BOONE, N.C. — Military Times has named Appalachian State University to its 2024 “Best for Vets: Colleges” rankings list, which honors the nation’s top colleges and universities for military service members and veterans.
The university ranked as No. 39 out of 304 nationwide schools included in the overall rankings list, or within the top 13% of schools recognized. Additionally, App State placed among the top 10 ranked schools in the Southeast and as the No. 2 school in North Carolina.
App State also secured the No. 29 spot of the 215 public schools named on the list, placing the university within the top 14% of schools recognized.
“These recognitions reaffirm our steadfast dedication across the university to support veterans, service members and their families in their academic pursuits,” said App State Interim Chancellor Heather Norris. “We are grateful for the chance to serve those who have served our country and we are honored to continue supporting you.”
The rankings evaluate U.S. higher education institutions based on their student success metrics, 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 resources and support measures in place for military-affiliated students, including career services tailored to military students, priority registration for classes, 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.
App State Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets are pictured Nov. 7, participating in a field training exercise at App State’s Teaching and Research Farm in Ashe County. Photo by Chase Reynolds
In fall 2024, App State enrolls 1,403 military-affiliated students, including 261 veterans, 113 active-duty service members, 40 military spouses and 989 military dependents.
“Our student veterans bring invaluable experience, perspective and resilience to the App State Community, and their dedication goes beyond academic success," said Bethany Gonzalez, associate director of App State Student Veteran Services. "They take on leadership roles across campus and are deeply committed to service within and beyond our university. This commitment was evident in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, when many of our military Mountaineers stepped up to volunteer in our community.”
Gonzalez added, "We are proud to help create an environment where our military-affiliated students can thrive, connect and continue to make an impact.”
About the rankings
To generate its 2024 “Best for Vets: Colleges” rankings, Military Times considered the following criteria:
- Success metrics — including retention and graduation rates, as well as student GPAs.
- 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.
For the 2024 survey, Military Times reported that it introduced a deeper level of categorization in the scoring that better distinguishes the different levels of educational opportunities at each institution. Success metrics for each level of education — certificate, associate, baccalaureate and graduate — were compared against one another for all schools offering these levels.
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 miltiarytimes.com.
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The university also received a top 10 Military Spouse Friendly School designation
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.
The university also received a top 10 Military Spouse Friendly School designation
