ASU named 'Military Friendly School' for 5th consecutive year

Arizona State University has been named a “Military Friendly School for 2014” by G.I. Jobs magazine for the fifth consecutive year. The list honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools that are leaders in providing educational support benefits and paths to success for military veterans.

The university also nabbed the number 14 spot on Military Times Edge magazine’s “Best for Vets” list.

ASU has made a strong commitment to veteran success in education. Since the rollout of the Post 9/11 GI Bill in the fall of 2009, ASU has awarded more than 1,200 undergraduate degrees and more than 300 graduate degrees to students using GI Bill benefits. ASU opened the Pat Tillman Veterans Center in the fall of 2011, and through programmed engagement and guidance to the veteran population, veteran retention amongst first-time freshman increased from 63.6 percent to 83.6 this last year.

Additionally, ASU is a partner university with the Pat Tillman Foundation in support of the Tillman Military Scholars program, which provides scholarships for active and veteran service members as well as their spouses. This year, Jason Turner and Efraim Ruthenberg were selected to represent Sun Devils everywhere in the 2013-2014 cohort. The Tillman Military Scholars program covers not only direct study-related expenses such as tuition and fees, but also other needs, including housing and childcare.

ASU’s veteran center is also home to VetSuccess on Campus, one of the original eight institutions selected to pilot this joint program with the VA. The program provides a VA vocational rehabilitation counselor on campus to assist students with transition from military to university life, as well as providing academic, career and adjustment counseling. The Center also offers peer mentoring and assistance with benefits and registration.

For more information on ASU's programs and services for veteran students, visit students.asu.edu/military or call Christian Rauschenbach, program manager for ASU Veterans Services, at 480-965-3115.