness of veterans and veterans’ issues, including the MSU President sponsored Veterans Day ceremony, the MSU Veterans Day Awareness week, Community Veteran Recognition program, and the Veteran Discovery Day and the Patriotic Halftime Football Show. There are also veteran specific classes such as the College of Engineering Wounded Warrior Cyber Security Class and the Veteran Administration Professional Certificate Program.
Fayetteville State University

Location
Fayetteville, NC

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
Fayetteville State University is a historically black public university located in Fayetteville, NC. Fayetteville State is part of the Thurgood Marshall College fund, and has a student body of just under 6,000 students. The Student Veterans’ Center on campus helps students to access educational benefits and manages the veteran transition from military to academic life at Fayetteville. Benefits open to student veterans include Active Duty & Reserve tuition assistance, the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship, the campus work-study program, and Montgomery and Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Academics
Fayetteville State offers Bachelors degrees in 43 areas of study, as well as 23 Masters degrees, and one doctoral degree in educational leadership. Undergraduate programs are divided between the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Education, Business and Economics, University College, Continuing Education and Summer School, and Military Education. Students pursuing these undergraduate degrees have many options, but some of the most popular choices are studies in:
- Nursing
- Criminal Justice
- Psychology
- Business
- Sociology
These popular majors also represent many of the subjects in which Fayetteville State also has graduate programs, along with English and Social Work.
Notables
The Student Veterans Association is a student-led organization on campus that considers itself the “boots on the ground” for providing the peer-based support that leads student veterans onto greater academic success and an eases the transition for new student veterans moving from military life back into civilian, academic life. The Student Veterans Association offers a number of scholarships to help veterans achieve their academic goals, including through the Tillman Military Scholars program, the Folds of Honor scholarship, and the FRY scholarship. These scholarships help both veterans and active duty service members, as well as dependents and survivors to pursue and succeed in academic pursuits.
University of Southern California

Location
Los Angeles, CA

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
The University of Southern California is a private research university located in Los Angeles, CA; it is the oldest private research university in the state of California, and is often listed among the top 25 universities in the United States. In 2014, USC established the Veterans Resource Center, a collaborative effort between the Division of Student Affairs and the Office of Academic Records and Registrar. The Veterans Center serves as a, “one-stop for Trojan veterans, reservists, and their dependents.” Students can meet with a veterans certifying officer, connect with other student veterans, learn about campus services, and enjoy a welcoming space for lounging and studying.
Academics
USC offers 95 undergraduate majors and 147 academic and professional minors. Graduate programs at Southern California also combine to offer 134 master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees through 17 professional schools. Academic departments are divided between the College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, the Graduate School, and the University’s professional schools. Within the College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, which specifically serves the undergraduate student population, the most popular majors include:
- Business
- Social Services
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Engineering
Some of the professional degrees offered by USC include Accounting, Business, Engineering, Education, Music, and Pharmacy.
Notables
USC enrolls around 600 veterans a semester, and boasts a unbroken connection with ROTC since 1943. The USC Veterans Association is the on-campus veterans club, and is an official member of the Student Veterans Association of America. The Student Veterans of America was formed in response to the severely inadequate resources and services offered to veterans, especially after the surge in active duty soldiers, reservists, and veterans once the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts had begun. The USC Chapter includes men and women from all different service branches and academic majors, and uses its combination of diverse experiences and perspectives to create current and future opportunities for student veterans on campus.
Niagara University

