UK earns 'Best for Vets: Colleges' distinction from Military Times

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 1, 2023) — For the second consecutive year, Military Times has named the University of Kentucky to its list of best schools for military service members and veterans.

UK ranked in the top 50 out of 325 institutions nationwide. The ranking is an affirmation of the impact of UK’s efforts in fostering a welcoming environment for all military veterans and assisting them in reaching their educational goals. 

“Being recognized as a 'Best for Vets' college isn't just an accolade; it's a testament to our commitment to student success and purpose-driven education,” said Hannah Simms, associate dean of students. “For every student, it means an institution dedicated to fostering not only academic excellence but also a profound sense of purpose. It signifies a community where veterans and their unique perspectives are valued, supported and celebrated. At our university, being 'Best for Vets' means empowering students to not only achieve their educational goals but to embark on a journey of self-discovery, resilience and a life filled with meaning and purpose.”

For 10 years, Military Times "Best for Vets: Colleges" has continued to serve and support the military community through its trusted ranking and reporting on the top schools for veterans. “Our comprehensive survey and thoughtful methodology make our rankings best in class,” said Mike Gruss, editor-in-chief at Sightline Media Group, parent company of Military Times. 

The rankings have become a go-to resource for schools to spread the word about their veteran programs and help veterans make important decisions about their educational planning and how to use the education benefits they earned through military service.

UK has had a proud and long-standing relationship with its U.S. military service men and women. To best support them, the university offers services through the Republic Bank Foundation Veterans Resource Center (VRC). 

Housed in the Office for Student Success, the VRC supports and advocates for veteran and military-connected students by fostering community, assisting with college transitions and processing GI Bill certification.

“The VRC is a vital hub for these extraordinary individuals to come together, share their unique life experiences and access a comprehensive array of resources and support,” said Gregory Judd, director of the VRC. “Our primary mission is to empower our military-connected students to pursue and achieve their desired careers. We are committed to providing the tools, guidance and opportunities they need to successfully transition to civilian life and excel in their chosen fields. Together, we aim to foster a thriving community that not only values their diverse backgrounds and experiences but also helps them realize their full potential and make a lasting impact in the world beyond their military service.”

The VRC is located on the ground floor of Erikson Hall and is open 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

To view the full rankings, click here. 

About Military Times

The Military Times is the trusted source for independent news and information for service members and their families. The military community relies on Air Force Times, Army Times, Marine Corps Times, and Navy Times for reporting on everything important to their lives, including branch-specific news, pay, benefits, finance, education, health care, recreational resources, retirement, promotions, product reviews and entertainment. Military Times is owned by Sightline Media Group. To learn more, visit the Military Times.