Clemson University is proud to announce it has received a No. 10 national ranking as a Military Friendly® Employer. While Clemson has earned a “Gold” distinction for three consecutive years, this is the first year the University has been named in the Top Ten in the non-profit/government category.
Presented by VIQTORY, a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business, the award measures employers’ “commitment, effort and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community.”
Institutions earning the Military Friendly® Employers designation were evaluated using both public data sources and survey responses. Over 1,200 companies participated in the Military Friendly® survey. Final ratings were determined by combining survey scores with assessments on recruitment, new hire retention, employee turnover, and promotion and advancement of veterans and military employees.
Clemson is proud of its history as a military institution and continuously showcases its commitment to serve those who served our country through various veteran programs. The University was the first higher education institution in the state to establish to a partnership with the Department of Defense (DoD) SkillBridge Program, which helps service members transition smoothly from their military careers to civilian opportunities through internships, apprenticeships and training. Clemson also offers Veteran Preference for qualified applicants seeking full-time, regular positions. Once employed at Clemson, active military and veteran employees are eligible for specific benefits and discounts.
“Clemson’s proud military heritage continues to shape who we are today,” said Ale Kennedy, associate vice president and chief human resources officer. “This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to support, hire and honor those who have served our nation.”
In addition to supporting faculty and staff, Clemson has also been recognized for its commitment to veteran and military-connected students. In March 2025, Clemson was given a No. 2 ranking as a Military Friendly® School for 2025-2026. Clemson improved five spots from the previous year’s ranking among Tier 1 research institutions.
Clemson has earned a host of awards throughout the years related to its support of the military, including recognition by the South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs (SCDVA) as the first higher education institution in the state to be named a Veteran-Friendly Employer.
The University will host a range of activities to celebrate our veteran and military community during Military Appreciation Week (November 17 – 22). The events will culminate with the Military Appreciation Football Game on November 22.