Location
Niagara University, NY

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
Niagara University is a private, Catholic University located in Lewiston, NY. The school is run by the Congregation of the Mission, and has a student population of around 4,200. Victory Media named Niagara the #2 Military Friendly school in the nation in 2017, and Niagara has also been ranked in the Top 25 of U.S. World News & Report ’s “Best Value for Veterans” list. The Office of Veterans Services is the on-campus department in charge of veterans’ affairs: a department that staffs a full-time veterans coordinator to help veterans with the transition to Niagara University.
Academics
Niagara has more than 80 undergraduate and major programs on offer through its four colleges: Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, and Hospitality & Tourism Management. NU also has six preprofessional degree options, including pre-health and pre-law tracks. These options provide a number of paths for undergraduate students to follow, and most Niagara students choose to study:
- Business
- Education
- Homeland Security/Law Enforcement
- Biology
In addition to its undergraduate offerings, Niagara also has masters programs in finance, education, business administration, and criminal justice, among others. There is also a Ph.D. program available in leadership and policy.
Notables
Veterans from Niagara have won a number of highly prestigious accolades, including two Medals Honor winners and a nomination for Sainthood. Niagara has a private veterans longue, which serves both as a relaxation spot for stressed student veterans, as well as a place of bonding and camaraderie. There is a Student Veterans Organization on campus, which helps to connect new and current student veterans, and seeks to help new students get their bearings at Niagara. Niagara also offers exam and academic credit for CLEP and Dantes exam scores, as well as for military service, respectively.
Texas State University

Location
San Marcos, TX

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
Texas State University is a public research university located in San Marcos, TX. TSU was originally founded as a normal school for teaching education in 1903, but has since grown to the 5th largest university in Texas, with almost 40,000 students annually. Veterans at Texas State access benefits and services through the Office of Veterans Affairs, most commonly by providing VA Certification for military service and by helping veterans find eligibility and apply for GI Bill benefits. The school hosts monthly veterans luncheons and information meetings for veterans, as well as a veteran welcome reception at the beginning of each new school year.
Academics
Texas State’s academic programs are divided throughout ten undergraduate colleges: Applied Arts, Business, Education, Communication, Health Professions, the Honors College, Liberal Arts, Science and Engineering, and University College. Through these colleges, the school offers 97 bachelor programs, as well as 88 masters programs and 12 doctoral programs in a host of subjects. Despite its diverse offerings, however, a group of popular undergraduate majors has emerged which includes:
- Business
- Kinesiology
- Marketing
- Liberal Studies, General
Masters degrees are available in subjects ranging from biology to music, and popular doctoral programs include criminal justice and computer science.
Notables
There are a number of scholarships available for student veterans through the Office of Veterans Affairs, including the Fry Scholarship, Military Spouse Scholarships, Troops to Teachers, the Tillman Military Scholarship, and Leave No Veteran Behind. Services for Veterans include post-military career counseling advice, including assistance organized through the Hero2Hired program and e-VETS resources. Texas also has a specific veterans program called TexVet, which is dedicated to providing veterans, military members, and their families with equal access to information. Texas Tech was selected as a “Best for Vets” college by Military Times in 2016.
University of Iowa

Location
Iowa City, IA

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
The University of Iowa is a public research university located in Iowa City, IA. UOI was founded in 1847 and is the oldest university in the state of Iowa, and has a student population of approximately 34,000 students. Iowa has more than 700 veterans, active duty servicemembers, and dependents in attendance at the school; these students are supported by the Veterans Student Services Office, which provides resources, guidance, and assistance for anything these students need to be successful Hawkeyes. Iowa presents a Distinguished Veterans Award each year, to celebrate and recognize the strong community of veterans that they have on campus.
Academics
Iowa offers more than 200 majors, minors and certificate programs for students studying at the undergraduate levels. There are also graduate degree and certificate programs offered in subjects such as applied health sciences, biomedical and life sciences, education, engineering, humanities, physical sciences, and social sciences. Most students who attend Iowa, however, do so as undergraduates; these students are given many options for specialization, and many of the most popular choices include:
- Business
- Parks & Recreation
- Social Sciences
- Engineering
The University of Iowa is also well-known for some of its graduate programs, including its Masters in Fine Arts writing program, which is home to the esteemed Iowa Writers’ Workshop.
Notables
Iowa has more than half a dozen educational assistance programs offered through the Veterans Administration; UI also proudly serves a number of veterans who have chosen to continue their education at Iowa, despite receiving no educational benefits from the VA. The Veterans Office strives not only to help veterans adjust to on-campus life, but also to grow into active and contributing members of the general campus population. Students on campus have created the University of Iowa Veterans Association, which hosts a number of events at Iowa intended to support veterans utilizing their shared, unique skills, through events such as “Eastern Iowa’s Best Urban Obstacle Race.
Iowa State University

