For the second year in a row, Concordia is ranked #1 among private schools offering doctorate programs. Also for the second time, we’re #1 for military spouses, too!
“Once again, we’re honored to announce that we’ve achieved a high ranking the annual Military Friendly® survey,” said Keith Casey, Director of CUW Veteran Services. “We are especially pleased to be named a spouse-friendly school for the second year, because family relationships and support are so important for veterans and military students, throughout their military careers and educational journeys.”
CUW’s rankings have improved steadily as the department has made improvements and enhancements to help serve veteran and military students. One big change has been the Howard J. Bogenschild Veteran and Military Affiliated Resource Center in the lower level of Rincker Hall, which opened in 2022. It provides a spacious, comfortable area for veterans students to relax, study, or hang out with fellow veteran and military students.
Also worthy of recognition has been the work of Barb Ellmaker, CUW’s VA Certifying Official. Ellmaker was recognized by fellow School Certifying Officials (SCOs) at Veterans Administration for her outstanding work.
“Barb has been with CUW for many years, and is a wealth of knowledge for student veterans and families,” said Christy Call, Director of Strategic Partnerships at CUW. “The details required in her work are many, and she always provides a great customer experience for student veterans and families in addition to her technical knowledge. She is beloved by students and I’ve had individuals ask about her specifically when I have been out promoting Concordia, years after they have left the university.”
Congratulations and thank you to all the faculty, staff, and students who help make our campus so welcoming to veteran and military students!
Selection process
Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,800 schools participated in the
2024-2025 survey with 537 earning special awards for going above the standard. The 2024-2025 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in the May and October issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and can 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.
“Military Friendly is committed to transparency and providing consistent data-driven standards in our designation process,” said Kayla Lopez, National Director of Military Partnerships, Military Friendly. “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 who achieve awards designation show true commitment in their efforts, going over and above that standard.”
Want in?
Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW) is a Lutheran institution that is proud to be Military Friendly. You can be assured that we are committed to providing first class service to support our Active, Reserve, and Veteran personnel and their families. CUW has been serving the needs of students since 1881 as a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body, and spirit. Concordia is nationally recognized and fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission-North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.