McKendree University Is Named One of Nation's Military Friendly Schools
(LEBANON, Ill., February 11, 2020) — Continuing its mission to provide veterans, their
spouses and dependents, and the military community with the best choices for education
opportunities, Military Friendly has released its 2020-21 Military Friendly Schools
list. McKendree University has earned the designation for an 11th consecutive year.
The Military Friendly® Schools list has come to set the standard for higher education
institutions to provide the best opportunities for veterans and their spouses. The
list provides a comprehensive guide using data sources from federal agencies, veteran
students and proprietary survey information from participating organizations.
Institutions earning the designation were evaluated using both public data sources
and responses from a proprietary survey completed by the school. Student survey data
was also taken into consideration. More than 1,000 schools participated in the 2020-2021
survey, with 625 schools earning the designation.
Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by VIQTORY with input from the
Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education
and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the
institution’s survey scores with assessment of its ability to meet thresholds for
student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment, persistence (degree
advancement or transfer) and loan default rates for all students and, specifically,
for student veterans.
The 2020-21 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in the May issue of
G.I. Jobs magazine. It is posted at militaryfriendly.com.
As Illinois’ first institution of higher learning, McKendree University has a rich
history of serving veterans and active duty military dating back to the Civil War,
when its faculty and students formed the 117th Regiment of Illinois Volunteers. The 117th fought in six battles and 13 skirmishes, including the Battle of Vicksburg. The 117th Regiment is the name students chose for McKendree’s National Collegiate Cyber Defense
Competition Team.
McKendree is located near two U.S. military installations: Scott Air Force Base in
Belleville, Ill., and Fort Knox Army Post near Radcliff, Ky. Accelerated courses are
offered online and in blended formats to meet the needs of adult learners and students
whose schedules may change frequently. Veteran certifying officials serve as liaisons
between students and the Department of Veterans Affairs, available to certify enrollment,
assist in processing claims and answer questions concerning veterans’ benefits. McKendree’s
student services team includes veterans who have experience supporting military personnel
and families.
The university also participates in the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program,
hosts the Student Veteran Association and a chapter of the SALUTE National Honor Society
for veterans and active duty service members. For more information about McKendree’s
commitment to military and veteran services, call 618-537-6576 or visit mckendree.edu/military.
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