Location
Ames, IA

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
Iowa State University is a public research university located in Ames, IA. Iowa State was the nation’s first designated land-grant institution, receiving the designation by an act of the Iowa Legislature in 1862; it has since used this kind of pubic support to grow to 2,000 faculty members, more than 6,000 full-time employees, and over 36,000 students. Iowa State was included on Military Times “Best for Vets” colleges list in 2017. The school is home to the Veterans Center, which has the mission of strengthening the lives of veterans, military personnel, and their families. At the beginning of each new academic year, Iowa State offers the Veterans Compass, which is a special informational briefing specifically geared toward helping veterans and their families.
Academics
Iowa State offers undergraduate degree programs through seven colleges: Agriculture and Life Sciences, Business, Engineering, Human Sciences, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine. Through these schools, Iowa State offers more than 100 majors in subjects ranging from world languages and cultures to computer science and engineering. There are also preprofessional programs intended to prepare students for applications to professional schools on subjects such as classical studies, law, medicine, and pharmacy, among others. From these choices, Iowa State undergraduates tend to choose these areas of study:
- Business
- Marketing
- Engineering
- Biology
- Education
There is also a multitude of graduate degree options offered through the Graduate College, including masters, PhD, and graduate certificate programs.
Notables
The Veteran Support Team employed at the Veterans Center helps student veterans to offer specific services, including counseling and disability services, as well as the academic success center and the LGBT Student Services. Each year Iowa State hosts the Gold Star Hall Ceremony, which honors ISU students who lost their lives during military service: honorees are inducted with their biographies and have their names engraved in the Gold Star Hall. Iowa State also helps to support the Veterans in Higher Education Summit and the Annual Statewide Veterans Conference, both of which are annual events in Iowa geared towards supporting veterans and their academic endeavors.
The University of Texas at El Paso

Location
El Paso, TX

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
The University of Texas at El Paso is a public research university located in El Paso, TX. The school was originally founded in 1914 as the State School of Mines and Metallurgy, but slowly expanded into a full-size university, before finally becoming a member of the University of Texas school system in 1967. UTEP was included in the Military Times “Best for Vets” Colleges list in 2016. Initiatives and programs aimed at supporting student veterans are run through the Military Student Success Center: the MSSC serves the military-affiliated community of El Paso, Fort Bliss, and the greater El Paso area.
Academics
UTEP offers undergraduate majors through seven colleges: business, education, engineering, health sciences, liberal arts, nursing, and science. El Paso also offers 76 masters-level degrees and 20 doctoral degree programs, including masters of occupational therapy and speech therapy, and doctorates in physical therapy and pharmacy. Within its undergraduate population, the most popular majors are:
- Business
- Health Professions and Related Services
- Engineering
- Biology
There are also a number of additional masters and doctoral programs, as well as certificate programs, offered through each of the seven colleges listed above.
Notables
In 2014, the MSSC launched the MSSC Military Mentor Program, which offers veterans who are UTEP staff, faculty, and students (beyond their freshman year) to use their real-world and college life experiences to help guide, develop, and mentor new UTEP student veterans. Mentors are able to help shape the next generation of UTEP students, while mentees are able to more easily make the transition from military life in civilian, academic life at El Paso. Additional resources for veterans at UTEP include UTEP Military Scholarships, the El Paso Military Veteran Peer Network, the Military Student Association, and the Financial Aid Guide for Military and Veterans.
Northern Kentucky University

