U of A Ranked by Military Times in 'Best for Vets: Colleges 2016'

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Military Times, an online publication providing news and information for service members and their families, has ranked the University of Arkansas 41st among all four year institutions in its “Best for Vets: Colleges 2016” edition.

“The University of Arkansas has been actively working to provide a ‘vet friendly’ campus since opening the Veterans Resource and Information Center in 2009,” said Erika Gamboa, director of the center. “Even before that, our Veterans Upward Bound and Army and Air Force ROTC programs showed our concern for making sure veterans had a welcoming environment. It’s very satisfying that Military Times has recognized our efforts – but we plan to continue improving our services to veterans and their families, to ensure that more are able to earn a college degree.

“Our recent agreement with the Veterans Administration bringing a VA VetsSuccess counselor to campus three days a week is just one example of our commitment.”

Military Times based its rankings on a comprehensive survey submitted to schools, along with public data from the Veterans Affairs Department, Defense Department and three Education Department databases for information on everything from veteran-related policies to average salaries after graduation.

The U of A had 913 veterans enrolled in 2014. It earned its ranking in part by having the Veterans Resource and Information Center, as well as vet friendly policies and financial assistance. The university earned three stars for staff support, three and a half stars for academic support, and three stars for extracurricular activities.

The full Best for Vets: College 2016 ranking is available online.