Clemson University has been named to the “Best for Vets: 2025 Colleges” and “Best for Vets: 2025 Employers” lists by Military Times magazine. Clemson made another significant leap in this year’s ranking among colleges, moving to 13th overall among 357 institutions, the largest field in the program’s history. In just two years since first applying for consideration, Clemson has improved its position by 136 spots in the annual Military Times ranking. Clemson is the No. 1 ranked institution from the state of South Carolina and No. 9 overall among public universities.
Additionally, Clemson was No. 92 among 245 employers — No. 1 among higher education institutions — in the “Best for Vets: Employers” national ranking. The survey evaluates organizations and employers who excel in recruiting, training and supporting the military community through onboarding practices, retention and career advancement programs, and support for veterans and military spouses.
The honors are the latest in a long line of recognition for Clemson’s support of its military community. In the spring, Clemson was ranked No. 2 nationally among Tier 1 research institutions as a Military Friendly® School — the highest ranking in school history. Clemson earned gold recognition from the South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs for its military academic program as well. And just last week, Clemson received its first-ever Top 10 recognition as a Military Friendly® Employer.
Clemson recently updated its admissions form to more accurately track military-connected students, allowing applicants to denote if they are service members, veterans, military spouses or military dependents. Clemson now serves a total of 2,656 military-connected students, including 528 service members and veterans. The Office of Military and Veteran Engagement (M&VE) has seen an uptick in activity within its resource centers in Hendrix Student Center and Vickery Hall, with over 3,200 total visits so far this fall.
From an employment side, the University is committed to military-centric projects and initiatives such as the Department of Defense SkillBridge program, which provides hands-on work experience for transitioning service members; Green Zone Training to support the needs of military-connected students; and a Veteran Preference program for qualified applicants seeking full-time, regular positions.
“These new rankings from Military Times are reflective of our continual efforts institution-wide to strengthen a culture of advocacy and support for veterans and military-connected students,” says Jimmy Mullinax, executive director for military affairs. “Clemson’s unique culture is attractive due in part to a strong military heritage celebrated throughout the year with various appreciation events to honor members of the military who have come before us. Our team in Military and Veteran Engagement works to provide our military-connected students with the No. 1 student experience as they pursue their academic goals at Clemson.”
Military Times magazine is one of the nation’s most trusted sources for independent news and information for service members and families. The annual survey serves as the culmination of results collected from across the country, from R1 research universities to public and private schools.
