BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University has earned the No. 1 spot on Forbes’ 2026 list of “America’s Best Employers For Veterans,” released today. The rankings recognize organizations across the nation that excel in welcoming military veterans and aiding their transition into civilian workplace environments.
For its seventh annual “America’s Best Employers For Veterans” rankings, Forbes, in partnership with market research firm Statista, surveyed over 25,000 veterans at U.S. companies with more than 1,000 employees, analyzing participants’ input related to veteran health benefits, career development opportunities and veteran programs across 150 top-scoring organizations.
App State’s Heroes block A icon, which features the American flag, marks the entrance of the university’s Major General Edward M. Reeder Jr. Student Veteran Resource Center. The center, which opened in 2016, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Photo by Kyla Willoughby
“Being recognized as the top employer for military veterans reflects the immense value our veteran faculty and staff bring to Appalachian State University every day,” said App State Chancellor Heather Norris. “Their leadership, resilience and dedication enrich our academic community and elevate everything we do. We are deeply honored by their service, and App State remains steadfastly committed to supporting them in every phase of their professional journey.”
App State also consistently ranks among the nation’s premier institutions for military-affiliated students. U.S. News & World Report ranked App State No. 3 among Southern universities in its 2027 Best Colleges for Veterans category — marking six consecutive years App State has held a top five ranking in the category. Additionally, Military Times ranked the university No. 5 nationally overall and No. 1 in North Carolina on its 2025 “Best for Vets: Colleges” list, while VIQTORY has named App State a Military Friendly® School for 17 consecutive years.
App State Chancellor Heather Norris gives opening remarks at the university’s annual 2025 Veterans Day Ceremony, held in the B.B. Dougherty Administration Building on App State’s Boone campus. Photo by Chase Reynolds
App State employs 118 military-affiliated members in the 2026–27 academic year and enrolls 1,535 military-affiliated students, including 292 veterans, 110 active-duty service members, 94 spouses and 1,039 military dependents. The university offers many benefits for its veteran employees, including:
- Veterans’ hiring preference for those who qualify, including to eligible spouses. The university is committed to equal employment opportunity and affirmative action for covered veterans, with job openings available across a range of fields.
- Dedicated Human Resources support to help veterans transition to the High Country and navigate university resources.
- Continued professional development opportunities provided by the university.
- Tuition waivers and an academic assistance program for eligible university employees.
- App State’s Military Affairs Committee also supports military-affiliated students, faculty and staff by advocating for veterans, their dependents and other military-affiliated community members. The committee advises university administration on policies, practices and environments that reflect their unique needs, capabilities and contributions.
- Recognition of veteran employees through appreciation events such as Heroes Week, which recognizes military service around Veterans Day and features the Veterans Day Faculty and Staff Luncheon.
- Access to the High Country’s outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking, climbing, fishing and running.
- Hickory’s affordability and quality of life, with the city named the nation’s No. 1 most beautiful and affordable place to live by Travel + Leisure and ranked No. 3 among the best places to live in North Carolina by U.S. News & World Report.
Cadets in App State’s Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program present the colors on the Kidd Brewer Stadium field during the Mountaineers’ Homecoming football game against Old Dominion on Oct. 10. Photo by Chase Reynolds. The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) or Military-themed visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement
This Forbes recognition adds to a number of workplace honors for App State. The university was named among North Carolina’s top 25 employers on Forbes’ “America’s Best-In-State Employers 2026” list, designated as the region’s largest 2026–2027 Family Forward NC Certified Employer and recognized as the 2025 Watauga County Large Business of the Year by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce.
Access the Forbes 2026 “America’s Best Employers For Veterans” rankings list: https://www.forbes.com/lists/best-employers-for-veterans/
App State named among nation’s and South’s best schools for 2026–27 for academics, quality and value
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, cost-effective education. 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.
App State named among nation’s and South’s best schools for 2026–27 for academics, quality and value
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