Frequently Asked Questions
Want to know what Military Friendly® is all about…and what it’s not? Have a specific question about taking one of our Military Friendly® surveys? Find the answers you need right here.
Haven’t requested your survey link yet? Get it below!
The Basics
Now, let’s unpack that. Because every word of that definition was purposefully chosen.
“Military Friendly®”: First of all, the term “Military” refers to the military community; which we define as the people of the active duty, reserve, guard, veterans and military spouses. It does NOT refer to the military as an organization. It’s also a trademarked name. That’s important because there are lots of copycat military lists and ratings programs, none of who possess the rigor and timeline of our’s, that result in mistaken identity. We are the standard. So it’s important to trademark the name and protect its integrity.
“is the standard”: It’s a designation that establishes baseline expectations in key areas to earn designation. Organizations that go above and beyond the baseline expectations can earn higher levels, which we call awards. This awards system of upward mobility incentivizes organizations to always strive to do more to support veterans.
“that measures”: Our ratings program is formulaic. It is objective. It has an outside Military Friendly® Advisory Council that provides perspective on criteria, methodology and weighting. It has a third party auditor (Ernst & Young) verify the results.
“an organization’s”: This is purposefully a broad term because, as we currently rate large companies and post-secondary schools, we believe that every organization in America should be incentivized to be Military Friendly® so we are constantly looking to establish new ratings.
“commitment”: Commitment is the first of three sequential steps toward building a military program. Commitment refers to an organization setting policy.
“effort”: Effort is the second of three sequential steps and refers to an organization committing resources; people, time, capital, toward their military progam. Think of this as them putting their money where their mouth is.
and success: Success is the third of three sequential steps and refers to an organization’s results. How successful have they been in building their program?
“in creating sustainable”: Sustainable refers to the duration of the benefit. In this case, it means that the benefit is virtually infinite in duration. It is self-perpetuating because it is fueled by providing core long-term value and ROI to the organization. Conversely, programs which are fueled by political or charitable tendencies, face certain demise when those inevitable winds shift direction.
“and meaningful”: Meaningful refers to the scope and origin of the benefit. In this case, it means that the benefit lifts the entire community. This is unlike a charitable donation which often benefits only a disaffected few. Meaningful also refers to the benefit being not an entitlement, but rather an opportunity. This is in line with our belief that the military community seeks a hand up, not a hand out.
“benefit”: Benefit means that veterans have earned either “front of line privileges,” or “back stage passes.” Benefit is also in keeping with our mission of supporting and empowering the military community.
“for the military community.”: The military community does not refer to the Department of Defense. It refers to the people who serve, serve alongside or served: active duty, guard, reserve, military spouses and veterans.
Our Military Friendly Advisory Council then gives guidance including diverse perspective on methodology.
Data is then pushed through a predetermined algorithm as per our methodology.
Results are audited by a Ernst & Young.
Results are published.
Elected officials create the benefit.
Government agencies fund the benefit.
Veteran service organizations protect the benefit.
Schools deliver the benefit.
Military Friendly Schools supports the benefit by:
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Encouraging schools that wouldn’t otherwise have strong veteran programs to do so.
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Recognizing schools for good behavior.
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Sharing of best practices amongst schools.
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Enabling compliance that is more stringent than current government policies.
About Military Friendly®
In 2003, fewer than 20 civilian organizations submitted surveys to become Military Friendly(R). Now, nearly 2,000 do. This increased demand for veteran talent has played an integral part in helping veterans achieve unprecedented levels of civilian opportunity. This has also given us access to vast amounts of proprietary data that lets us iteratively improve programs through benchmarking and the sharing of best practices. All of this creates better outcomes for veterans in a sustainable way.
Over the years, as the Military Friendly program has shown progress in growing both the number of civilian organizations interesting in recruiting veterans and in improving the individual performance metrics of those programs. To evolve, we have since added levels of performance to separate the performance of different programs which have been designated. Top 10, Gold, Silver and Bronze, along with sub-categories, are part of that transformation.
