Top in nation for service to veterans

Upper Iowa University (UIU) has been named the top college in the nation for serving veterans. According to Military Times, UIU ranks first among colleges and universities providing online and nontraditional programming to former and current military personnel.

“As someone who returned to college while serving in the military, I know how difficult the challenge can be to balance the responsibilities of a college education, family, and serving our country,” said UIU President William R. Duffy II, who retired after 20 years of active duty service in the U.S. Army. “I also understand the importance of pursuing a degree and what an asset it can be for military advancement as well as opportunities and advancement in the civilian sector. The military provides numerous opportunities for those serving our country, and UIU remains committed to helping those who serve, or have served, by providing them the education, services and support to achieve their educational and career goals in life. We are so very proud to support and serve the total military family in this effort!”

In its eighth year, the Military Times’ rankings factor in the results of an annual school-by-school survey of veteran and military student offerings and rates of academic achievement. As with all Best for Vets rankings, Best for Vets: Colleges 2017 is an editorially independent news project that evaluates the many factors that help make colleges and universities a good fit for service members, military veterans and their families. More than 500 colleges took part in this year’s detailed survey.

Military Times annual Best for Vets: Colleges survey asks colleges and universities to meticulously document a tremendous array of services, special rules, accommodations and financial incentives offered to students with military ties, and to describe many aspects of veteran culture on a campus.

Military Times also factors in data from the Veterans Affairs and Defense departments as well as three Education Department sources: the IPEDS Data Center, College Scorecard data and the Cohort Default Rate Database.

The Military Times digital platforms and print products are the trusted source for independent news and information for service members and their families. The military community relies on Army Times, Marine Corps Times, Navy Times and Air Force Times for reporting on everything important to their lives, including pay, benefits, finance, education, health care, recreational resources, retirement, promotions, product reviews and entertainment.