Best for Vets: UW-Stout recognized as top public school in Wisconsin for veterans
University named 12th best in Midwest in new national rankings by Military Times
By Abbey Goers, UW-Stout
For veterans and active military students, University of Wisconsin-Stout is the best public university in Wisconsin and one of the best places in the U.S. to earn a higher education degree.
UW-Stout made the 2024 Best for Vets Colleges list, one of 304 in the country, announced on Nov. 4 by Military Times, ranking first among public universities or colleges in Wisconsin. Five of the 13 Universities of Wisconsin schools made the list. Overall, UW-Stout was 12th in the Midwest and 112th among the 304 schools that qualified.
“UW-Stout provides a welcoming and supportive environment that fosters academic success, personal growth and career readiness,” said retired Army Lt. Col. Brian Hackner, the university’s military education benefits coordinator who oversees Veteran Services. “This goes a long way in helping military-connected students enhance their careers or transition seamlessly to the workforce, while their resilience, leadership and diverse perspectives enrich the campus community.”
This spring, UW-Stout received a gold designation as a Military Friendly® School for 2024-25 for its efforts in creating sustainable and meaningful education paths for members of the military community. It also was designated a Military Spouse Friendly School. This was the 16th year the university was named a Military Friendly School.
UW-Stout currently has 198 military and veteran students and 629 spouses and children. Of those, 366 are using educational benefits. The university’s most recent First Destination report stated that 100% of veteran graduates were employed within six months of graduation.
Veteran Services provides advice on veteran and military education benefits and assists with applying for benefits: 715-232-1659 or [email protected].
Support for veterans
UW-Stout’s Military and Veteran Resource Center is a space dedicated to serving veterans, service members and their families with support resources, activities and opportunities. The MVRC is a place for military and veteran students and families to connect, hold meetings or study sessions, or relax with a complimentary snack and refreshment.
Other special programs include a Council on Veteran Services, a student Veterans Club, veteran-centered events and the Veteran Mentorship Program, a unique peer-to-peer online opportunity designed specifically for student veterans.
Additional academic opportunities include:
The Military Benefits 101 online course for first-year and transfer students provides an overview of military education benefits, support and services.
A minor in military leadership, where students gain basic concepts and principles of military science and the art of leadership.
Online certificates geared toward military-connected student interests, including project management - organizational performance, organizational development, strategic leadership and workforce development.
UW-Stout’s Career Services and Veteran Services coordinate an annual Military and Veterans Career Expo. The expo focuses on addressing employment challenges, navigating resources, and connecting veteran and military students with employers who value their experience. All military-connected students are encouraged to attend.
The university’s Memorial Wall to fallen service members, also known as the Hall of Heroes, currently honors 47 alumni, including one veteran of the Spanish-American War, six from World War I, 28 from World War II, two from the Korean War, eight from the Vietnam War, and two from the Iraq War.
UW-Stout is part of the Northwoods Battalion Army Reserve Officer’s Training Corps with UW-Eau Claire and UW-River Falls.
Military Times is a source of independent news and information for service members and their families, including the Air Force Times, Army Times, Marine Corps Times and Navy Times. Military Times is owned by Sightline Media Group.
UW-Stout, a member of the Universities of Wisconsin, is Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, with a focus on applied learning, collaboration with business and industry, and career outcomes. Learn more via the FOCUS2030 strategic plan.