Many organizations have been disappointed in their ranking or level dropping when their program performance was unchanged since the prior year(s). The answer is that the standards have been raised because other organizations have improved their performance and new organizations have joined. This evolution is essential to providing better civilian outcomes for veterans.
First, we use a combination of three data sources to score organizations and to create our lists. We call them the “3 P’s”:
- Public – Publicly available data from several federal agencies that monitor higher education institutions or federal contractors.
- Proprietary – Proprietary survey data gathered through the Military Friendly® survey data verification process.
- Personal – Personal opinion data and feedback from veterans themselves gathered through a short survey administered on our behalf of participating organizations.
Second, our Military Friendly® surveys consist of more than 100 questions and cover key areas determined to be important factors in supporting military talent. This is no small task for an organization to complete; it takes several hours, so these organizations are serious about completing the survey!
Third, each year survey topics and questions are reviewed and developed with the assistance of our independent Military Friendly® Advisory Council. The Military Friendly® Advisory Council is a group of independent subject matter experts and industry partners representing the fields of veteran education and employment. We have representation from employers, schools and outside organizations and nonprofits. Beginning this year, we have also formed a Military Alumni Council comprised of post-9/11 veterans, who represent the military community we serve and provide us valuable feedback about what veterans are looking for from Military Friendly® schools and employers.
Fourth, EY (Ernst & Young), a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services, independently tests the validity and consistency of each year’s survey results by testing the scoring methodology developed by Viqtory. Methodology reviews are performed by EY Assurance Services unit.
Finally, it is important to note that our scoring is fully automated. No human hands are involved in the scoring process.
On the school side, for example, 86% of all schools designated Military Friendly® in 2016 did not have a customer relationship with Viqtory (i.e., they spent no money with us). Schools cannot “join” the Military Friendly® Schools list; they must meet the criteria to be designated.
Finally, in the spirit of Better for Veterans, Viqtory has voluntarily chosen not to accept advertising from any school that is not eligible for Military Friendly® School designation. The definition of eligibility for Military Friendly Schools designation can be found here: http://militaryfriendly.com/award-categories/
Note, too, that in the education market many schools, nonprofit and for-profit alike, use nonprofit lead generators to reach applicants and potential students. College Board, a nonprofit and owner of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), is a key example. College Board and many other standardized test organizations sell students’ contact and subjects of interest data to schools to enable those colleges to recruit them.
Military Friendly® uses a number of public data sources to incorporate regulations and to track complaints or red flags against a particular institution or organization.
First, it’s important to note that any school is eligible to participate in our survey if they are eligible to receive federal veteran education benefits and meet all of our Military Friendly® threshold criteria. Schools cannot be considered for inclusion in our program if they meet any of the following conditions:
- They do not have at least three of the following federal programs in operation and good standing.
- Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program (provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill)
- Official commitment to the Eight Keys to Veterans’ Success
- VA’s Principles of Excellence
- Federal Financial Aid Shopping Sheet
- Armed Forces Tuition Assistance (TA) Funding
- DoD Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Tuition Assistance
- Veteran Success on Campus (VSOC) Program
- Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges Network
- They are not eligible if they meet a combination of these conditions:
- The number of veteran student complaints reported by the VA is >= to 5% of total enrolled veterans.
- The School is currently or was under one or more federal precautionary flags within the last 12 months.
Second, we review the latest public data for red flags prior to publishing final results: U.S. Departments of Veteran Affairs, Labor, Defense and Education databases. If we identify any school under scrutiny by these Departments, which rate total aggregate student body data, we will re-examine that school’s Military Friendly® category and scores. Since we are specifically rating a school’s ability to support veterans and military community members, we may ask that college to confirm or provide veteran-specific data, including: Veteran Graduation and Retention Rates, Veteran Job Placement Rate and Veteran Loan Default and Repayment Rates. If this data is not satisfactory, we will remove them from eligibility for the MF designation for that calendar year.
Third, survey methodology and questions are evaluated by an independent advisory council. In 2016, we also incorporated several updates to our survey questions and methodology based on new data and recommendations by a third-party research firm.
Note that all eligible schools, for-profit and not-for-profit alike, answer the same questions about a school’s support specifically for student veterans and the military community. These responses are run through the same scoring methodology, which each year is independently tested by EY. Our list is neutral.
