Prestigious honor from Military Times marks the third consecutive year USF ranks in the top two in the country
TAMPA, Fla. (Nov. 20, 2017) – The University of South Florida is the top four-year public university in the country for student veterans, according to rankings released on Monday by Military Times magazine. Among all public and private institutions, Military Times named USF the second best school nationally.
USF consistently ranks near the top of the publication’s annual list, including first overall last year.
“We are once again honored to be recognized by Military Times,” Larry Braue, director of the Office of Veteran Success at USF, said. “At USF, we believe our comprehensive and innovative approach to supporting student veterans as they transition out of the military truly leads to academic success.”
Military Times evaluated institutions in five categories: university culture, academic outcomes/quality, student support, academic policies and cost/financial aid. Evaluations were also based on a comprehensive 150-question survey submitted by each school, as well as the analysis of public educational data from three different federal agencies, responses of veterans about what is important to them and the editorial judgment of the magazine.
In releasing its rankings, Military Times highlights USF’s expansion of veteran-centered programs, including a course designed specifically to help student veterans find a job after graduation. The class brings in business leaders from a variety of industries and offers veterans opportunities to improve their resumes and job interview skills.
The publication also notes USF’s recent growth in its student veteran population. The university currently enrolls 1,838 student veterans, compared to 1,774 in fall 2016.
“We are focused on and providing the Tampa Bay Region with a talented, qualified and experienced workforce,” Braue added.
USF’s recent finishes on the Military Times annual list:
2018: #2
2017: #1
2016: #2
2015: #5
2014: #5
2013: #4
More information about USF’s Office of Veteran Success is available here.
About the University of South Florida
The University of South Florida, established in 1956 and located in Tampa, is a high-impact, global research university dedicated to student success. The USF System includes three, separately accredited institutions: USF; USF St. Petersburg; and USF Sarasota-Manatee. Serving more than 49,000 students, the USF System has an annual budget of $1.6 billion and an annual economic impact of $4.4 billion. USF ranks in the Top 30 nationally for research expenditures among public universities, according to the National Science Foundation. In 2016, the Florida Legislature designated USF as “Emerging Preeminent,” placing USF in an elite category among the state’s 12 public universities. USF is a member of the American Athletic Conference.