Location
Highland Heights, KY

Tuition
$$$$$
Academic programs at Northern Kentucky University are divided between the schools of arts & sciences, health professions, business, informatics, Arts-Sota, education & human services, and law. Through these colleges students are able to pursue subjects such as respiratory care and biology, as well as music, theatre, and the visual arts. These majors, however, are not the quite as common as the most popular majors at NKU, which includes:
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Organizational Behavioral Studies
In addition to its undergraduate programs, NKU also offers graduate and doctoral degrees in subjects such as nursing, as well as Juris Doctorate programs thorugh its school of law. The school of law also offers joint degrees with the school of business, and part-time J.D. program options.
Notables
There are a number of programs at NKU designed specially to support and create opportunity for student veterans: these programs include the Student Veteran Social Work Internship Program and the Campus Veteran Tour program. There is a longue on campus specifically intended for veterans, where they can foster community or just relax after a long, stressful day on campus. There is a resource library and guide covering the broad range of services offered by and through the Department of Veterans Affairs. There is also a large amount of campus support for the campus veterans organization (V.E.T.S.), which runs programs and events which help foster growth within the veteran community, as well as raise awareness of veterans issue on-campus and nationally.
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Location
Whitewater, WI

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
The University of Wisconsin- Whitewater is a pubic university located in Whitewater, WI. Whitewater was originally founded as a normal school for educating teachers, and now offers more than 1,000 courses in a wide range of subjects to a student body of over 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Whitewater was ranked both as a “Best for Vets” college and a “Best for Vets” business school by Military Times in 2016. The Veterans Coordinator is the main point of contact for student veterans and dependents seeking educational benefits and support: the vets coordinator operates out of the campus registrar’s office, and is also in charge of certifying veterans’ service for the university.
Academics
UWW offers 47 undergraduate majors, as well as 13 graduate programs, which are offered through the colleges of Arts and Communication, Business and Economics, Education and Professional Studies, Letters and Sciences, Graduate Studies, and Continuing Education Services. Unsurprisingly, thanks to its roots as normal school, primary education and teaching is one of the most popular majors at Whitewater, along with:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Social Work
- Psychology
Graduate programs available at UWW include Masters Degrees in Educational Leadership, Computer Science and Business Administration.
Notables
UWW supports the Yellow Ribbon Fund, which helps support the educational attainment of post-9/11 active duty servicemembers and veterans. Funds are awarded to 10 qualified non-resident undergraduates, and covers the 50% of unmet tuition and fees not covered through the Veterans Administration. Each November, the school hosts a Veterans Week to honor all service members, both within the UWW student population, as well as from the greater Whitewater area. Previous events have included veterans’ art shows, military panel presentations, and the Veteran Honor Tree, which serves as a silent way to say thank you to the many groups affected by present and previous wars. UWW also offers a longue for veterans & service members, which includes a study space, television, computers, and a separate meeting room for veterans to use.
University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Location
Lowell, MA

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
The University of Massachusetts Lowell is a public research university located in Lowell, MA. Lowell is the second largest public school in Massachusetts, with over 18,000 students and more than 1,000 academic staff members. The Office of Veterans Services is the on-campus department in charge of providing access to all of the educational benefits available to veterans at UMass Lowell, while also offering general support to help students to complete their Lowell education on time and having had a positive social and professional experience. Lowell was listed on Military Times “Best for Vets” colleges and “Best for Vets” business schools in 2016.
Academics
UMass Lowell offers 122 bachelors programs, 43 masters programs, and 36 doctoral degrees: these programs are divided up through the schools of fine arts, health sciences, sciences, engineering, education, and business. Among its undergraduate programs, the most popular options are:
- Business
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Health Professions and Related Programs
Lowell also has popular graduate programs, which include a number of fully online degree options, for students who may be working or have family commitments. Doctoral degrees are offered in a range of subjects, though many of the most popular programs have scientific focuses, e.g. Nursing and Physics.
Notables
The Student Veterans’ Organization is the officially recognized student group on campus serving to represent the interest of veterans on campus, as well as to foster community between student veterans. The SVO is billed as a place where student veterans can share experiences with peers, help one another with the difficult transition from military to academic life, obtain information about campus resources and benefits available to veterans, and as a place of outreach (care packages and thank you cards) for currently deployed troops. Financial assistance is available for veterans not only through the VA, but also through the Veterans’ Tuition Credit, Army ROTC Scholarships, and the Military Friendly Schools program.
University of Missouri-St. Louis

