Military Friendly Schools Gold Award

USC Aiken jumps to a top ten national ranking among small public schools for 2022-2023, remains first in South Carolina

Aiken, SC (04/13/2022) — The Office of Veteran and Military Student Success (VMSS) at the University of South Carolina Aiken (USC Aiken) was recently awarded the elite Military Friendly Schools Gold Award and a top ten national ranking among small public schools. While the university remains ranked first in South Carolina, this is a considerable jump to number nine in national rank.

According to the organization's website, institutions earning the Military Friendly Schools award designation were evaluated using public data and survey responses. Over 1,800 schools participated in the 2022-2023 survey, and 282 were selected for the "Gold" award status based on their leading practices, outcomes, and effective programs. When considering award status, much attention is given to an institution's ability to meet thresholds for retention, graduation, job placement, repayment, persistence, and loan default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.

Robert Murphy, director of the VMSS, expressed his gratitude to the center's supporters. "This is a campus and community-wide achievement," he said. "Without the hard work of my campus colleagues and the support of our donors and advocates, we couldn't achieve this. Thank you for being a part of our collective success."

The mission of the VMSS is to champion veterans, service members, and family members of the United States Armed Forces in their educational pursuits as they transition from military service through the university and on to becoming vital community members. The VMSS aims to provide nationally recognized education and holistic transition support that will deliver to the local, national, and global workforce a generation of military veterans who are solid thinkers and leaders.

"Simply stated - we best position veteran and military students to achieve their education, career, and life goals," Murphy said. "USC Aiken and the surrounding community are passionate about supporting each veteran and military student's continued success."

For more information about the VMSS, visit usca.edu/vmss.

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