SWCC Makes the Military Times Best for Vets 2025 College Rankings

Arlington, Va., November 17, 2025 – Military Times released its 2025 Best for Vets: Colleges rankings, the most trusted, comprehensive list of U.S. colleges and universities committed to supporting military service members, veterans and their families.

This year’s list includes 357 institutions, marking the largest field in the program’s history and a substantial increase from 304 in 2024. The growth underscores the expanding network of colleges prioritizing veteran success through targeted programs, financial support and student-veteran communities.

“For 15 years, Best for Vets has helped transitioning service members find schools that not only welcome veterans but actively invest in their success,” said Jon Simkins, Executive Editor of Military Times and Sightline Media Group. “The record-breaking participation this year shows that higher education leaders are listening and working to create environments where veterans can thrive academically and personally.”

Military Times collects data from an extensive  survey from colleges across the country. Institutions are evaluated on academic quality, student support services, affordability, and outcomes for veterans, including graduation and retention rates.

Key trends from the 2025 survey include:

• Increased participation among public universities and community colleges, signaling broader institutional engagement.
• A surge in online and hybrid program options, which continue to support active-duty and Guard/Reserve students.
• Growth in dedicated veteran resource centers, peer mentorship networks and mental health services tailored to post-service transition.

“Our inclusion as a Military Times Best for Vets College reflects our commitment to education, and it represents our dedication to building a community where veterans and their families feel supported, valued, and empowered. We believe that when those who have served thrive, our entire college and local community grow stronger together,” said Dr. Clint Hayes, President of Southwest Virginia Community College.

The full Best for Vet: Colleges 2025 Ranking can be found here, and you can read the original Military Times Announces 2025 Best for Vets: Colleges Ranking, Expands to 357 Institutions Nationwide press release here.