The Military Friendly® Schools list includes many options and types of schools by design that may be of interest not only to active military, but also to veterans and military spouses, and the list clearly identifies those institutions with eligible programs for Active Duty personnel.
Here are some other things we’d like you to know:
- G.I. Jobs® resources, in print and online, are free to service members and veterans.
- G.I. Jobs® curriculum materials are widely used in transition classes and distributed on military bases worldwide every month because they are trusted, valuable resources to those who are helping our service members prepare for life after the military.
- Military Spouse is distributed for free through military installations, such as FRG centers. It is also available by paid subscription and on newsstands at market purchase price, such as at The Commissary or Exchange. This point-of-sale and subscription revenue is a tiny portion of the company’s revenue.
- Buy Veteran memberships for Veteran-Owned Businesses bring networking opportunities, business RFP alerts, and accessibility through buyveteran.com, plus other content/resource benefits. We offer free basic memberships, as well as expanded services in higher-level paid membership packages.
- We promote and help employers and schools promote programs that value and provide discounts to veterans and military spouses – e.g., franchises that offer discounted franchisee fees for veterans, discounts on products and services to military families. Our new Military Friendly® Brands survey is one way veterans and military spouses can voice their opinions and experiences with a company, product, program or service.
- We recognize the accomplishments of veterans, military spouses and VOBs each year with special editorial features and events, just as we have done throughout our history. We advocate and champion these individuals!
Good afternoon, I received a forwarded email regarding G.I. Jobs® today and I was able to use the information immediately to assist a veteran. Can I be included on future emails from the organization you represent?” Ian E., Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialist, Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry
Enjoy your magazine each month and make sure to get it out for distribution.” Mark B., Harrison Program Support Specialist, National Guard Employment Support Program
G.I. Jobs® magazine is great, it helped me during my transition. I find the Military Friendly® Employer designation extremely helpful. Viqtory & its subsidiary companies do a fantastic job. It’s true, I have a copy of G.I. Jobs on my bedside table. I have one on the desk in my office too.” Jordan M., CW3, National Guard
G.I. Jobs® Magazine has provided transitioning military members and veterans with a wealth of useful and timely information and great job opportunities! Smart companies seeking to hire the best employees – veterans – know the value of G.I. Jobs® magazine brings to their veteran recruitment programs and they all seek to be on G.I. Jobs® honor roll of Military Friendly Employers®!” Charles S. “Chick” Ciccolella, former Assistant Secretary of Veterans’ Employment and Training
I use GI Jobs® magazine in all my TAP classes for one reason. Every Marine and Soldier completing my class has told me the same thing: This magazine gives you everything you need to transition from military life to civilian. It’s the best magazine out there for military transitioners.” Raymond A., TAP Representative, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, US Army
I am extremely motivated to recommend G.I. Jobs® magazine and it’s online resources to the military community. Every resource you have is great and has helped me tremendously throughout my transition. I believe that the companies and schools designated Military Friendly® are clearly the best. Military Friendly® should be the industry standard.” Dan M., SFC, 18 Years of Service, US Army
A ‘Military Friendly® Employer’ is one who understands the commitment, potential and loyalty that comes from an individual who has served in the military. They represent the character and values embraced by the military.” Arturo D., US Army
It is important to us to let our incoming students know that we care enough about how we treat military-connected students to strive for such designations. [Being a Military Friendly® School] is not a claim that we are perfect, but a promise to always strive to be the best we can for them.” Danny G., Director, Center for Adult Learners and Veterans, University of West Georgia
When potential students are looking at schools, this [Military Friendly® School] designation stands out to those interested in using their VA educational benefits…” Jeanne R., Director of Institutional Research, University of Tampa
When I initially began my transition from the Marine Corps in 2012, I experienced a great amount of frustration in my job search. Most of the companies that I applied to didn’t appreciate my military experience as a pilot and officer or couldn’t see how it was relevant to their particular job opportunities…However, I then discovered the GI Jobs® “Military Friendly® Employer” rankings during my transition class and altered my job search strategy to focus on those companies identified as “Military Friendly®.” I immediately experienced an increase in employer queries and interviews, which soon led to my employment with the #2 ranked Military Friendly® Employer at that time, ManTech International Corporation. I now recommend to all my transitioning military and veteran colleagues to focus their job search efforts on companies identified as Military Friendly® by GI Jobs® because those companies better understand the value that veterans bring to their companies, understand how our skills and experience translate to their positions, and are actively recruiting for us.” Charles M., Major, USMC, Ret., Director of Military Programs, ManTech International Corp.
