ATHENS, WV – For the second consecutive year, Concord University has been recognized on “Military Times” Best for Vets college ranking list.
The magazine released its 2025 Best for Vets: Colleges rankings this week, and this year’s list includes 357 institutions, marking the largest field in the program’s history and a substantial increase from 304 in 2024. The growth underscores the expanding network of colleges prioritizing veteran success through targeted programs, financial support, and student-veteran communities.
This year’s results reflect an increase in Mountain State ranking, as Concord rose two spots, from No. 4 to No. 2.
“Our military-connected community at Concord University has steadily increased in numbers over the past six years, reflecting our ongoing commitment to creating an environment where veterans and their families can thrive. Being recognized by ‘Military Times’ as one of the most veteran-friendly campuses in the nation affirms the impact of this work and the dedication of our team,” CU Veteran Services Director of Veteran Services George Williams said.
Since the whole campus works together to support militaryaffiliated students, he added that the achievement is an accomplishment that should inspire pride throughout the entire CU community.
“At Concord, our support extends far beyond the classroom,” Williams said. “We provide comprehensive services, individualized guidance, and campus-wide advocacy to ensure that every military-connected student has the tools they need to succeed. The success of our veterans and their families will always be one of our highest priorities.”
“Military Times” collects data from an extensive survey from colleges across the country. Institutions are evaluated on academic quality, student support services, affordability, and outcomes for veterans, including graduation and retention rates.
Key trends from the 2025 survey include:
- Increased participation among public universities and community colleges, signaling broader institutional engagement.
- A surge in online and hybrid program options, which continue to support active-duty and Guard/Reserve students.
- Growth in dedicated veteran resource centers, peer mentorship networks and mental health services tailored to post-service transition.
The full 2025 ranking, along with an interactive database of schools, is available for review at bestforvets.militarytimes.com/colleges.
