Syracuse University’s commitment to serving veterans and military families has garnered recognition from Military Times as the No. 1 private school and No. 4 institution overall on the publication’s annual Best for Vets rankings. Syracuse University is the only private institution to make the list’s top 10 and boasts the highest military graduation rate of the top five schools.
“It is a proud day for the Orange family,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “We remain steadfast in our efforts to be the ‘best place for veterans’ and military-connected students and are grateful that Military Times recognizes this commitment. I am also thankful to the thousands of veterans, service members and family members who have selected Syracuse as their higher education community. Their great service to our country is most appreciated and there will always be a place for them at Syracuse University.”
The Best for Vets: Colleges 2019 rankings are an editorially independent news project that evaluates the many factors that help make colleges and universities a good fit for service members, veterans and their families to include academic outcomes, veteran culture on campus, support services, special policies and accommodations and financial incentives. Military Times also considers data from the departments of Veterans Affairs, Defense and Education. Roughly 500 colleges took part in this year’s survey with just 137 making the list.
“This ranking reflects the hard work and commitment of many at Syracuse University,” says Mike Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation. “Our goal to be the ‘best place for veterans’ and military-connected students is prioritized across campus. The ranking is a testament to the collaboration among faculty, staff, students and alumni and the shared willingness to go the extra mile for those who served our country.”
Since Chancellor Syverud took office and made the commitment to be the “best place for veterans” among his strategic initiatives, veteran and military-connected enrollment on campus has grown 60 percent and the campus community has launched several initiatives to improve the military-connected student experience, including the following:
- Establishment of the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA)
- Expanded capabilities of the Office of Veteran Success (OVS)
- Unlimited participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program allowing Post-9/11 GI Bill students to receive additional funding to cover required tuition and fees
- Dedicated veteran career services, advising and resources
- Peer Advisors for Veteran Education (PAVE) Program
- One of only 15 Pat Tillman Foundation University Partners recognized for innovative veteran services, strong culture of support for military veterans and spouses, and rigorous academic programs
The University will further its commitment to the veteran and military-connected community with the construction of the National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC), a first-of-its-kind multi-use facility dedicated to advancing academic research, programming and community-connected innovation serving the social, economic and wellness concerns of the nation’s veterans and families. The NVRC is scheduled to open in 2020.
Other University initiatives designed to meet the unique needs of veterans and their families include programs offered by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families, including the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans, other entrepreneurship training programs, career preparation and training through the Onward to Opportunity program, community-based care coordination through AmericaServes, and the Syracuse Veterans’ Writing Group, among many others.
Review the full Best for Vets: Colleges 2019 rankings, and survey methodology.