I am extremely motivated to recommend G.I. Jobs®, all of it’s resources were extremely helpful to me in my transition. Your designations should be the industry standard.” Troy E., Lieutenant Colonel, 23 Years, US Army
The time I spent working at Viqtory means a lot to me. It was great to be a part of a small company that was doing big things. I developed a real understanding and appreciation for what our servicemen and women and their families go through during and after their military careers. It’s nice to know that Viqtory is there to help provide resources for all life stages of current and former military personnel and that they’re helping to raise awareness of the sacrifices being made to keep freedom free. Being part of that team, which worked smartly and tirelessly for the benefit of our veterans, left a lasting impression on me…” – Brent K., former employee
I joined the military for the tuition benefits. But the number of benefits, and the many different schools available to use them, is overwhelming. G.I. Jobs® and the Guide to Military Friendly® Schools simplified my decision-making. Thank you for these great resources!” Shawn L.
Continue to serve our Service Members and their Spouses with great information.” Raymond L., Military Transition Office
[I work with only veterans.] I stress the articles in the GI Jobs® magazine and the Employer Magazine as a good reference. The Schools Magazines: I recommend anyone looking at further education to thoroughly review them.” Robert M., East Tucson DES Office/ Davis-Monthal AFB
At Verizon, when we embarked in creating a best-in-class military outreach and recruitment program, we knew we needed to select the best resources on the media market to be seen adn heard by our target audience. G.I. Jobs® has been essential in increasing our quality hiring pipeline as well as our overall brand equity within the veteran/military and military spouse communities nationwide.” Evan G., Head of Military Programs & Veterans Affairs, Global Strategic Talent Acquisition, Verizon
It’s vitally important to benchmark your policies and procedures, and to work with the industry leaders, so that you can continuous improve and raise the benchmarks to benefit all companies. Being a participant in the Military Friendly® process, has helped us both internally and externally.” Keith N., GM Military & Veterans Affairs, General Motors
Earning the Military Friendly® designation has helped with promoting the Penn State Mont Alto campus. Many other Penn State campuses have been listed as being Military Friendly for a long time. It is nice to have Penn State Mont Alto not only be on the Military Friendly® list but to also be in the top 10%! There is a greater sense of pride among the student veterans and our student veteran alumni who always believed we should be a Military Friendly® School.” Kathy S., Veterans Coordinator, Penn State Mont Alto
I will forever be grateful and humbled by the opportunity to work at Viqtory…I ended my military journey by helping others transition. What is cooler than that? I thoroughly enjoyed teaching others about all of the amazing ways that Viqtory helps people.” Ian F., Veteran and former employee
A couple of weeks ago while getting a haircut, the barber happened to mention that he is a Navy veteran, so I told him about our company was founded by Navy vets and shared the news about Mike Stevens joining us. His eyes immediately lit up and he told me that he uses G.I. Jobs® for helpful articles and career searches while he’s looking for new opportunities. He had transitioned out early this year, and was very familiar with G.I. Jobs® and Military Friendly®. He said everyone in the military knows that if you’re looking for education and/or career, GI JOBS is the place to go. Gratified about this chance encounter with a recent veteran who relies on our resources, I gave him my card and the latest copy of GI JOBS, and asked him to call me if I can be of any help. It gave me a sense of pride that simply getting a haircut could turn into an encounter like this. This veteran suddenly saw me as not just another haircut but as someone who works for a company that is beneficial to him.” Current Viqtory employee
Service members need to know we are giving them any and all resources available, and G.I. Jobs® magazine is one of our greatest sought-out resources. I can not replenish [the magazines] fast enough for our service members who grab them as soon as they hit the stand. They are always in high demand and our fleet Support Center gives G.I. Jobs® two thumbs up.” Sherry P., Education Services Facilitator/TAMP Coordinator, Fleet and Family Support Center, Naval Submarine Base, New London, CT
The Military Friendly® School designation means that we stand recognized for our Student Veteran supports we have in place. That if a Veteran should be looking for an education, that this designation should be a reassurance that we recognize and respect our Veteran population. It sets Erie Institute of Technology aside from the other schools in our area. Showing the community we go the extra mile for our Veterans.” Kimberly C., Director of Student Services, Erie Institute of Technology
The Military Friendly® designation places California University of Pennsylvania in the company of top schools that truly value and support military service members, veterans and their families.” Christine K., Associate VP of Communications, California University of Pennsylvania
