By Jeff Murphy,
November 7, 2023
WARRENSBURG, MO – Military Times, which provides the largest comprehensive annual
ranking of higher education institutions for military service members and veterans,
has named the University of Central Missouri among its 2023 Best for Vets: Colleges.
UCM earned the highest overall rankings among all public and private Missouri institutions.
This designation is based on the results of a survey that was sent to colleges and
universities across the nation asking about higher education programs for veterans.
The survey results were analyzed, along with public data about colleges and universities
obtained from the Department of Education and Department of Veterans Affairs, and
turned into an official Military Times ranking. Institutions were asked to complete
the survey earlier this year and the responses were then analyzed by the Military
Times data team to produce an unbiased annual ranking.
In its first year of inclusion in this Military Times online compilation of the 325
best colleges and universities for veterans, UCM was ranked 5th in the Central region;
41st overall; 39th for institutions that primarily have in-person enrollment; and
40th in general education.. The rankings can be found on the new Best for Vets website:
bestforvets.com.
For more than a decade, Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges has continued to serve
and support the military community through its rankings and reporting on the top colleges
and universities for veterans.
“Our comprehensive survey and thoughtful methodology make our rankings best in class,”
said Mike Gruss, editor-in-chief at Sightline Media Group, parent company of Military
Times.
“I am very excited about this recognition as it shows the commitment and hard work
our campus puts in to support our military affiliated-student population,” said Courtney
Swoboda, a veteran of the United States Air Force who also serves as director of Military
and Veteran Services at UCM.
She added,“The Military and Veterans Success Center is highly engaged with our students
and campus partners to educate them on our office, resources, and benefits. We put
our students first and are always looking for better ways to support them. I am very
proud of our program and our campus."
The rankings have become a popular resource for higher education institutions to spread
the word about their veteran programs and help veterans make important decisions about
their educational planning and how to use the education benefits they earned through
military service. UCM has a strong relationship with individuals who serve in all
branches of the military. While it is in close proximity to Whiteman Air Force Base
and offers courses at the base, it has online course and degree offerings that can
reach individuals across the globe, including those military members who may be deployed.
The university also offers in-state tuition for all active duty and military veterans
and a Military Tuition Package that helps reduce costs not covered by traditional
military benefits. Additionally, UCM provides in-state rates to the spouses and children
of military members and veterans, and if eligible they also can receive the Military
Tuition Package, receive support from Military and Veterans Services, and discounts
that make their education more affordable. UCM also provides a Command Pass that enables
military members enrolled at UCM free admission to home athletic games and theatre
events.
While such opportunities are ongoing, many additional efforts have been taken over
the past three years to assist individuals affiliated with the military. This includes
working on numerous projects such as updating furniture and creating a quiet study
computer lab in the Military and Veterans Success Center, a facility that was created
more than a decade ago as a one-stop resource to serve active duty military and veterans
who are enrolled at UCM. Other initiatives include partnerships such as becoming an
AU-ABC- approved (Air University Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative within the
Community College of the Air Force) institution, and collaboration with departments
on campus such as the Career and Life Design Center to provide opportunities to attend
job fairs and use other resources that serve active duty military members and veterans.
The university also recently obtained a new golf cart that is used for Veteran Lead
Tours and to assist any disabled veterans to and from classes.
About Military Times
The Military Times is a source for independent news and information for service members
and their families. The military community relies on Air Force Times, Army Times,
Marine Corps Times, and Navy Times for reporting on everything important to their
lives, including branch-specific news, pay, benefits, finance, education, health care,
recreational resources, retirement, promotions, product reviews, and entertainment.
Military Times is owned by Sightline Media Group. To learn more, visit www.militarytimes.com.