Community college provides comprehensive array of support services for military veterans and active-duty servicemembers
2025 Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges has ranked Inver Hills Community College second in Minnesota and 36th in the Midwest category for providing outstanding support services to veterans and military students. Best for Vets included six ranking categories this year. Along with its Minnesota and Midwest rankings, Inver Hills was recognized in the following categories:
- 83rd in Traditional and Online
- 187th in General Education
- 192nd in Public
- 241st Overall
According to Military Times: “Military Times has earned its reputation as the ultimate and trusted source for veterans and their families. At the heart of our brand lies an unwavering commitment to credibility and accuracy in our award-winning reporting. Our newsroom comprises seasoned journalists and military experts, ensuring a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by veterans.
“We pride ourselves on our thorough and unbiased ranking methodologies, so we have data experts meticulously analyze data submitted by institutions and businesses. For veterans seeking genuine, reliable, and comprehensive information, Military Times stands as the beacon of trust, offering invaluable insights to empower them in making informed decisions for their future.”
The following is the official Military Times Best for Vets press release:
Military Times Announces 2025 Best for Vets:
Colleges Ranking, Expands to 357 Institutions NationwideArlington, Virginia, November 17, 2025 — Military Times released its 2025 Best for Vets: Colleges rankings, the most trusted, comprehensive list of U.S. colleges and universities committed to supporting military service members, veterans and their families.
This year’s list includes 357 institutions, marking the largest field in the program’s history and a substantial increase from 304 in 2024. The growth underscores the expanding network of colleges prioritizing veteran success through targeted programs, financial support and student-veteran communities.
“For 15 years, Best for Vets has helped transitioning service members find schools that not only welcome veterans but actively invest in their success,” said Jon Simkins, executive editor of Military Times and Sightline Media Group. “The record-breaking participation this year shows that higher education leaders are listening and working to create environments where veterans can thrive academically and personally.”
Military Times collects data from an extensive survey from colleges across the country. Institutions are evaluated on academic quality, student support services, affordability, and outcomes for veterans, including graduation and retention rates.
Key trends from the 2025 survey include:
- Increased participation among public universities and community colleges, signaling broader institutional engagement.
- A surge in online and hybrid program options, which continue to support active-duty and Guard/Reserve students.
- Growth in dedicated veteran resource centers, peer mentorship networks and mental health services tailored to post-service transition.
The full 2025 ranking, along with an interactive database of schools, can be found at bestforvets.militarytimes.com/colleges.
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About Military Times
The Military Times digital platforms and magazines are the trusted source for independent news and information for service members and their families. The military community relies on Air Force Times, Army Times, Marine Corps Times, and Navy Times for reporting on everything that matters in their lives, including pay, benefits, finance, education, health care, recreational resources, retirement, promotions, product reviews, and entertainment.
Military Times is published by Sightline Media Group. Learn more by visiting militarytimes.com.
Learn more about the Best for Vets ranking methodology by visiting:
Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges
Military & Veteran Services at Inver Hills
Find support on our veteran-friendly, military-friendly campus.
If you are a veteran, active-duty servicemember, or dependent using your veteran benefits to attend college, you will find a home at Inver Hills. Veterans and military students make up the single largest constituent group on our campus.
Inver Hills offers the following advantages:
- Comprehensive, veteran-specific array of support services, scholarships, networking, and employment opportunities
- Spacious Military & Veterans Lounge and the John H. Thill Veterans Resource Center
- Faculty, staff, and administrators who are committed to ensuring you have what you need to succeed
- Inver Hills counselors to make sure military/student veterans and servicemembers adapt to college life and achieve their career goals
Explore all that Inver Hills offers for Future Military & Veteran Students.
Learn more about Military & Veteran Services at Inver Hills by contacting:
Jill Fiedler
Veteran Services Coordinator
Inver Hills Community College
College Center 214
jill.fiedler@inverhills.edu
651-450-3862
