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USC Aiken Ranked as Military Times Best for Vets Again

Aiken, SC (10/22/2018) — The University of South Carolina Aiken once again ranks as one of the top institutions committed to the success of military and veterans students, according to a highly ranked source among the armed forces.

Military Times unveiled its Best for Vets: Colleges 2019 rankings today. In their ninth year, the rankings are based on the results of Military Times' annual survey - the most comprehensive school-by-school assessment of veteran and military student services and rates of academic achievement - as well as a detailed review of public data collected by federal agencies.

"This is exciting news," said Robert Murphy, director of the USC Aiken Office of Veteran and Military Student Success.

"This particular award, from a military standing, is the choice award. Military Times is highly regarded within the Department of Defense. Their monthly newspapers reach every military base and deployed unit worldwide.

He adds that this award recognizes the top four-year colleges in the nation.

"In the past, USC Aiken is not only in the top 100 nationwide, we are the #1 in the state, and that is still true today," Murphy says.

As is true for all Military Times rankings, Best for Vets: Colleges is an editorially independent, objective and rigorous news project. This feature evaluates the many factors that help make colleges and universities a good fit for service members, military veterans and their families. About 500 colleges took part in this year's survey. Only 208 schools listed in the ninth annual rankings.

"This is a very prestigious honor, and I am grateful for Robert Murphy, Stephanie Williamee and the army of students who work in the VMSS who made this award possible," said Dr. Sandra Jordan, chancellor.

"Their dedication to ensure continued success and smooth transitions from the military life to academia to graduation and beyond is the hallmark which guides every action taken and decision made by the VMSS.

"The award is a testament to their commitment. I am equally grateful for every member of the faculty and staff who work closely with the VMSS team in support of this important student segment."

Currently, veteran and military students make up 14 percent of USC Aiken's student body.

Military Times' annual Best for Vets: Colleges survey asks colleges and universities to disclose academic outcome and input data, describe many aspects of veteran culture on campus and meticulously document a wide array of services, special policies, accommodations and financial incentives offered to students with military ties. 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.

"Military Times' Best for Vets designation is trusted throughout the veteran community as the mark of excellence for schools and other organizations that work with veterans, service members and military families. It can't be bought with advertising dollars - unlike some other supposedly veteran-friendly rankings - only earned through a record of steadfast service and dedication to those who have served," said George Altman, the Military Times editor in charge of the rankings.

"Fewer than half of the roughly 500 colleges and universities that competed for the recognition earned the right to call themselves Best for Vets in 2019. Their efforts should be commended."

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