Ohio University Named a 2025-2026 Military Friendly School for 14 Years Running: Celebrating Exceptional Support for Student Veterans and Military Families

Ohio University has once again been recognized as a Military Friendly School for the 2025-2026 academic year. This marks the 14th year in a row that the university has earned this distinction. Notably, it achieved gold status in the Tier 1 Research Institution category, showcasing its strong commitment to veterans and military families.

The Military Friendly Schools® list is put together annually by Viqtory Media, a veteran-owned company that also publishes G.I. Jobs magazine. This year, over 1,800 schools participated in the survey, with only 830 achieving special recognition for outstanding support services. Ohio University’s spot on this list reflects its dedication to helping veterans succeed, both in graduation rates and job placement.

In addition to its gold status, Ohio University was also named a Military Spouse Friendly School. This highlights the university’s commitment to serving the entire military community. According to Ohio University President Lori Stewart Gonzalez, this recognition underscores the university’s pledge to support the brave individuals in the armed forces as they pursue their academic goals.

The Military Friendly Schools® evaluation looks at various metrics like student retention, job placement, graduation rates, and veteran support services. Terry St. Peter, director of Veterans and Military Student Services at Ohio University, expressed pride in the support the school provides, emphasizing that there is strong backing from leadership to enhance the veteran experience.

Ohio University’s Veterans and Military Student Services Center offers a wide range of programs, including:

• Academic and social support networks
• Military transition seminars
• Priority course registration
• Assistance for deployments and training
• A dedicated Veterans Lounge
• Graduation stoles representing each veteran’s branch of service

In 2024, the university also introduced a Student Veteran and Military Incentive Scholarship aimed at making education more affordable for those currently serving and transitioning to civilian life.

St. Peter noted that the aim of their services is to ease the transition to academic life and help military-connected students navigate their educational and career paths smoothly.

Given the rise of online education and the growing number of veterans returning to school, programs like those at Ohio University can play a vital role. A recent survey indicated that about 50% of veterans seeking education find it challenging to adapt to academic life. Ohio University’s initiatives are a great help in bridging that gap.

For more about Ohio University’s support for student veterans, check out their dedicated resources at Ohio University Veterans Center.

This ongoing commitment not only benefits the university but also enriches the lives of those who have served our country.

Source link