ATLANTA/MACON – Mercer University received the highest honor in the 2020-21 Military Friendly® Schools list, released today.
Mercer is listed as a Top 10 institution among 625 Military Friendly® Schools, recognizing the University among the “guidon bearers” for military and veteran programs and initiatives in the United States.
“This designation is considered the gold standard by military members, veterans, military-affiliated service organizations and military friendly schools worldwide and acknowledges Mercer’s leadership, unmatched commitment and service in support of our military-connected students, veterans and their families,” said Dr. Penny Elkins, senior vice president for enrollment management.
Mercer works extensively to better assist military-connected prospective students through the enrollment process for traditional, non-traditional and graduate programs. In addition to being a Military Friendly® School, these efforts resulted in the institution being named Georgia’s first Purple Heart University and one of the Best Colleges for Veterans. More information on Mercer’s alliance with the military is available at mercer.edu/admissions/military.
“The Top 10 recognition is a profound and wonderful honor which perfectly reflects the University’s dedication and support to veterans and the women and men who are currently serving our country. As a 27-year Army veteran, I am so proud to serve at Mercer University,” said retired Lt. Col. Scott Mahone, director of operations for the Regional Academic Centers and liaison for military recruitment at Mercer.
In its 19th year, the Military Friendly® Schools list has come to set the standard for higher education institutions to provide the best opportunities for veterans and their spouses. This prestigious list provides a comprehensive guide for veterans and their families using data sources from federal agencies, veteran students and proprietary survey information from participating organizations.
More than 1,000 schools participated in the 2020-2021 survey, with 625 schools earning the designation.
The 2020-2021 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in the May issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and can also be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.
Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by VIQTORY with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment, persistence (degree advancement or transfer) and loan default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.
About Military Friendly® Schools
The Military Friendly® Schools list is created each year based on extensive research using public data sources for more than 8,800 schools nationwide and responses to the proprietary, data-driven Military Friendly® Schools survey from participating institutions. The survey questions, methodology, criteria and weighting were developed with the assistance of an independent research firm and an advisory council of educators and employers. Ernst & Young, a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services, independently evaluated the scoring methodology used for the Military Friendly® Schools list using the criteria set forth by VIQTORY. The services performed by EY are were limited to advisory procedures and do not provide assurance over the scoring methodology. The survey is administered for free and is open to all post-secondary schools that wish to participate. Criteria for consideration can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.
About VIQTORY
Founded in 2001, VIQTORY is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities through its G.I. Jobs® and Military Friendly® brands. VIQTORY and its brands are not a part of or endorsed by the U.S. Dept of Defense or any federal government entity. Learn more about VIQTORY at www.viqtory.com.
