UofL is one of only 27 Carnegie research 1 institutions in the nation to earn a designated status, and the only one in Kentucky to earn a “Gold” designation from ®, a veteran-owned company that ranks universities for how well they support military students.

With almost 2,600 enrolled, military students account for more than 10% of UofL’s total enrollment.

Each year, Military Friendly® evaluates universities based on graduation outcomes, culture, military support and financial aid, among other areas.

The list highlights universities that “strive toward and succeed in the areas that matter most in helping veterans make the transition from the military to school and, ultimately, satisfying careers in the civilian world,” according to Military Friendly®.

“We are very proud to have earned these designations for a fourth consecutive year,” University of Louisville President Gerry Bradley said. “Designations like this validate the institution’s committed efforts to improving student success. I want to recognize and thank the Center for Military-Connected Students, and all units whose efforts enabled us to earn these designations.”

The Center for Military-Connected Students has been housed in the renovated Brodschi Hall since fall 2023. In fall 2024, Brodschi’s basement renovation was completed.

The final phase modernized two restrooms, added a study room, a meeting room, a ping-pong table, foosball table, a television and comfortable seating options.

Tony Duran, an Army veteran and second-year law student at , said the center is a place he’s had some of the best conversations on campus, with people who “get what it means to serve.”

In a typical week, the facility sees 100 students come through its doors for coffee, tea and snacks, while others use the space to study, hang out, or learn about their educational benefits through the Department of Veteran Affairs.

Brodschi Hall continues to be identified as a benchmark in the state, region and nation.

The Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs encourages institutions in Kentucky to visit Brodschi Hall. The center has hosted visitors from as far away as California.

In May, the center will celebrate the graduation of more than 200 military-connected students, representing all 12 of UofL’s schools and colleges.

“[UofL] offers a great discount for military personnel as well as allowing us to intermingle with the other students on campus,” said Jayelyn Lewis, a cadet in the Army ROTC and graduate student. “You don’t feel like an outcast as a veteran, you feel like you fit right in with the students.”

Active duty military take classes at UofL’s Fort Knox campus while others around the world seek UofL degrees online.

“Some of them are pursuing an education because it helps them in their military service with promotion and advancement,” said UofL’s Director of Military Initiatives, Kyle Hurwitz. “Some of them are pursuing an education because they are cognizant that a degree will help them once they get out of the military.”

UofL, which has been named a “military friendly” school for 10 years in a row, offers veterans $250 per credit hour, meaning they can obtain their degrees almost for free.

“I think UofL does an outstanding job of [welcoming veterans], and they do more than enough,” said Spraggins. “I appreciate the support UofL has given veterans.”

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