BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University has been recognized among the top schools nationwide for military service members and veterans, according to Military Times, which named App State to its 2023 “Best for Vets: Colleges” rankings list, released Nov. 6.

The university ranked as No. 99 out of 325 nationwide schools included in the overall rankings list, or within the top 30% of schools recognized. Additionally, App State placed as No. 21 among “Best for Vets” schools in the Southeast, or within the top 35% of schools recognized in this category.

Of the 173 four-year, public schools named to the list, App State secured the No. 70 spot, placing the university within the top 40% of schools recognized.

“App State is proud to once again be nationally recognized as a top university for our military community,” said App State Chancellor Sheri Everts. “We are privileged to serve military-affiliated students, veterans and their families — and this recognition affirms our universitywide commitment to their success.”

The rankings evaluate U.S. higher education institutions on their programs, training and support infrastructure for military-affiliated students and are designed to “help veterans make important decisions about their educational planning and how to use the education benefits they earned through military service,” Military Times stated in a news release.

In its online profile of App State, Military Times highlighted the university’s “dedicated support for military-affiliated students,” including resources such as the Major General Edward M. Reeder Jr. Student Veteran Resource Center, designated admissions counselors for veterans and military service members, and financial aid and scholarship opportunities available to military-affiliated students and their families.

In fall 2023, App State enrolls 1,328 military-affiliated students, including 261 veterans, 105 active-duty service members, 31 military spouses and 931 military dependents.

“Our student veterans bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the App State Community,” said Bethany Gonzalez, associate director of App State Student Veteran Services. “They strive to be successful in and out of the classroom, serve as campus leaders and also serve the local community.”

She continued, “App State works hard to create a network of support for its military-affiliated students, with the Student Veteran Resource Center serving as the home base for our military population. The center works closely with campus partners to ensure our students have a meaningful campus experience.”

About the rankings

To generate its 2023 “Best for Vets: Colleges” rankings, Military Times considered the following criteria:

• Student success metrics — including retention and graduation rates, as well as student GPAs — which were given the most weight.
• The range of military-specific resources available for students.
• The level of financial assistance the schools offer.
• The schools’ admissions and registration policies, as well as human resources.

Military Times compiled the rankings based on surveys sent to colleges and universities about their programs for veterans, as well as public data obtained from the U.S. Department of Education and Department of Veterans Affairs.

Military Times is an independent news source for members of the U.S. military and their families. To learn more, visit militarytimes.com.

What do you think?

Share your feedback on this story.

Student Veteran Services

Student Veteran Services at Appalachian State University is dedicated to helping the university’s military-affiliated students thrive on campus and in the Boone community. The unit does so by connecting student veterans and military-affiliated students with services and resources that are commensurate with their needs, capabilities and contributions. These resources and services include the Major General Edward M. Reeder Jr. Student Veteran Resource Center, priority registration, scholarship opportunities, a Student Veteran Association and others.

Learn more

App State earns designation as a Top 10 Military Friendly School for 2023–24

May 26, 2023

App State has been designated as a Military Friendly School for the 14th consecutive year, ranking among the top 10 in the large public schools category for the 2023–24 academic year.

Read the story

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.