Aiken, SC (03/16/2023) — The Office of Veteran and Military Student Success at the University of South Carolina Aiken was recently awarded the elite Military Friendly Schools Gold Award by Military Times. While the university remains ranked first in South Carolina, this is a considerable jump to number eight in national rank among small public universities.
According to the organization’s website, institutions earning the Military Friendly Schools award designation were evaluated using public data and survey responses. Over 1,800 schools participated in the 2023-2024 survey, and 250 were selected for the “Gold” award status based on their leading practices, outcomes and effective programs. When considering award status, much attention is given to an institution’s ability to meet thresholds for retention, graduation, job placement, repayment, persistence, and loan default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.
Robert Murphy, director of the VMSS, expressed his gratitude to the center’s supporters. “We’re fortunate to be on a campus that values the contributions of our veterans, military service members and their families, and is committed to their individual and collective success,” he said. “This distinction is evidence of that commitment, along with the support and advocacy of our community, donors, alumni and partners.”
The mission of the VMSS is to champion veterans, service members, and family members of the United States Armed Forces in their educational pursuits as they transition from military service through the university and on to becoming vital community members. The VMSS aims to provide nationally recognized education and holistic transition support that will deliver to the local, national, and global workforce a generation of military veterans who are solid thinkers and leaders.
“USC Aiken is best positioned to help veterans and military-affiliated individuals achieve their education, career, and life goals,” Murphy said.
For more information about the VMSS, visit usca.edu/vmss.
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