Arkansas Tech University has earned Military Friendly School Gold status for 2025-26.
Student retention, persistence, graduation, job placement, loan repayment and loan default rates for all students and for student veterans are among the factors used to evaluate institutions seeking the Military Friendly School distinction.
In order to achieve Military Friendly School Gold status, a university or college must score within 10 percent of the 10th-ranked organization in the United States.
“This award is reflective of Arkansas Tech University’s commitment to provide accessible, high-quality educational opportunities to veterans and military-affiliated personnel,” said Dr. Russell Jones, ATU president. “I offer my congratulations and gratitude to the staff in the ATU Office of Veteran Services and everyone else at Arkansas Tech who helps veterans and their family members achieve academic and personal success on our campuses.”
Shelly Hall is coordinator of veteran services and Piper Orio-Dettling is graduate assistant for veteran services at Arkansas Tech.
More than 1,800 post-secondary educational institutions participated in the 2025-26 Military Friendly Schools survey.
“Military Friendly is committed to transparency and providing consistent data-driven standards in our designation process,” said Kayla Lopez, Military Friendly vice president. “Our standards provide a benchmark that promotes positive outcomes and support services that better the educational landscape and provide opportunity for the military community. This creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages institutions to evolve and invest in their programs consistently. Schools that achieve awards designation show true commitment in their efforts, exceeding the standard.”
To learn more about educational opportunities at Arkansas Tech for active and retired military personnel, call the ATU Office of Veteran Services at (479) 968-0445 or visit www.atu.edu/veterans.
