Best for Vets

KENNESAW, Ga. | Nov 12, 2018

Kennesaw State recognized by Military Times

Kennesaw State University has been recognized among the nation’s top schools for veterans, according to Military Times magazine in its annual “Best for Vets: Colleges 2019” rankings. The University was one of only 137 four-year institutions of higher learning nationwide to be recognized by the publication.

The Military Times “Best for Vets” rankings factor in the most comprehensive school-by-school assessment of veteran and military students’ success rates. Hundreds of colleges and universities are surveyed across the country each year. The distinction recognizes and rewards schools for their commitment to providing opportunities to America’s veterans.

“Veterans Day reminds all of us of the sacrifices made by America’s men and women in uniform,” said President Pamela Whitten. “Kennesaw State is proud to be recognized by Military Times for our efforts to deliver a world-class education to our nation’s veterans. This designation is a reflection of the priority Kennesaw State places on  providing our students who served their country with an exceptional educational experience.”

Northern Virginia-based Military Times’ annual survey team evaluated myriad factors that make an organization a good fit for service members, military veterans and their families. Institutions were asked to complete a rigorous 150-question analysis of their complete offerings for veterans. They were evaluated based on their survey responses and from data obtained from the federal Education, Defense and Veterans Affairs departments to determine how schools stacked up across five categories: university culture, academic quality and outcomes, policies, student support, and cost and financial aid.

“Best for Vets” provides servicemen and servicewomen a gauge by which to judge whether a school or degree program will truly benefit them. The rankings factored in service member enrollment, percentage of tuition covered by the GI Bill, and availability of specific programs to help service members. The extensive evaluation process also factored in data commonly used to track student success and academic quality, including student loan default rates, retention rates, graduation rates and student-faculty ratio.

Kennesaw State was the first University System of Georgia institution to open a Military and Veteran Services resource center in November 2009, serving as a one-stop shop for veterans who wish to start or continue their college education. Part of Student Affairs, KSU’s Military and Veteran Services counsels veterans on applying for educational benefits and assists with enrollment.

“Kennesaw State’s Military and Veteran Services continues to have a tremendous impact on our veteran student population,” said Bob Mattox, associate vice president for Student Affairs. “They have encouraged and retained thousands of veterans through their hard work, and they remain dedicated to the University’s core mission to put the student first.”

From 2007 through 2018, Kennesaw State experienced more than a 100 percent increase in the number of veterans enrolled. Currently, the University enrolls more than 3,300 veterans and 1,200 post-9/11 veterans.

Click here for the full “Best for Vets: Colleges 2018” rankings, or go to charts.militarytimes.com.

Click here for more information about Kennesaw State’s Military and Veteran Services resource center, or visit http://mvs.kennesaw.edu.

– Robert S. Godlewski

Photo by Rob Witzel

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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 45,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.