While we believe that we are making great strides in assisting military-affiliated students with their transitions to student life, being recognized from an industry standard and well-known organization brings another level of credibility to Regent and Viqtory; both are essential to serving those who have served.” Bob H., Senior Director of Traditional Admissons/ Director of Military Admissions, Regent University
G.I. Jobs® magazine really helped me during my transition. I would recommend Military Spouse magazine to a friend.” Justine E., E3, 2 Years, US Navy
We work closely with the Viqtory team to successfully promote our distance degree programs. Our students are adult learners with hectic lifestyles. They need the accommodating, career-enhancing education options that we provide. GI Jobs® enables us to target a perfect demographic of prospective students.” Johnnie B., Marketing Coordinator, The University of Alabama, Academic Outreach College of Continuing Studies
Werner Enterprises views being recognized as a Military Friendly® Gold Award Employer as an honor and a privilege. This acknowledgment is culminated from the dedication and steadfast determination to support and show the highest regard to our military members and veterans throughout the company and our communities. Werner Enterprises is also humbled by being recognized as the #3 overall Military Spouse Friendly® Top 10 Employer for the second year in a row. This distinction has not only has motivated the company to continue to do more for military/veteran spouses, but set a standard that this company wholeheartedly embraces the knowledge and experience that military/veteran spouses bring to the table…The Military Friendly® designation demonstrates to the military/veteran community that your company has proven initiatives and support systems in place to provide meaningful employment to military members, veterans, and their spouses.” Megan C., Military and Specialized Programs Manager, Werner
Military students have many options to choose from and most of them look for schools who not only talk the talk but also walk the walk. Once they see that we have gone the extra mile through the designation, it puts their mind at ease when inquiring about our school. It helps us, as a school, to ensure them that they have come to the right place and we will make every effort to help them feel comfortable and be successful. Military transition is difficult enough and the stress of going to school is even harder. It is our hope that having this designation will provide them with peace of mind so they can make that first step to achieving their education goals.” Susan S., Program Coordinator, Military Education Services, Bossier Parish Community College
We have very positive feedback from our clientele about your information that we have in literature racks in our front office at the Education Center.” Sally I., Guidance Counselor, USAG Ft Knox KY
I find all of your brands and resources to be useful. Continue the advocacy and keep up the good work!” Anika A., E7, 21 Years, US Army
There are two things that make a Military Friendly® Employer stand out from other employers: Their entire approach to recruiting is different, and they understand veterans, reservists and military spouses with have different needs as employees. Representing less than one percent of the population, we’re a unique subset. A Military Friendly® Employer takes that into account at every step of the recruiting process and employee experience…” Grant B., Marine Corps Reserves
…Before I came to work here I had not yet known what it is to be proud of, not only my work, but the work of a company on a much broader and socially significant level. The cause that we represent is great; and the people who represent that cause are even greater. I am proud to be involved in the work we do, but I am even more proud to be able to do it with all of you.” Current Viqtory Employee
In 2009 Viqtory launched the Buy Veteran campaign as a way to bring the success and momentum of the veterans’ entrepreneurship movement to ALL 3 million plus of America’s vetrepreneurs, the majority of whom are every day, Main Street businesses like plumbers, bakeries, barber shops, etc. Buy Veteran lets these folks tap in to America’s desire to thank and support veterans. Don’t just take my word for it. Here’s a great testimonial from one of our NaVOBA members, Lawrence Curell, owner of Better Deal Printing in Prescott Arizona: ‘I joined Buy Veteran when it first started and have also displayed the Buy Veteran decal on our office window since joining. The listing on the website has opened up a few doors that I otherwise would not have known about. We can attribute at least $30,000 in sales to the listing and the decal on our door. If you’re a veteran and own a business, you should be listed on the website as it has nothing but potential to help you grow.'” Current NaVOBA Employee
“Military Friendly®”: First of all, the term “Military” refers to the military community; which we define as the people of the active duty, reserve, guard, veterans and military spouses. It does NOT refer to the military as an organization. It’s also a trademarked name. That’s important because there are lots of copycat military lists and ratings programs, none of who possess the rigor of our’s, often resulting in mistaken identity. We are the standard-bearer. When you see the Military Friendly® seal and logo, you can trust what that means.
