UNC Charlotte is one of the 125 four-year institutions to make the Military Times “Best for Vets: Colleges 2016” rankings.
An annual survey in its six year, the Military Times rankings provide the most comprehensive school-by-school assessment of veteran and military student services and rates of academic achievement.
“It’s been amazing to witness how colleges all across higher education have embraced service members and their families,” said Amanda Miller, editor of Military Times’ Best for Vets rankings and special editions. “Over the past six years of our surveys, we’ve seen so many schools first begin to foster – through new policies, services and dedicated facilities – and then nurture these wonderful communities.”
She added, “We award the Best for Vets designation to the very best – the colleges that really are setting the example.
David Vacchi, associate director for veteran student services, said being ranked by Military Times is “an important first-time achievement for UNC Charlotte as we are finally being recognized for the great work the University is doing for veterans every day. There are areas in which we can improve as a campus and the Veterans Services Office will be working diligently to make the campus even more welcoming for veterans.”
Vacchi, a retired lieutenant colonel who served in the U.S. Army, joined the University earlier this year.
In addition to a listing of four-year institutions, Military Times included two-year colleges and online/traditional schools in its rankings.
Military Times’ annual “Best for Vets: Colleges” survey asked colleges and universities to document an array of services, special rules, accommodations and financial incentives offered to students with military ties; and to describe many aspects of veteran culture on a campus. Military Times also factored in data from the Veterans Affairs and Defense Departments, as well as three Education Department sources: the IPEDS Data Center, College Scorecard data and the Cohort Default Rate Database.