Southwestern University’s inclusivity efforts for the military community continue to receive national honors. Military Friendly® has once again awarded Southwestern with the Silver Award, bestowed upon the top universities in the country who create sustainable and meaningful education paths for members of the military community.

“At Southwestern University, we are proud to recognize and appreciate the unique experiences that student veterans and military-connected students bring to our campus community,” Associate Registrar and VA School Certifying Official Nadia Mahannah said. “Their diverse backgrounds, service, and life experiences contribute greatly to our shared environment, fostering a space where all individuals can learn, grow, and succeed together. We value the leadership, resilience, and perspectives they offer, enriching our University in meaningful ways.”

Southwestern partners with the Veterans Administration to administer benefits to support veterans and their dependents who attend as full-time students. The University participates in a variety of programs to support the military community, including the Post 9/11 GI Bill®, Yellow Ribbon Program, Veteran Readiness & Employment program, and Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program. Staff in SU’s Admission, Financial Aid, and Registrar’s Offices work with prospective students from the military community to develop academic and college financing plans.

When determining their rankings, Military Friendly® evaluates both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. Survey topics and questions are reviewed and developed with the assistance of a Military Friendly® Advisory Council composed of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment communities.

Final ratings were determined by combining each institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for student retention, graduation rate, job placement, loan repayment, persistence (degree advancement or transfer), and loan default rates for all students.

“Military Friendly® is committed to transparency and providing consistent data-driven standards in our designation process,” Military Friendly® Vice President Kayla Lopez said. “Our standards provide a benchmark that promotes positive outcomes and support services that better the educational landscape and provide opportunity for the military community. This creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages institutions to evolve and invest in their programs consistently. Schools who achieve awards designation show true commitment in their efforts, exceeding the standard.”

Over 1,800 schools around the country were evaluated as part of the 2025-2026 rankings, with 830 institutions earning special awards for going above and beyond the standard. The 2025-2026 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in the May and October issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and at militaryfriendly.com.

For more information about the resources available for the military community at Southwestern University, please visit southwestern.edu/academics/records-registrar/veterans.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at benefits.va.gov/gibill.