Excelsior University ranked among Military Times 2025 Best for Vets: Colleges
Arlington, Va. – Military Times has included Excelsior University in its 2025 Best for Vets: Colleges rankings, the most trusted, comprehensive list of U.S. colleges and universities committed to supporting military service members, veterans and their families.
This year’s list includes 357 institutions, marking the largest field in the program’s history and a substantial increase from 304 in 2024. The growth underscores the expanding network of colleges prioritizing veteran success through targeted programs, financial support and student-veteran communities.
“For 15 years, Best for Vets has helped transitioning service members find schools that not only welcome veterans but actively invest in their success,” said Jon Simkins, Executive Editor of Military Times and Sightline Media Group. “The record-breaking participation this year shows that higher education leaders are listening and working to create environments where veterans can thrive academically and personally.”
Military Times collects data from an extensive survey from colleges across the country. Institutions are evaluated on academic quality, student support services, affordability, and outcomes for veterans, including graduation and retention rates.
Key trends from the 2025 survey include:
- Increased participation among public universities and community colleges, signaling broader institutional engagement.
- A surge in online and hybrid program options, which continue to support active-duty and Guard/Reserve students.
- Growth in dedicated veteran resource centers, peer mentorship networks and mental health services tailored to post-service transition.
The full 2025 ranking, along with an interactive database of schools, can be found at bestforvets.militarytimes.com/colleges.
For more information about Excelsior University’s student veteran programs, visit Excelsior University’s website at www.excelsior.edu/military-and-veterans.
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Media contact Excelsior University:
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446
About Military Times
The Military Times digital platforms and magazines are the trusted source for independent news and information for service members and their families. The military community relies on Air Force Times, Army Times, Marine Corps Times, and Navy Times for reporting on everything that matters in their lives, including pay, benefits, finance, education, health care, recreational resources, retirement, promotions, product reviews, and entertainment. Military Times is published by Sightline Media Group. To learn more, visit militarytimes.com.
About Excelsior University
Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit higher education institution focused on helping learners complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971 in Albany, New York, Excelsior meets students where they are — academically and geographically — removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.
Excelsior is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. Excelsior University’s academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with additional licensing for Florida-based programs.
Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928). Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684.
