Photo by Laura Hancock / EOU

EOU ranks among best schools for military, veteran education

News contact: Laura Hancock, University Advancement, 541-962-3585

LA GRANDE, Ore. December 13, 2016 – Three new independent guides for military friendly colleges and universities include Eastern Oregon University among the top-rated schools for military and veteran students.

Military Advanced Education and Transition (MAE&T) designated EOU as a Top School in their 2017 Guide to Colleges and Universities.

Released this month, the guide measures best practices in military and veteran education. Institutions were evaluated on their military culture, financial aid, flexibility, general support, on-campus support and online support services. Visit www.mae-kmi.com for online access to the guide, or pick up a copy of the December issue of “Military Advanced Education & Transition.”

EOU also earned a bronze-level Military Friendly® Award for 2017 in the small public school category showcased by Victory Media.

New this year, the awards highlight the most powerful and effective programs of 1,200 post-secondary schools designated as Military Friendly® in November. Of those designated, 541 schools are recognized for excellence in different categories. The awardees are published at militaryfriendly.com and will be printed in the December issue of “G.I. Jobs®” or the “Guide to Military Friendly® Schools.”

Additionally, Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges 2017 lists EOU among its 20 top-finishing online and nontraditional schools.

The survey asks colleges and universities to meticulously document an array of services, special rules, accommodations and financial incentives offered to students with military ties and to describe many aspects of veteran culture on a campus. The rankings are published online at MilitaryTimes.com, as well as ArmyTimes.com, NavyTimes.com, AirForceTimes.com and MarineCorpsTimes.com and appeared in a special magazine issue of Military Times in November.

“Our military and veteran student population continues to grow at EOU, thanks to the faculty and staff who go above and beyond to make our university a viable option,” said Kerry Thompson, EOU’s military and veteran coordinator. “We have made great strides in the services offered to this group of students, and I am excited to be part of our ongoing efforts to provide even better support.”

EOU’s resources for active military, veterans and families include resident tuition for individuals covered under the Montgomery and Post-9/11 GI bills, credit for military service, scholarships and other benefits for spouses and dependents.

A new partnership with Klamath Community College’s “Base to Bachelor’s” program is also providing students in the U.S. Air Force a smooth path to transition from an associate’s of applied science to completing their bachelor’s of applied science degree from EOU.

For more information about services for military students, visit www.eou.edu/veterans.