“is the standard”: It’s a designation that establishes baseline expectations in key areas to achieve the designation. Organizations that go above and beyond the baseline expectations can reach higher levels, which we call awards. This awards system of upward mobility incentivizes organizations to always strive to do more to support veterans.
“that measures”: Our ratings program is formulaic. It is objective. It has an outside Military Friendly® Advisory Council that provides perspective on criteria, methodology and weighting. It has a third party auditor (EY: Ernst & Young) verify the results.
“an organization’s”: This is purposefully a broad term because, as we currently rate large companies and post-secondary schools, we believe that every organization in America should be incentivize to be Military Friendly® so we are constantly opening up new ratings.
“commitment”: Commitment is the first of three sequential steps toward building a military program. Commitment refers to an organization setting policy.
“effort”: Effort is the second of three sequential steps and refers to an organization committing resources; people, time, capital, toward their military progam. Think of this as them putting their money where their mouth is.
“and success“: Success is the third of three sequential steps and refers to an organization’s results. How successful have they been in building their program?
“in creating sustainable”: Sustainable refers to the duration of the benefit. In this case, it means that the benefit is virtually infinite in duration. It is self-perpetuating because it is fueled by providing core long-term value and ROI to the organization. Conversely, programs which are fueled by political or charitable tendencies, face certain demise when those inevitable winds shift direction.
“and meaningful”: Meaningful refers to the scope and origin of the benefit. In this case, it means that the benefit lifts the entire community. This is unlike a charitable donation which often benefits only a disaffected few. Meaningful also refers to the benefit being not an entitlement, but rather an opportunity. This is in line with our belief that the military community seeks a hand up, not a hand out.
“benefit”: Benefit means that veterans have earned either “front of line priveleges,” or “back stage passes.” Benefit is also in keeping with our mission of supporting and empowering the military community.
“for the military community.”: The military community does not refer to the Department of Defense. It refers to the people who serve, serve alongside or served: active duty, guard, reserve, military spouses and veterans.
Hear how our Chief Product Officer, Daniel Nichols, explains it:
We believe that every organization should strive to be better for veterans, but not all are there yet. Evaluating organizations against a single standard that uses data from Public, Proprietary and Personal sources allows us to compare like organizations without bias. Our Military Friendly® lists and resources cut through the clutter, offering a holistic, unbiased and objective view of education, employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, regardless of the organization’s industry, program type or tax filing status. Each year, the bar is raised, as our benchmarks are set by the leading organization, not by a static set of criteria, which ultimately results in continual investment in the military and veteran communities.
Overview of Our Lists and Survey Process
First, we use a combination of three data sources to score organizations and to create our lists. We call them the “3 P’s”:
- Public – Publicly available data from several federal agencies that monitor higher education institutions or federal contractors.
- Proprietary – Proprietary survey data gathered through the Military Friendly® survey data verification process.
- Personal – Personal opinion data and feedback from veterans themselves gathered through a short survey administered on our behalf of participating organizations.
Second, our Military Friendly® surveys consist of more than 100 questions and cover key areas determined to be important factors in supporting military talent. This is no small task for an organization to complete; it takes several hours, so these organizations are serious about completing the survey!
