Understanding the Survey
Every institution dedicates itself to the military and veteran community when they participate in the Military Friendly® Schools Survey. We are here to help. Below are resources and answers to the questions you have, so we can work together towards making every institution in America “Better for Veterans.”
The expanded timeline that includes designation release dates and future survey openings
The list of Military Friendly® Schools and Military Friendly® Schools ratings are assessed through the evaluation of both public data about the institution and proprietary data gathered through our free Military Friendly® Schools survey. The annual, data-driven Military Friendly® Schools survey assessment is offered at no cost to more than 8,800 institutions nationwide. Each year, schools taking the survey are held to a higher standard than in previous years via improved methodology, criteria and weightings developed with the assistance of an independent research firm and our Advisory Council.
Survey responses are weighted according to the categories below. Final survey results and ratings are determined by combining an institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet minimum thresholds for Student Retention, Graduation, Job Placement, Loan Repayment and Loan Default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans. The benchmark is set by the score of the leading institution.
EY, a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services, independently evaluated the scoring methodology used for the Military Friendly® Schools list using the criteria set forth by VIQTORY. The services performed by EY were limited to advisory procedures and do not provide assurance over the scoring methodology.
Video Breakdown
Public Data Sources
Additionally, we use public data sources to check that the institution has three or more of the following federal programs in operation and good standing:
- Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program (provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill)
- Official commitment to the Eight Keys to Veterans’ Success
- VA’s Principles of Excellence
- Federal Financial Aid Shopping Sheet
- Armed Forces Tuition Assistance (TA) Funding
- DoD Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Tuition Assistance
- Veteran Success on Campus (VSOC) Program
- Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges Network
Finally, we use public data sources to check that the institution does not have any federal precautionary flags against it, such as those listed below.
- The number of veteran student complaints reported by the VA is greater than or equal to 5% of total enrolled veterans at the school.
- The institution is currently or was under one or more federal precautionary flags within the last 12 months.
- The institution’s accreditation has not been suspended.
- The institution’s federal programs have not been suspended.
Understand the Top 10, Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards, the Categorical breakdowns, and more.
The categories for the 2019-2020 Military Friendly® Schools survey is as follows:
- Graduate School
- Large Community College
- Large Public
- Non-Traditional
- Online / Vocational
- Private not offering Doctorate
- Private Offering Doctorate
- Small Community College
- Small Public
- Tier 1 Research
- Tier 2 Research
The 2019-2020 Military Friendly® Designation is awarded to companies who meet the requirements in the Methodology section above. They are committed to being Better for Veterans and are an example to American schools.
The Military Friendly® School with Bronze distinction is a school who scored within 30% of the 10th best school in their category. These institutions have exceptional military/veteran programs and this award showcases their dedication.
The 2019 Military Friendly® Silver Designation is awarded to schools who meet the requirements and score within 20% of the 10th ranking school in their category. Only a select group of institutions achieve this honor.
The Military Friendly® School with Gold distinction is a school who scored within 10% of the 10th ranking school in their category. These employers are setting the example with their programs and initiatives.
The Military Friendly® Top 10 Schools are the guidon bearers for military/veteran programs and initiatives. They set the standard for other designations and are programs that continue to improve every year.
