SIUE Earns 2026-27 Military Friendly® School Gold Status and Military Spouse Friendly® School Designation

SIUE Earns 2026-27 Military Friendly® School Gold Status and Military Spouse Friendly® School Designation

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has once again earned Gold Tier recognition as a 2026-2027 Military Friendly® School. The selection places the University among the top 10% of institutions nationwide for its commitment to serving military-affiliated students, including active-duty service members, veterans and military-connected families.

The prestigious designation is awarded by Military Friendly®, a VIQTORY company, and is based on a rigorous, data-driven evaluation process. SIUE was evaluated in the small public institution category and earned the designation of Military Spouse Friendly® School, reflecting its comprehensive support for military families.

"Continuing to earn Military Friendly School Gold status reflects the consistency of our work to support servicemembers and veterans," said Kevin Wathen, EdD, interim Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management. "Military spouses and families have always been an important part of our mission, and we are excited to see that commitment recognized with the Military Spouse Friendly designation."

Each year, SIUE's Office of Military and Veteran Services supports approximately 1,000 military-connected students, including veterans, active-duty servicemembers and their spouses and dependents. Through personalized advising, benefits coordination and transitional support the office works to ensure students and their families have access to the resources they need to succeed.

Support extends beyond the classroom. The Military and Veteran Resource Center (MAVRC), connects students and their families with critical resources, including assistance navigating education benefits, referrals for employment and housing support.
Spouses of military servicemembers receive specialized guidance tailored to their unique needs.

"Spouses are just as involved in the military and veteran community as the servicemember or veteran," said Telisha Reinhardt, assistant director of Military and Veteran Services. "They sacrifice just as much to uphold the stability of their family. Though their needs may be different, a military or veteran spouse needs specialized care with navigating education benefits and VA bureaucracy. We ensure that they understand this process."

Looking ahead, the office is focused on continued growth through enhanced service and expanded capacity. Plans include increasing utilization of the Military and Veteran Resource Center, along with additional programming to support students transitioning from military service to the University environment.

The Military Friendly® Schools list is created each year based on extensive research using public data, input from student veterans and responses to the proprietary Military Friendly® Schools survey. For the 2026-2027 cycle, more than 3,200 institutions participated, with 878 earning designations as Military Friendly® Schools and 730 recognized as Military Spouse Friendly® Schools. Final ratings are determined through a data-driven process evaluating student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment and degree persistence for all students and for student veterans specifically.

"Earning the Military Friendly® designation is more than a badge of honor; it is a reflection of an institution's deep-rooted values and strategic commitment to those who served," said Kayla Lopez, Vice President of Memberships, Military Friendly. "These schools don't just open doors for veterans and military spouses, they build sustainable pathways for academic success and long-term impact. Their support is transformative, proving that investing in military-connected students is both a moral imperative and a standard for educational excellence."

Methodology, criteria and weightings are determined by Military Friendly® with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council, a group of independent leaders in higher education and military recruitment. Additional information about the methodology and full list of 2025-2026 Military Friendly® Schools can be found at militaryfriendly.com.

To learn more about SIUE's programs and services for veterans and military-affiliated students, visit siue.edu/military.