Location
Saint Louis, MO

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
The University of Missouri- St Louis is a public research university located in St. Louis, MO. The campus is home to the St. Louis Mercantile Library, the oldest library west of the Mississippi, and has just under 17,000 students attending annually. The UMSL Veterans Center helps to manage veterans’ affairs on campus, namely helping veterans to access educational support through the GI Bill and the Missouri Returning Heroes Education Act. The Veterans Center also helps with applications to scholarships such as the UMSL Active Duty Scholarship, USML General Scholarships, and External Scholarships for veterans and their families.
Academics
UOM-St. Louis offers bachelors, masters, and doctoral programs through its colleges of arts and sciences, business, education, nursing, social work, and optometry. There is also an Honors College for high achieving undergraduates, as well as a joint undergraduate engineering program offered in conjunction with Washington University. From this long list of options, undergraduate students tend to choose:
- Business
- Health Professions and Related Fields
- Social Sciences
- Education
Missouri also offers graduate programs in a wide range of academic disciplines, including popular programs such as the MBA and nursing graduate programs. Missouri-St. Louis is also one of only 17 optometry schools in the United States, including Puerto Rico, and offers pre-optometry bachelors programs, as well as a 7-year bachelors and doctoral track.
Notables
The UMSL hosts events such as the Veterans Resource Day & BBQ, where student veterans are able to receive information about benefits and resources available to them on campus, while also meeting fellow veterans and enjoy some good Missouri cooking. Service centers on campus such as counseling services, careers services, and health and wellness services have strong, positive relationships with the Veterans Center, which allows them to provided focused services directly in support of and in response to student veterans’ needs. There is also a Student Veterans Organization on campus, which seeks to advance the interests of veterans on the UMSL campus, to build a community of veterans, and to encourage each other socially and academically.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Location
Champaign, IL

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a public research university located in Urbana and Champaign, IL. Illinois has been ranked among the 50 best universities in the world and in the top 5 of engineering schools in the world. The school posses the second largest library system in the United States, behind only Harvard, and has 44,000 students served by an academic staff of around 2,500. Veterans are assisted on campus by the Veteran Student Support Services, an office within the Office of the Dean of Students. The office recognizes, “the selfless service and sacrifices made by members of our armed forces and the unique challenges associated with transitioning into a university setting.” The department is thus committed to provide military-associated students with the services needed to support their academic and personal interests.

Academics

Urbana-Champaign offers more than 150 programs of study through 17 separate colleges: the most popular of these colleges being the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, the College of Education, and the College of Engineering. From within these schools, the most popular undergraduate majors tend to be:
- Business
- Biology
- Engineering
- Social Sciences
There are also a number of graduate and professional degree programs available through these colleges and the school’s professional schools. Degrees are offered in subjects such as Veterinary Medicine, Aviation, Medicine, and Law, among others.

Notables

UIUC offers a mentoring program for Illini Veterans, which seeks to make the transition of each new student veteran as smooth and positive as possible, as well as to provide them with the support and resources necessary to being successful. Mentors and mentees meet at least once a week for the first four weeks, focusing on the program goals of developing professional relationships, creating a culture of continuous learning, and retention and engagement between fellow student veterans. In Fall 2015, the school opened the Center for Wounded Veterans in Higher Education, which provides residential and non-residential support services to military-connected students.
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Location
Carbondale, IL