Third, each year survey topics and questions are reviewed and developed with the assistance of our independent Military Friendly® Advisory Council. The Military Friendly® Advisory Council is a group of independent subject matter experts and industry partners representing the fields of veteran education and employment. We have representation from employers, schools, nonprofits and outside organizations. We have also formed a Military Alumni Council comprised of post-9/11 veterans, who represent the military community we serve and provide us valuable feedback about what veterans are looking for from Military Friendly® employers and schools.
Fourth, EY, a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services, independently tests the validity and consistency of each year’s survey results by testing the scoring methodology developed by Viqtory. Methodology reviews are performed by EY Assurance Services unit.
Finally, it is important to note that our scoring is fully automated. No human hands are involved in the scoring process.
Key Assessment Areas:
Schools | Employers |
Academic Policies & Compliance | Career Opportunity & Advancement |
Admissions & Orientation | Culture & Commitment |
Culture & Commitment | Hiring & Onboarding |
Financial Aid & Loan Repayment | Military Employee Policies & Compliance |
Graduation & Career Outcomes | Military Employee Support & Retention |
Military Student Support & Retention | Recruiting & Sourcing |
Our surveys do not ask essay-type questions; therefore, we do not consider or include subjective opinions in our scoring process.
There is no cost to participate in our surveys, or to have the final results published.
Our surveys are accessible through all major web browsers. However, if you are experiencing technical difficulties with your survey, please contact us at survey@victorymedia.com.
Advertising in any Viqtory publication is not a part of our assessment process, nor is it a factor in qualifying for the Military Friendly® designation. For more information on how the lists are derived, see the methodology section of our site. Organizations that qualify for the Military Friendly® designation are listed on our website and in our print guides at no cost.
Note: In the spirit of Better for Veterans, Viqtory does not accepting advertising from any school that is not eligible for Military Friendly(R) School designation. The definition of eligibility for Military Friendly Schools designation can be found here: Military Friendly Schools methodology.
For award winners, the logo will include your award: Top 10 Gold, Gold, Silver or Bronze and your designation area. You will receive more than one logo to use in your marketing efforts if you are designated as Military Friendly® in more than one award category. You can access your logos, press release templates, and social media blurbs via your toolkit. We will email you a link. If you need to request a new link fill out the form below.
Please note: Official plaques authorized by Military Friendly® are available for purchase for all Military Friendly® and award designees. Top 10 award recipients will receive one complimentary plaque. To order your plaque and for pricing information, please contact us.
Our Military Friendly® Awards provide a more competitive view of how an organization is performing compared with similar organizations.
An organization can be awarded:
- Top 10: the best of the best!
- Gold: within 10% of 10th-ranked organization.
- Silver: within 20% of the 10th-ranked organization.
- Bronze: within 30% of the 10th-ranked organization.
Award Categories
We group Military Friendly®-designated organizations into award categories based on revenue (for companies) or enrollment size and type (for colleges). An organization may earn one or several awards, or they may simply meet the standard and be designated Military Friendly® with no award.
Military Friendly® Schools |
Military Friendly® Employers |
|
1 |
Public Universities with <10,000 students |
<$500 Million |
2 |
Public Universities with >10,000 students |
$500 Million – $1 Billion |
3 |
Private Institutions with <10,000 students |
>$1 Billion |
4 |
Private Institutions with >10,000 students |
Government & Nonprofit Entities |
5 |
Non-Traditional Institutions |
|
6 |
Community Colleges |
|
7 |
Private Vocational Schools |
|
8 |
Online Universities |
|
9 |
Graduate Schools |
|
10 |
Tier 1 Research Institutions |
- Military Friendly® Companies
- Military Friendly® Employers
- Military Spouse Friendly Employers®
- Military Friendly® Supplier Diversity Programs
- Military Friendly® Brands
- Military Friendly® Schools
- Military Spouse Friendly Schools®
For Employers and Schools, we go further to highlight the top programs by bestowing awards to the best of the best. For each survey, we create top 10 lists by category. Companies are categorized by revenue; schools are categorized by enrollment and/or type of school. Beyond the Top 10, organizations can be awarded Gold, Silver, or Bronze, or they may simply be designated as Military Friendly®.
