University lauded by Military Times for services to vets, their families
Menomonie, Wis. – University of Wisconsin-Stout can add another medal to its collection, having been named to the 2025 Best for Vets Colleges list by Military Times for its commitment to serving veterans and their families.
UW-Stout was honored on the annual list, announced on Nov. 17 by Military Times, ranking first in Wisconsin among traditional and online universities. UW-Stout was among four of the 13 Universities of Wisconsin schools that made the list, placing 24th in the Midwest and 177th nationwide.
“UW-Stout’s continued selection by Military Times as one of their Best for Vets Colleges demonstrates our strong commitment to providing meaningful support to our veteran students. We are proud these graduates continue to achieve high outcomes, with strong employment and career placement rates,” said retired Army Lt. Col. Brian Hackner, the university’s military education benefits coordinator who oversees Veteran Services.
According to Military Times, measurements of student success play the largest role in determining the rankings of universities and colleges on the list. Military-specific resources and levels of financial assistance are also factors. The Best for Vets rankings are compiled by Virginia-based Military Times, a source of independent news and information for service members and their families.
UW-Stout has repeatedly been ranked highly for the quality of its services to both veterans and active members of the military. Last spring, the university received a silver designation as a Military Friendly® School for 2025 26 because of its efforts to create sustainable and meaningful education paths for members of the military community. It was the 16th consecutive year that UW-Stout earned a place on that list, placing it among only five Wisconsin institutions to rank as a Military Friendly® small public university. UW-Stout also was designated as a Military Spouse Friendly School. The Military Friendly® rankings are published by G.I. Jobs Magazine.
As of fall 2025, there were nearly 250 self-identified veteran and military students on campus — including veterans, those on active duty, and National Guard and Reserve members — and another 587 students who were the spouses or dependent children of veterans or military members.
The university’s most recent First Destination Report, released in spring 2025, stated that 100% of veteran graduates were employed within six months of graduation.
Ongoing support for veterans
UW-Stout’s Military and Veteran Resource Center (MVRC) is dedicated to supporting veterans, service members and their families through a wide range of resources, programs and opportunities. The MVRC provides a welcoming space for military-connected students and their families to connect, hold meetings or study sessions, and relax with complimentary snacks and refreshments.
Special programs include the Council on Veteran Services, the student Veterans Club, veteran- focused events and the Veteran Mentorship Program, a unique peer-to-peer online initiative designed specifically for student veterans.
UW-Stout also offers a variety of academic opportunities tailored to military-connected students:
Military Benefits 101, an online course for first-year and transfer students, provides an overview of military education benefits, support resources and services.
A minor in military leadership, which introduces students to the fundamentals of military science and leadership principles.
Degree opportunities that align with many military occupations and experiences.
Online certificates in areas such as project management, organizational performance, organizational development, strategic leadership and workforce development, all designed to align with the interests and career goals of military-connected students.
In addition, Career Services supports veteran students in the biannual UW-Stout Career Fair by connecting students with employers who value their military experience and providing guidance on employment challenges and resources. All military-connected students are encouraged to participate.
Serving future military leaders
UW-Stout offers both Army and Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps opportunities as well, which help student cadets develop the leadership, managerial, organizational and effective communication skills needed to succeed.
Army ROTC Northwoods Battalion students learn leadership theory, time management skills, basic soldier skills, map reading and other skills from experienced Army leaders. UW-Stout also has a long-standing agreement with the Air Force ROTC program at University of St. Thomas, Detachment 410, in St. Paul — a unique agreement among Wisconsin universities.
This “cross-town” agreement allows UW-Stout students to enroll in Air Force ROTC classes while completing their degrees at UW-Stout. Courses at St. Thomas include aerospace studies, leadership labs, physical training and field training.
UW-Stout Veteran Services can provide advice on veteran and military education benefits and assists with applying for benefits, and can be reached by calling 715-232-1659 or emailing veteranstudents@uwstout.edu.
UW-Stout, a member of the Universities of Wisconsin, is Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, with a focus on applied learning, collaboration with business and industry, and career outcomes. Learn more via the FOCUS2030 strategic plan.
