Eastern Kentucky University’s online degree programs rank among the best for military members and veterans. EKU Online earned a “gold” rating and was named fifth on Military Friendly Schools’ Top Ten list of online and vocational schools. EKU was also awarded a “bronze” ranking overall for its outstanding commitment to military students, the highest distinction awarded to any Kentucky university.
“EKU has a long, proud history of being a military-friendly school, providing a great deal of value and accommodation to our active-duty and veteran students,” said Bryan Cole, director of the EKU Office of Military and Veterans Affairs. “As we chart a course toward the future — a future that will include more online learning opportunities and other valuable benefits — rankings like these prove that our legacy of respect for military students and dependents will remain intact.”
Military Friendly Schools are identified and ranked with input from an advisory committee, including subject matter experts and industry partners. EKU significantly exceeded benchmark standards in all categories.
Reviewers consider metrics including graduation rate, transfer rate and loan default rate. Then, they look at the federal programs each institution provides, such as the Veterans’ Affairs Principles of Excellence and the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program. They also take note of precautions such as student complaints to the VA or suspension of federal programs. Schools are invited to complete a survey covering the following categories:
- Retaining and supporting military students, which accounts for 30 percent of the overall score
- Graduation rates and career outcomes, which makes up 30 percent of the overall score
- Admission and student orientation
- Military friendly policies and regulatory compliance
- Culture and commitment
- Loan repayment and financial aid
Schools are deemed military friendly when they actively recruit military students and consider them to be an essential part of campus life. Their mission is to welcome service members, veterans and dependents to their academic community, educate them and support them in finding employment.
EKU has a distinguished history of serving those who have served, and continues to add value for military personnel. In Fall 2018, EKU announced significantly reduced tuition rates for active-duty service members.
To learn more about degree options at Eastern Kentucky University, visit https://go.eku.edu/militaryfriendly2019.