For the 13th year in a row, Southwestern has been recognized on the national stage for the University’s inclusivity efforts for the military community. Military Friendly® has honored Southwestern with their 2026-2027 Silver Award, bestowed upon the top universities in the country who create sustainable and meaningful education paths for members of the military community.

“Receiving the Silver Award and being recognized for 13 consecutive years underscores Southwestern’s enduring commitment to our veteran and military-connected students,” Associate Registrar and VA School Certifying Official Nadia Mahannah said. “For over a decade, we have prioritized creating sustainable and inclusive pathways for those who have served, recognizing that their presence deeply enriches our campus fabric. These students bring a level of leadership, resilience, and global perspective that inspires their peers and faculty alike, fostering a collective environment where diverse life experiences lead to shared success. We are honored to support their transition and remain dedicated to ensuring they have a community where their contributions are both valued and elevated every day.”

For decades, Southwestern has worked to create a welcoming and inclusive space for the military community by partnering with the Veterans Administration to administer benefits that support veterans and their dependents who attend SU 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.

Additionally, 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.

“This recognition affirms who we are,” Vice President for Academic Affairs Robin Currey said. “As someone whose path to higher education was shaped by my family’s military service and survivor’s benefits, I see firsthand how transformative access can be. We are committed to being a place where veterans and their families can translate service into meaningful next chapters through our classes, our career and professional development services, and service-related credit review.”

Institutions earning the Military Friendly Schools® designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. According to the 2026-2027 Military Friendly® Schools Data Snapshot, over 3,200 institutions across the country participated in this cycle, with 878 earning designations as 2026-2027 Military Friendly® Schools.

Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Military Friendly®, in consultation with the Military Friendly® Advisory Council, a group of independent leaders in the military community. Final ratings were determined by combining an organization’s survey score, public data, and an assessment of the institution’s ability to meet and exceed thresholds for student recruitment, retention, academic progress, graduation rates, career placement, and support services for veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses.

“Earning the Military Friendly® designation is more than a badge of honor; it is a reflection of an institution’s deep-rooted values and strategic commitment to those who served,” Military Friendly® Vice President of Memberships Kayla Lopez said. “These schools don’t just open doors for veterans and military spouses, they build sustainable pathways for academic success and long-term impact. Their support is transformative, proving that investing in military-connected students is both a moral imperative and a standard for educational excellence.”

As part of the honor, Southwestern will be showcased in the 2026-2027 Guide to Military Friendly Schools® in the April issue of G.I. Jobs® magazine and on 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.

Military Friendly® is the standard that measures an organization’s commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community. Over 3,200 organizations compete annually for the Military Friendly Schools® designation. Military Friendly® is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business. Military Friendly® is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or the federal government. Results are produced via a rules-based algorithm. The data-driven Military Friendly® lists and methodology can be found at militaryfriendly.com.