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview
Southern Illinois University- Carbondale is a public research university located in Carbondale, IL. SIU was founded as the flagship school of the Southern Illinois school system, and currently has a student body of around 16,000 students. In 2017, Military Times magazine ranked the school among its “Best for Vets” colleges. Veterans’ services on campus are managed by the Veterans Center, which focuses on making the transition from military to academic life as easy as possible for student veterans. The Office hosts events such as the “Soldiers Who Salsa” event, complete with salsa dancing and salsa eating, to foster community among veterans at SIU, as well as raise awareness of veterans issues within the broader Southern Illinois community.
Academics
Southern Illinois offers more than 200 undergraduate majors, leading to 192 different bachelors degree programs. Pre-professional degrees are available through the schools of law and medicine, though most students pursue programs based out of the Arts, Sciences, Business, Education, and Engineering programs. Within these programs the most popular majors tend to be:
- Education
- Health Professions and Related Fields
- Business
- Engineering Technologies
In addition to the undergraduate programs, SIU offers 80 masters and 32 doctoral programs in addition to its professional degree programs in law and medicine. These graduate programs are offered in an equally diverse range of topics as the undergraduate programs, including studies in agricultural science, media arts, journalism, and applied sciences.
Notables
The school has a relationship with the This Able Veteran program, which helps connect servicemembers with service dogs, who are specifically trained to address and counteract the effects of PTSD on veterans in their everyday lives. The Student Veterans Organization on campus is an official chapter of the Student Veterans of America, and hosts events such as monthly meeting, intramural sports teams, cookouts, and shooting range trips. There is a student veterans longue on campus, which is a safe, quite space on campus where veterans can go to socialize, study, meet, or learn about resources and benefits.
John Carrol University

Location
University Heights, OH

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview

John Carrol University is a private, Jesuit Catholic university located in University Heights, OH. U.S. World News & Report often ranks John Carrol in the top 10 of Midwest regional universities, and the school has a population of roughly 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students. John Carrol University was placed on Military Times magazine’s “Best for Vets” colleges list in 2017, and has also been recognized by GI Jobs Magazine as a “military friendly” school every year since 2009. Veterans’ services at John Carrol focus on the educational benefits available to student veterans through the GI Bill, as well as through institutional financial aid and scholarships.

Academics

JCU has recently expanded its undergraduate and graduate degree offerings, including new majors in International Business with Language and Culture, Peace, Justice and Human Rights, and East Asian Studies. The school’s Catholic affiliation also informs some of its academic offerings, including its Catholic Studies minor and its Theology & Religious Studies major and minor offerings. In addition to these more unique subjects, JCU also offers students traditional study programs, including popular majors such as:
- Business
- Psychology
- Biology
- Social Sciences
Graduate degree programs are offered through the schools of business and arts and sciences, and include M.B.A. degrees, as well as masters in Biology, English, and Mathematics, as well as several others.

Notables

Service members can receive academic credit for Professional Military Education, such as Military Science classes: credit may also be awarded for basic training and the Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT). The student veterans club was founded on November 11, 2001, and considers itself to be a service-oriented club, who’s mission is defined is defined as helping, “support all student veterans on campus, bring awareness of military and veterans issues to campus, and to serve the larger veteran community in surrounding areas.” John Carrol participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which helps to provide educational funds for post-9/11 veterans, specifically filling the gap between VA benefits and the real cost of paying for a college education.
Drexel University

Location
Philadelphia, PA

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview

Drexel University is a private research university with three campuses, all located in Philadelphia, PA. The school has recently expanded through the addition of a medical college in 2002, and now serves over 26,000 students through a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. More than 800 student veterans and military dependents attend Drexel each year, which has led to the creation of the Office of Veteran Student Services. This office coordinates the campus-wide effort to ensure that student veterans and military dependents are able to access high-quality campus services with ease.

Academics

Drexel has over 70 undergraduate programs and more than 100 masters, doctoral, and professional programs, divided between 15 colleges, as well as its online school and its school of continuing education. The Colleges of Arts & Sciences, the Bennett S. LeBow College of Business, the School of Education and the College of Engineering are the most popular colleges at the university, which is represented by its most popular majors:
- Business
- Education
- Biology
- Engineering
Professional degrees available at Drexel include law, medicine, and nursing degrees, which supplement the graduate degree offerings in more traditional academics subjects such as physics, art, and foreign languages. Drexel also offers a cooperative education program, which allows students to gain up to 18 months of paid, full-time work experience in a field relevant to their graduate or undergraduate degree program.

