For the first time in school history, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has been ranked among the nation’s Top 10 large public universities in the Military Friendly® Schools rankings—a designation that recognizes excellence in creating sustainable and meaningful educational paths for military-connected students.
UTC earned Top 10 Gold Military Friendly® School status for 2025-26, ranking No. 10 nationwide and first in the Southeast Region. The University was also designated as a Military Spouse Friendly® School for its continued efforts in supporting military families.
Approximately 1,500 veterans, military-affiliated students, spouses and dependents of veterans are enrolled at UTC.
“This is a major milestone for UTC and our entire military-connected community,” said Sylvana Matthews, director of the UTC Office of Veteran and Military Affairs. “While we’ve proudly held Gold status before, breaking into the Top 10 means we’re officially among the best of the best when it comes to supporting our veterans, active-duty service members and their families.”
More than 1,800 schools participated in the 2025-26 Military Friendly® survey cycle, with 830 earning special awards for exceeding the standard. According to the organization, the designation recognizes schools that “strive toward and succeed in the areas that matter most in helping veterans make the transition from the military to school and, ultimately, satisfying careers in the civilian world.”
Military Friendly® ratings are determined by evaluating public data, survey responses and proprietary information collected annually. Institutions are assessed on student retention, graduation rates, job placement, loan repayment and degree persistence, with additional focus on the experiences of student veterans.
Matthews credited the rise to Top 10 status to the collective commitment of UTC’s student veterans, work-study students, staff and partners across campus and the community.
“Our ambassadors and staff go above and beyond every single day,” she said, “and the relationships we’ve built with community partners have created an environment where military-connected students feel welcomed, supported and empowered to succeed.”
UTC Veteran and Military Affairs provides a comprehensive suite of services for military-connected students—including admissions assistance, GI Bill® and financial aid guidance, veteran-specific scholarships, mental health resources, and dedicated spaces like the Veteran and Military Affairs Lounge in Hooper Hall.
The office also facilitates connections to campus events, community outreach programs and professional development opportunities that help prepare students for life after graduation.
“Our goal is to make sure every military-affiliated student feels like they belong here,” Matthews said. “Whether they’re coming straight from active duty, transitioning to civilian life or balancing the challenges of being a military spouse or dependent, we are here to support them every step of the way.”
The Military Friendly® Schools list is published in G.I. Jobs magazine and highlights institutions nationwide that demonstrate excellence in serving military and veteran students.
“Military Friendly® is committed to transparency and providing consistent data-driven standards in our designation process,” Military Friendly® Vice President Kayla Lopez said in the organization’s announcement. “Our standards provide a benchmark that promotes positive outcomes and support services that better the educational landscape and provide opportunity for the Military Community. This creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages institutions to evolve and invest in their programs consistently. Schools who achieve awards designation show true commitment in their efforts, exceeding the standard.”
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