The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has been awarded a Silver ranking as a Military Friendly School by Military Friendly in recognition of its ongoing efforts assisting student veterans and military-connected students. The designation places the university among the nation’s leading institutions for creating a supportive and inclusive environment for those who have served.
“As a university defined by the Volunteer spirit, our dedication to veterans and military-connected students has never been stronger,” said Amber Williams, vice provost for student success. “We are incredibly honored to be recognized as a Military Friendly School, re-affirming our commitment to engage and maximize the academic experience of these scholars and support their dreams, career paths and personal well-being.”
UT is home to a large military-affiliated community, including more than 700 student veterans, more than 370 faculty and staff members with military service, and more than 6,400 alumni who have served in the armed forces. The university also supports more than 340 ROTC cadets who are preparing to serve as the next generation of military officers in either the U.S. Army, Air Force or Space Force — a reflection of the university’s longstanding commitment to developing leaders in service to the nation.
“This recognition is indeed an honor,” said Thomas Cruise, director of UT’s Veterans Success Center. “It reflects our continuous growth in the support and engagement of our veterans and military-connected students. Serving those who have served is both a privilege and a responsibility we hold dearly.”
In addition to the Veterans Success Center, the university offers other initiatives that reflect its strong commitment to supporting military-affiliated students. In 2022, the Board of Trustees approved in-state tuition for veterans, active-duty military personnel, reservists, Tennessee National Guard members, and Army and Air Force ROTC cadets, regardless of residency status. To further enhance support, the university’s Division of Student Success established the Office of Veteran Benefits Administration in fall 2024, restructuring resources to meet the needs of its growing veteran and military student population. Most recently, in January, UT was recognized as a Veteran Ready Business by the Tennessee Department of Veteran Services — a distinction that underscores the university’s continued efforts to serve those who have served.
About Military Friendly Schools
The Military Friendly Schools list and ratings are based on public data and responses to the annual Military Friendly Schools Survey, which is offered at no cost to more than 8,800 institutions nationwide. Each year, participating schools are evaluated using updated methodology and stricter standards, developed with input from an independent research firm and the Military Friendly Advisory Council.
Survey results are weighted across key categories, and final ratings are based on survey performance and the institution’s success in meeting benchmarks for student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment, and loan default rates — both for all students and specifically for student veterans.
To learn more about the university’s programs and support services for veterans and military-affiliated students, visit Veterans at UT.
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Media Contact:
Cindi King (865-974-0937, cking126@utk.edu)