Clemson University has earned the silver 2022-2023 Military Friendly® School designation.
The designation is awarded to universities, community colleges and trade schools that are doing the most to embrace military students and dedicate resources to ensure their success in the classroom and after graduation.
Viqtory, the service-disabled, veteran-owned business that bestows the awards, explains the significance of the designation on their website:
“By setting a standard, then promoting it, we provide positive reinforcement for American organizations to invest in programs that improve the lives of veterans. That’s good for veterans, good for the organizations and good for America.”
Institutions earning the Military Friendly®School designation were evaluated using public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,800 schools participated in the 2022-2023 survey, with 665 earning special awards for going above the standard. That list is then provided to service members and their families, helping them select the best college, university, or trade school to receive the education and training needed to pursue a civilian career.
“Earning silver status as a Military Friendly School is a direct reflection of Clemson’s strong commitment to supporting student veterans and our military-connected population,” said Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Chris Miller. “They are often non-traditional with unique needs so providing them with the resources they need to be successful is a critical element of their Clemson student experience. We are proud of the strides the University has made in embracing a welcoming and inclusive environment for these students as they transition into civilian life by way of higher education.”
Viqtory determined methodology, criteria, and weightings with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent higher education and military recruitment community leaders. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for Student Retention, Graduation, Job Placement, Loan Repayment, Persistence (Degree Advancement or Transfer) and Loan Default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.
“Military Friendly® is committed to transparency and providing consistent data-driven standards in our designation process. Our standards provide a benchmark that promotes positive outcomes and support services that better the educational landscape and provide an opportunity for the Military Community,” said Kayla Lopez, National Director of Military Partnerships, Military Friendly®. “This creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages colleges to evolve and invest in their programs consistently. Schools who achieve awards designation show true commitment in their efforts, going over and above that standard.”
Clemson was also named a 2020, 2021 and 2022 Military Friendly Employer, making it the only institution of higher education selected for both designations multiple years in a row — a distinction in keeping with its long and rich military heritage. Since 1889, more than 10,000 Clemson men and women have served in the armed forces, with 494 giving the ultimate sacrifice. Many campus landmarks, including Memorial Stadium, Memorial Park, the Scroll of Honor Memorial and Military Heritage Plaza, are permanent reminders of Clemson’s military heritage. Clemson’s award-winning Army and Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps units and Pershing Rifles honor guard carry on many of the University’s military traditions today.
The 2022- 2023 list will be published in the May and October issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.
