WMU named 'Best for Vets' for fifth consecutive year

Contact: Cheryl Roland
Photo of a WMU student veteran

WMU named 'Best for Vets' for fifth consecutive year

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—For the fifth consecutive year, Western Michigan University has been named one of nation's best institutions for military veterans pursuing higher education.

In a Veterans Day release of its latest assessment, Military Times EDGE magazine has placed WMU on its 2015 "Best for Vets" list of colleges and universities. With a ranking of No. 75 this year—up five spots from last year, WMU is the only Michigan school to have appeared on all five years of the publication's annual list of the top colleges in the United States. Three other Michigan universities are among the top 100 schools on the list this year: Grand Valley State  and Saginaw Valley State universities and the University of Michigan.

According to the magazine, several hundred colleges and universities from across the nation completed a 100-plus question survey that covered "issues most crucial to student vets." The data gleaned from that effort was combined with U.S. Education Department data, including academic success measures.

Areas assessed included whether schools had a veterans' office and participated in the Yellow Ribbon program. Student-faculty ratio, veteran graduation rates, staff support and academic support also figured into the rankings, as well as whether the institution accepts the American Council on Education recommendations on credits for military service and accomplishments.

The 2015 rankings will be published in issues of Army Times, Navy Times, Air Force Times and Marine Corps Times as well as in the November issue of Military Times EDGE magazine and on the publications' websites. 

Military and veterans affairs at WMU

The Office of Military and Veterans Affairs serves more than 600 veteran students, the greatest number of veterans enrolled at a public university in Michigan. The office was established in 2009 to support veterans, service members and the family members of veterans. It provides guidance and mentorship in academic, benefit and other areas, as well as general information about WMU and its services, the campus community, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

WMU has earned accolades by offering in-state tuition status to veterans since 2007 and to veterans' dependents since 2008, assisting with obtaining GI Bill benefits, providing tailored academic and career counseling, offering disability services, and having a chapter of the Student Veterans of America. In addition, the University has housed a VetSuccess on Campus program for southwest Michigan since 2012 with two partners--Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Kellogg Community College. This was the first VetSuccess program the V.A. authorized in Michigan.

For more information about campus services for military veterans, visit wmich.edu/military.