Notables

Drexel University is a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Fund program, which helps Post-9/11 Veterans and Service Members to more easily afford their educational dreams by filling the financial support gap between the Veterans Administration benefits that veterans receive and the true cost of pursuing higher education. Drexel has a number of campus-wide events aimed at recognizing and celebrating student veterans, military members, and their families, including the Memorial Day Primer and the Veterans Day Tribute. There are also a number of veteran organizations on-campus, including the Drexel Veterans Association, the Drexel Veterans Alumni Network, Drexel Dependents, and the Drexel Veterans Task Force.
Pace University-New York

Location
New York, NY

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview

Pace University is a private university located in New York, NY. The school was originally founded in 1906 as a business school for men and women, but eventually expanded to a full, four-year university in 1973, now serving 13,000 students each year. Pace has been ranked a “Veteran Friendly School” by GI Jobs Magazine seven years in a row, and was also included on the Military Times “Best for Vets” colleges list in 2017. There is no campus organization specifically designated for handling veterans’ affairs; however, there is a full-time VA certifying officer and a self-serve website which lists out all of the organizations and benefits available to student veterans at pace.

Academics

Pace offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, through schools such as the Dyson College of Arts & Sciences and the Lubin School of Business. There are a number of popular majors and programs at Pace, though the most common majors are:
- Business
- Health Professions and Related Programs
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
On top of its diverse undergraduate offerings, Pace also has a number of graduate degree programs in subjects such as computer science, finance management, publishing and special education. Pace University is also home to the Actors Studio MFA program, which hosts the well-known television show “Inside the Actor’s Studio.”

Notables

Pace has a Veteran’s Tuition Scholarship program, which grants scholarships for 50% of tuition for new graduate and undergraduate student veterans who served after 9/11. Pace is also a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Fund, which also tries to help fill any funding gaps left by GI Bill or VA Benefits, so that cost does not become a barrier to entry for student veterans wishing to pursue their education at Pace. Yellow Ribbon Funds are available to qualifying applicants in bachelors, masters or law degree programs. Pace hosts “Military Mondays”, which are accelerated admission dates for veterans and active duty servicemembers, and which include the waiving of application fees for both undergraduate and graduate programs.
SUNY College at Oswego

Location
Oswego, NY

Tuition
$$$$$
Overview

State University of New York at Oswego, also known as Oswego State, is a public college located in Oswego, NY. The school was founded in 1861 as the Oswego Primary Teachers Training School, but has since moved on to become a major university, with a diverse range of academic offerings and serving a student population of around 7,400. SUNY Oswego was named to Military Times “Best for Vets” colleges in 2017, and was also named a “Military Friendly” school by GI Jobs Magazine. Educational benefits for veterans are processed through the VA Certifying Official, who works within the Financial Aid Office.

Academics

Oswego State’s four colleges are the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Education, and the School of Communications. These colleges offer more than 110 programs of study, and present students the opportunity to work with outstanding faculty and engage in substantive research. And while there are many academic paths a student can take at SUNY Oswego, the most popular undergraduate majors include:
- Business
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice
- Health Teacher Education
There are also a number of graduate programs available in disciplines from business to educational administration, art and chemistry to school psychology.

Notables

Oswego hosts a Battle Buddy Center, which is part of the large New York Battle Buddy program: the Battle Buddy Center offers a safe space for veterans, with the goal of promoting a strong sense of community in and around the vet community, while also supporting the personal and academic success of the veterans involved. SUNY Oswego is the only college in Central New York offering this type of safe haven for veterans. Oswego has a strong relationship with the Watertown Vet Center, which provides veterans with information regarding benefits available beyond the college campus: representatives from the center visit campus numerous times a year, to make accessing this information as easy as possible for campus vets.

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