Clemson University has been ranked No. 7 nationally among colleges and universities and No. 79 nationally among employers by Military Times Magazine in its annual “Best for Vets” rankings. Additionally, Clemson has been recognized as a top veteran school and employer by U.S. Veterans Magazine.
Military Times considers several factors in its “Best for Vets” ranking, including military-specific resources, financial assistance opportunities, registration policies, human resources and more. Clemson improved its position among national institutions by six spots over 2025 and continues to be the top-ranked university in the state of South Carolina. Among employers, Clemson jumped 13 spots from No. 92 in last year’s ranking and is third overall in the education industry.
“Clemson’s military-connected employees bring valuable experience, dedication and leadership to our University,” says Associate Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Ale Kennedy. “We’re proud to foster an environment where veterans, service members and military families can thrive, and grateful for the contributions they make across our campus community every day.”
Through U.S. Veterans Magazine, Clemson has been recognized as a:
- Top Veteran School
- Yellow Ribbon School
- Top Veteran Employer
- Top Milspouse Employer
U.S. Veterans Magazine rankings are a compiled list of colleges and universities who support the military community through veteran resource centers, military-inclusive policies, flexible learning and work options, scholarships, mentorship initiatives, career-focused degree programs and professional development pathways.
This fall, Clemson has supported 3,228 military-connected students, including 521 service members and veterans and 2,707 military family members — representing 11 percent of Clemson’s enrollment. The Office of Military and Veteran Engagement supports the Univeresity’s military-connected population through resource centers in Hendrix Student Center and Vickery Hall.
“There’s something in these hills of the South Carolina upstate,” says Executive Director of Military Affairs Jimmy Mullinax, “and that something is how we honor and celebrate our military.”
