Through a survey, Military Times collects data from colleges nationwide. With this information, institutions are evaluated based on academic quality, student support services, affordability and outcomes for veterans – including graduation and retention rates. 

This year’s survey showcased a substantial increase in online/hybrid program options and a meaningful growth in veteran resources like peer mentorship centers and mental health services for post-service transition.

This latest honor adds to the accolades of UofL’s military-connected student supports. In 2025, the Cardinal community received recognition as a for the fourth year in a row. 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 Military Friendly®, a veteran-owned company that ranks universities for how well they support military students.

With almost 2,600 military-connected students enrolled, military students account for more than 10% of UofL’s total enrollment. The  is committed to providing a supportive space with five full-time staff members dedicated to assisting military students on campus. Some of the benefits include scholarships for veterans and their dependents, lower tuition rates and multiple fee waivers. 

To learn more about the Best for Vets Colleges rankings, 

Out of the 1,800 institutions that participated in the Military Friendly survey, UofL was one of only 37 Carnegie Research 1 institutions to earn a “Designated” status, and the only institution in the Atlantic Coast Conference to earn “Gold” status.

For the past 11 years, UofL has achieved designated status; however this is the first time UofL has received “Gold” status, identifying “leading practices, outcomes and effective programs.” 

Institutions are evaluated in six weighted areas: Academic Policies & Compliance, Graduation & Career Outcomes, Culture & Commitment, Military Student Support & Retention, Admissions and Orientation and Financial Aid & Loan Repayment. 

“Earning this designation is validation of our ongoing work to make UofL a great place to learn. I want to recognize the hard work and contributions of the many people across campus who made this designation possible,” said UofL Interim President Lori Gonzalez. “While we celebrate this achievement, we remain committed to continually improving how we serve this important population.”

Examples of UofL’s commitment to serving this population include the key functions provided by the Office of Veteran and Military Student Services, creation of a Military-Connected Student Advisory Council to build on efficiencies and to share best practices in serving this population, working with veterans to reactivate the Student Veterans Association chapter, creating a virtual military-connected student resource website and offering waived undergraduate and graduate application fees, and offering priority course registration to this population.

This year, UofL is creating a Center for Military-Connected Students. It will enable the institution to increase military-connected student persistence and success rates, enhance our ability to attract military-connected students and enhance the experience of this student demographic.

The Center will include office space for fulltime staff, flexible office space for support staff from student services areas, a meeting space, a military-connected student lounge and kitchen and a military-connected student study space. Renovation of Honors House is expected to begin in Fall 2022 and to last through Summer 2023.