UNI named one of the best schools in the nation for veterans
Military Times has selected the University of Northern Iowa for their fourth annual Best for Vets: Colleges 2014 rankings. In announcing the honor, the publication praised UNI for its commitment to providing opportunities to America's veterans.
"As with all of the Best for Vets rankings, Best for Vets: Colleges is an editorially independent news project that evaluates the many factors that make an institution a good fit for military veterans," said Amanda Miller, editor of Military Times EDGE.
The rankings factored in service member enrollment, percentage of tuition covered by the GI Bill and availability of specific programs to help service members. This year's survey also placed a new emphasis on academic rigor, student retention and graduation rates, as well as student to faculty ratio.
As a non-traditional student, the size of the university and personal attention from faculty and staff, were particularly important to Jeremy Rosel. "I didn't want to be just another student in class, I wanted my professors to know me as a person and therefore be able to help me if I needed it." Rosel spent five years in the Marines; working at the White House, the Pentagon and briefly as an instructor in Germany. When he returned to Iowa, Rosel enrolled in North Iowa Area Community College then transferred to UNI. "My time in the military gave me the tools to succeed, but it was the staff and faculty here who took those tools and helped me translate them into classroom success."
This is second time this year UNI has been honored for its work with veterans. Earlier this fall, G.I. Jobs Magazine selected the university as a Military Friendly School for the fourth time. UNI currently has about 300 students receiving G.I. benefits.
Upcoming Event
UNI will host a U.S. Department of Education open forum on the Obama administration's college affordability and completion initiative from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday, Nov. 15, in Bengtson Auditorium in Russell Hall. The public is encouraged to attend. Go to UNI's live video streaming site to watch the forum live.