EMU Today

YPSILANTI — Eastern Michigan University has earned the title of Michigan's leading military and veteran-friendly higher education institution in the latest Military Times Best for Vet rankings. For 2024, EMU claimed the No. 1 spot in Michigan and ranked No. 4 in the Midwest, highlighting its commitment to providing exceptional support and resources for military-affiliated students.

This latest recognition gives Eastern Michigan University a clean sweep as best in Michigan by both national higher ed military ranking services. Last spring,  Military Friendly® Schools ranked Eastern No. 1 in Michigan and No. 9 nationwide. 

The new Military Times rankings assess institutions based on student success metrics, military-focused resources, financial aid, and institutional support.

“Eastern Michigan University and the Lt. Colonel Charles S. Kettles Military and Veteran Services Resource Center take so much pride in helping military and veteran students—and their families—achieve their educational goals in a caring, friendly environment,” said Lt. Colonel, U.S. Army (Ret.) Mike Wise, assistant director of Military and Veteran Services at EMU. “We’re incredibly proud of our resource center and all the support we can offer our military and veteran students across campus.”

Veteran students like Dylan Emery attest to the important role that EMU’s veteran resources have played in their academic journeys.

“The veterans resource center has been instrumental in guiding me through my educational career,” said Emery. “From learning how to use my government benefits to supporting me in my studies and even connecting me with opportunities outside of academia, the Veterans Department has been a great help in easing my transition from active service and helping me succeed while pursuing my degree.”

“The Military Times ranking reflects the hard work that our team and the University put in every day to ensure seamless and supportive experiences for our student veteran and dependent population,” said Wise. 

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, EMU is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 13,000 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, visit EMU Today.