We’re sure you’ve seen countless institutions and companies claim to be “military-friendly.” But for the military community, veterans, spouses, and dependents, a genuine commitment goes beyond a marketing slogan. It requires a transparent, data-driven approach that proves intent through action. This is precisely the foundation of the Military Friendly® designation. That’s what makes it a beacon for members of the military community who are continuing their education.
Service Redefined means demonstrating an unwavering commitment to those who have served, backed by measurable actions that create an earned standard. Our rigorous methodology ensures that a Military Friendly® designation is a testament to true dedication, not just a marketing claim.
1. The Foundation of a Credible Designation
The cornerstone of the Military Friendly® rating is our comprehensive, third-party survey. This isn’t a simple application; it’s an in-depth assessment developed with guidance from an independent Military Friendly® Advisory Council, comprised of highly respected military and academic leaders. The survey evaluates an organization’s policies, programs, and outcomes across critical areas such as:
Culture and Commitment: How an organization fosters a genuinely supportive environment.
Recruitment and Admissions: The effectiveness of efforts to attract and enroll military-affiliated individuals.
Academic Policies and Compliance: Adherence to regulations and best practices that support military students.
Student Support & Retention: Programs designed to ensure their academic success and persistence.
Career Outcomes & Linkage: Pathways to meaningful employment or continued professional development.
This extensive evaluation ensures that every designated institution has robust, verifiable practices in place to serve the military community.
2. The Power of Data: Proving Your Commitment
Our methodology isn’t just about collecting information; it’s about benchmarking and proving impact. We leverage both public data sources and proprietary survey data to assess an institution’s performance.
We cross-reference self-reported data with public data from sources like the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD). This ensures that an institution’s claims are backed by official governmental records.
In addition, Military Friendly® Benchmarking Report outlines, participants receive detailed feedback on their performance against sector-specific benchmarks. This data-driven approach allows institutions to understand their strengths and identify areas for improvement, fostering continuous growth and accountability. It moves beyond subjective promises to quantifiable progress.
3. A Blueprint for Programs That Truly Work
The Military Friendly® designation is not an end goal, but a tool for continuous improvement. The feedback and insights derived from our rigorous survey and benchmarking empower institutions to refine their programs and services.
By understanding the key performance indicators that drive success for military-affiliated students, institutions can strategically allocate resources, develop targeted support initiatives, and ensure that their commitment translates into tangible outcomes. This proactive, data-informed approach helps schools to:
Enhance Student Retention: By identifying and addressing the specific needs of military students.
Improve Career Pathways: By aligning academic programs with in-demand skills relevant to the military community.
Strengthen Campus Culture: By embedding inclusive practices that truly resonate with those who have served.
Ultimately, the Military Friendly® methodology provides a transparent, accountable framework for institutions to not only attract but truly serve military-affiliated students. It’s a standard earned through genuine intent and demonstrable results, ensuring that “military friendly” is more than a buzzword, it’s a proven commitment.
Ready to showcase your institution’s commitment to military-affiliated students? Explore the Military Friendly® membership process today.
You can view the full Military Friendly® Methodology on militaryfriendly.com
