Clemson University announced today it has achieved Top 10 designation as a 2024-25 Military Friendly® School and Military Spouse Friendly® School. Clemson improved on its silver designation of the past two years by ascending to a No. 7 ranking nationally among Tier 1 research institutions in both categories.
Institutions earning the Military Friendly® designation were evaluated using public data sources and survey responses. More than 1,800 schools participated in the 2024-25 survey, with 537 earning awards for going above the standard. The complete list of designations will be published in upcoming issues of G.I. Jobs magazine and can be found at MilitaryFriendly.com.
Methodology, criteria and weightings were determined by Viqtory with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council made up of leaders in higher education. Final ratings reflect schools’ abilities to meet thresholds for retention, graduation, job placement, repayment, persistence and loan default rates — specifically for student veterans.
“Military Friendly® is committed to transparency and providing consistent data-driven standards in our designation process,” says Kayla Lopez, national director of military partnerships. “Our standards provide a benchmark that promotes positive outcomes and support services that better the educational landscape and provide opportunity for the military community. Schools who achieve awards designation show true commitment in their efforts.”
“Our team is beyond proud of the collective efforts of the Clemson Family,” says Director of Military and Veteran Engagement Emily DaBruzzi. “A recognition like Military Friendly® Top 10 does not happen as the result of one program or department. It speaks to our broader military support network.”
Over the past year, Military & Veteran Engagement and the VA Educational Benefits Office added full-time staff dedicated to serving veterans and military-connected students. Additionally, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provided a licensed clinician to focus specifically on the needs of veterans and military-connected students.
Last month, Military & Veteran Engagement expanded its space by opening a second resource center on the third floor of Hendrix Student Center. The new space includes a partnership hub allowing the office to host a CAPS counselor, Upstate Warrior Solution, social workers, vocational rehabilitation counselors and other community partners to better serve military-connected students.
Military Friendly® is the latest in a line of military-related honors for Clemson this academic year. In the fall, Clemson earned bronze Veteran Friendly Employer and Military Academic Program awards from the South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as “Best Colleges for Vets” distinction from Military Times.
Visit the new Military & Veteran Engagement website for more information.