For the fourth year in a row, Old Dominion University has earned a Gold ranking in the Tier 2 research institution category for the 2024-2025 Military Friendly® School awards from militaryfriendly.com.
ODU is one of 14 Tier 2 research institutions nationwide, and the only school in Virginia, to receive a Gold ranking as a Military Friendly® School. More than 1,800 schools participated in this year’s survey to receive this designation, with only 537 earning special awards for going above the standard.
“Our standards provide a benchmark that promotes positive outcomes and support services that better the educational landscape and provide opportunity for the military community,” said Kayla Lopez, national director of military partnerships, Military Friendly®. “Schools that achieve awards designation show true commitment in their efforts, going over and above that standard.”
Nestled in Hampton Roads, near the world's largest naval base and the only NATO command on U.S. soil, 25% of ODU’s student population is military affiliated.
"Old Dominion University's consistent recognition as a Gold-tier Military Friendly® School underscores our unwavering commitment to serving our military-affiliated students," said Bob Clark, ODU director of military activities and special projects. "Earning this prestigious accolade for the second consecutive year is a testament to the tireless efforts of our staff and faculty to ensure our military community receives the highest quality education and support it deserves."
The University has been consistently recognized for providing support services for veterans and military personnel making a transition into academia. In 2023, ODU received a Gold ranking as a Military Friendly® School and has been ranked a "Best for Vets" school by Military Times.
To support its military and veteran students, ODU offers:
- The Military Connection Center, committed to assisting military students, veterans and their dependents navigate the application, admission and enrollment process.
- ODU Global Military Program Pathways, whose academic programs incorporate credit that may be earned outside the classroom through examinations, experience and/or training.
- Military Transition to ODU Program (MTOP), offering virtual and in-person seminars that provide military-affiliated students with information about military benefits, academic support and campus resources.
- Peer Advisors for Veteran Education (PAVE), a peer support program that connects incoming student veterans with student veteran Peer Advisors who provide ongoing support.
- VetSuccess on Campus, which aims to help veterans and servicemembers through coordinated delivery of on-campus benefits assistance and counseling.
Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. The 2024-2025 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in the May and October issues of G.I. Jobs magazine and can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.