San Marcos, CA – Cal State San Marcos is ranked 23rd in the nation among four-year schools in the “Best for Vets: Colleges 2019” rankings.
The rankings by the publication Military Times recognize colleges and universities for their commitment to providing quality educational opportunities to America’s veterans and military-connected students.
“Our ‘true north’ is serving our veterans and other military-connected students, and it is gratifying to see our hard work recognized,” said Patricia Reily, director of CSUSM’s Veterans Services. “But we could not provide the outstanding, holistic, ‘high touch’ service we provide without the support of our wonderful, collaborative campus and community partners. This accolade belongs to us all.”
The rankings, in their ninth year, factor in the results of Military Times’ annual survey, the most comprehensive school-by-school assessment of veteran and military student services and rates of academic achievement.
“Best for Vets” evaluates the many factors that help make colleges and universities a good fit for service members, military veterans and their families. About 500 colleges participated in this year’s survey, and 208 were listed in the rankings.
CSUSM moved up one spot after ranking 24th last year.
Military Times’ annual survey asks colleges and universities to document an array of services, special rules, accommodations and financial incentives offered to students with military ties. Schools also are asked to describe many aspects of veteran culture on a campus. Military Times factors in data from the Veterans Affairs and Defense departments, as well as three Education Department sources: the IPEDS Data Center, College Scorecard data and the Cohort Default Rate Database.
CSUSM has the highest percentage of student-veterans per capita in the 23-campus California State University system. About 11 percent of CSUSM’s student body is composed of military-connected students.
The University’s Veterans Center is a one-stop shop for CSUSM’s military-connected students. Services include VA education benefit information and certification; Cal Vet application assistance; a computer lab; indoor and outdoor lounge areas; and monthly access to VA Compensation and Vocational Rehabilitation representatives and other community resources.
A $1 million gift from the Epstein Family Foundation is allowing for a significant physical expansion of the Veterans Center.
About California State University San Marcos
Building on an innovative 28-year history, California State University San Marcos is a forward-focused institution, dedicated to preparing future leaders, building great communities and solving critical issues. Located on a 304-acre hillside overlooking the City of San Marcos, it is the only public four-year comprehensive university serving North San Diego, Southwest Riverside and South Orange Counties.
The University enrolls 17,000 students. With approximately 2,000 employees, the institution is a Great College to Work For® (The Chronicle of Higher Education). As a recipient of the annual HEED Award since 2014 — a national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion — CSUSM is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment.