Survey Specifics for Post-Secondary Schools
This year we will published the results of our eligibility assessment of public data for schools against the Military Friendly® School standard in an effort to provide members of the military community with the latest, most comprehensive information possible as they decide how to use their veteran education benefits.
Eligibility is based upon a core set of outcome data, namely degree transfer, advancement, graduation and/or job placement.
Supplementing public data are responses from colleges that participate in our survey. Responses cover six areas we deem to be critical in helping veterans thrive on campus—and later in the workplace:
- Academic Policies & Compliance
- Admissions & Orientation
- Culture & Commitment
- Financial Aid & Loan Repayment
- Graduation & Career Outcomes
- Military Student Support & Retention
Final Military Friendly® ratings are determined by combining an institution’s Military Friendly® Schools survey score with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet minimum thresholds for Student Retention, Graduation, Job Placement and Loan Repayment rates for all students and specifically for student veterans based on public data.
Also new for 2019 is the Military Friendly® Schools Awards program, showcasing the most powerful and impactful programs supporting veteran and military students. Award categories are by type of institution.
- Public Universities with fewer than 10,000 students
- Public Universities with more than 10,000 students
- Private Institutions with fewer than 10,000 students
- Private Institutions with more than 10,000 students
- Non-Traditional Institutions
- Community Colleges
- Private Vocational Schools
- Online Universities
- Graduate Schools
- Tier 1 Research Institutions
- Academic Policies & Compliance
- Admissions & Orientation
- Culture & Commitment
- Financial Aid & Loan Repayment
- Graduation & Career Outcomes
- Military Student Support & Retention
The Top 10, Gold, Silver and Bronze winners are published online in early December, and in our annual Guide to Military Friendly® Schools.
Survey Specifics for Companies and Employers
Another significant change for the 2020 Employers portion of the survey is the consideration of three sources of data in the scoring: publicly available company data; personal opinion data from military employees; and proprietary survey data—all establishing new benchmarks for eligibility based upon a core set of outcome data.
Supplementing public data will be responses from participating companies in six areas deemed critical to helping veterans thrive in the workplace:
- Career Opportunity & Advancement
- Culture & Commitment
- Hiring & Onboarding
- Military Employee Policies & Compliance
- Military Employee Support & Retention
- Recruiting & Sourcing
Also new for 2020 is the Military Friendly® Employers Awards showcasing the most powerful and effective programs supporting veterans and military employees. Organizations can be recognized as part of the Top 10, Gold, Silver, or Bronze in different revenue categories. The categories are:
- Less than $500MM Revenue
- $500MM – $1 Billion Revenue
- More than $1Billion Revenue
- Government & Non-Profit Entities
- $5 Billion and above (coming in 2020)
Organizations must successfully complete the 2019 survey and qualify as a 2019 Military Friendly® Employer to be considered for the 2019 Awards program. Not all organizations designated as Military Friendly® will receive an award. Both designations and awards are based on the total score of the lead organization. This “benchmarking” approach ensures that organizations are constantly improving their programs and investments, which ultimately benefits the military and veteran community.
- Less than $500 Million
- $500 Million – $1 Billion
- $1 Billion to $5 Billion (Coming in 2020)
- $5 Billion and up (Coming in 2020)
- Government & Nonprofit (GOs and NGOs)
We also announce an overall #1 Military Friendly® Employer across all award categories.
See the public data sources we use as part of our process under the “Governance” section of the website.
- Recruiting, hiring and training practices of Military Friendly® Employers.
- Recruiting, hiring and training practices of Military Spouse Friendly Employers®.
- Partnering with and supporting Veteran-Owned Businesses with Military Friendly® Supplier Diversity Programs.
- Measuring the commitment to military consumer protections through Military Friendly® Brands.
You can complete as many of the survey sections as you would like; each will be evaluated separately. If you would just like to participate in the Military Friendly® Employers survey, no problem! Note, however, that in order to be considered for the Military Friendly® Companies list next year, organizations must submit and be designated as Military Friendly® in at least three of the sections.