EMU Today

YPSILANTI – For the sixth consecutive year, Eastern Michigan University is among the best of the best military and veteran-friendly universities in the country, ranked No. 2 in the U.S, and No. 1 in Michigan for 2023-24. 

In its 13th year, the Military Friendly® Schools list provides a comprehensive guide for veterans and their families, using data from federal agencies, veteran students and survey information from participating organizations.

The latest rankings follow last fall’s designation by another military organization,  Military Times, which ranked Eastern No. 9 in the U.S. and No. 1 in Michigan.

“We tell our student veterans when they arrive at EMU that they have come to the right place,” said Lt. Colonel, U.S. Army (Ret.) Mike Wise, assistant director of Military and Veteran Services at Eastern. "We take care of our student veterans, military students, and beneficiaries like family much like the military trains us to do. Our students are our number one priority and they each deserve the best advice and support we can give them."

Marine Corps veteran Lukas Brockway is one of those students. He said, “The staff at EMU has assisted me in guiding my studies based on my career goals, giving me great advice and helping me make important connections in the field I'm trying to enter."

Eastern established its military and veteran support center in 2014 and later named it in honor of the late U.S. Army Lt. Colonel Charles S. Kettles, a Medal of Honor recipient, Eastern Michigan University alum, and Ypsilanti resident. 

In 2015, the center expanded its services for veterans after Eastern was awarded the TRIO-Veteran Student Support Services grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

About the Lt. Colonel Charles S. Kettles Military and Veteran Services Center
Eastern Michigan University's Lt. Colonel Charles S. Kettles Military and Veteran Services Center serves more than 500 student veterans per year, spouses and dependents each year. Its retired military staff understands the distinct needs of veteran and military students and their families and is proud of its long history of being military and veteran-friendly. EMU is also proud of its Army officer-producing Army ROTC Eagle Battalion, established in 1952, which enhances the military-friendly nature of the institution. EMU student veterans receive individualized resume writing, academic advising, and employment preparation coaching. Student veterans receive enhanced priority and service for admission and registration and receive recognition for their service at commencement ceremonies.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 14,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements