51ĀŅĀ× earns 2025ā2026 Military Friendly SchoolsĀ® designation for 14th consecutive year; recognized for outstanding support to student Veterans and military families
This story has been updated to include OHIO's Purple Star campus recognition as well.
51ĀŅĀ× has once again earned the Military Friendly SchoolsĀ® designation for the 2025ā2026 academic year, marking the 14th consecutive year the institution has received this honor. This year, 51ĀŅĀ× achieved gold status in the Tier 1 Research Institution category, a reflection of its deep and ongoing commitment to student veterans and military-connected learners.
The Military Friendly SchoolsĀ® list is compiled annually by a veteran-owned organization that publishes G.I. Jobs magazine. More than 1,800 schools participated in the 2025ā2026 survey, and only 830 institutions earned special awards for exceeding the standard. 51ĀŅĀ×ās inclusion in this prestigious list underscores its success in delivering exceptional support services, retention and graduation outcomes for veterans and their families.
In addition to the gold designation, 51ĀŅĀ× was also named a 2025ā2026 Military Spouse Friendly School, demonstrating the institution's dedication to supporting the entire military community.
"I'm honored that 51ĀŅĀ× has once again been acknowledged as a leading military-friendly institution," said 51ĀŅĀ× President Lori Stewart Gonzalez. "This recognition highlights our steadfast dedication to supporting the courageous individuals of our armed forces as they work toward their academic ambitions. We take pride in creating a welcoming environment where all members of our military community can succeed and access the benefits of higher education."
The Military Friendly SchoolsĀ® designation evaluates institutions based on public data and responses to a proprietary survey, with metrics that include student retention, graduation rates, job placement, loan repayment and veteran-specific support services.
āWe are honored once again to be named a Military Friendly Tier 1 research institution GOLD status,ā said Terry St. Peter, director of Veterans and Military Student Services at 51ĀŅĀ×. āWe are extremely proud of the support the students receive at OHIO University and the commitment from our senior leadership to ensure we make the veteran experience the best it can be.ā
In addition to being recognized with these honors by OHIO was once again designated as a Collegiate Purple Star campus. OHIO is one of 30 institutions in the state of Ohio with this designation. Criteria for being chosen as a Purple Star college or university include having a dedicated military/veteran point of contact and/or office on campus, establishing priority registration for veterans and servicemembers, surveying student veterans and servicemembers ā along with spouses and dependents ā about needs and challenges and allowing for the establishment of student-led groups and organizations for veterans and servicemembers.
51ĀŅĀ×ās Veterans and Military Student Services Center offers a comprehensive suite of programs and services, including:
- Academic and social support networks
- Military transition seminars
- Priority registration for courses
- Deployment and training accommodations
- Access to a dedicated Veterans Lounge
- Graduation stoles representing the branch of service
In 2024, OHIO also launched a Student Veteran and Military Incentive Scholarship for online students, making education more affordable and accessible for those currently serving or transitioning to civilian life.
āOur Veterans and Military Student Services team is committed to easing transition to academic life, reducing barriers to success, and facilitating academic/career pursuits of all our military-connected students,ā St. Peter added.
For more information about 51ĀŅĀ×ās student veteran programs, visit or contact the Veterans and Military Student Services Center at email@example.com or 740.566.8387.
Disclaimer: It is not the intent of 51ĀŅĀ× to imply an endorsement by any service branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.