GVSU named a 'Best for Vets' college by national outlet

Grand Valley State University has been named a 2021 “Best for Vets” college by the national news outlet Military Times. 

Grand Valley joins 366 colleges and universities throughout the country that are included on the 2021 list. The rankings were based on survey responses from schools, as well as public data about colleges and universities obtained from the Department of Education and Department of Veterans Affairs.

The survey included more than 70 questions about costs, programs, policies and services that impact military-connected students.

President Philomena V. Mantella said the national ranking fits with Grand Valley’s commitment to be the Midwest leader for veterans’ education — from the GVSU Veteran Promise which guarantees admission for enlisted 2021 Michigan high school graduates to the Student Veterans Network to the Michigan Veteran Entrepreneurship-Lab and the Peter Secchia Military and Veterans Program.

“We’ve been intentional about expanding resources, support and space for our student veterans,” said Mantella. “These dedicated students enrich our campuses by bringing a variety of experiences to their fellow students.”

Grand Valley has about 400 student veterans. Jill Wolfe, military and veteran resource manager, said students choose Grand Valley because of its long-standing reputation as a military- and veteran-inclusive university.

“We are known for our successful educational programs and support for student veterans,” Wolfe said. “This national recognition will help us continue to expand Grand Valley's visibility, partnerships and pipelines within the community and beyond.”

Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges is the largest and most comprehensive rankings of schools for military service members and veterans. Learn more at https://colleges.militarytimes.com/

Grand Valley consistently receives national recognition for its commitment to veterans. 

In U.S. News & World Report's 2021 Best Colleges rankings, Grand Valley is listed as a Best for Veterans among Midwest universities. GVSU was also named a 2021-22 Military Friendly School; the Military Friendly® ranking recognizes higher education institutions that provide the best opportunities for veterans and their spouses.

Mantella was presented with the prestigious 2020 William Pearson Tolley Champion for Veterans in Higher Education award from the Student Veterans of America. Mantella was honored for her “tireless work on behalf of student veterans and military-affiliated students.” The award was given to a single university president, chosen from more than 1,500 universities with SVA chapters.

Learn more about the many ways Grand Valley supports veterans at https://www.gvsu.edu/veterans/