UW-Eau Claire among top military-friendly campuses in the nation

The 2025-26 military-friendly designation marks the third consecutive year UW-Eau Claire has received at least a gold-level distinction and the first year in the top 10 for creating meaningful education paths for the military community.

“Our student veterans who selflessly volunteer to serve and protect our nation deserve and have earned our support at UW-Eau Claire,” says Chancellor James Schmidt. “This top 10 recognition as a military-friendly school is an important achievement and a testament to our commitment to military-affiliated students. Like all Blugolds, we want our military-connected students to be successful, and thanks to our Veterans Service Office in collaboration with others, our student veterans have every opportunity to reach their potential at UW-Eau Claire and in the future.”

UW-Eau Claire also was designated as as a military spouse friendly institution.

Institutions that earned the military-friendly designations were evaluated through survey responses and public data. More than 1,800 schools participated in the 2025-26 survey with 830 earning special awards for going above the standard.

UW-Eau Claire ranked highly in several categories, including support and retention, admissions and orientation, graduation and career outcomes, financial aid and loan repayment, and culture and commitment.

Miranda Cross-Schindler, military and adult service manager, says selecting a college can be a daunting task and she hopes the military-friendly recognition shows student veterans they will be valued and supported throughout their entire educational journey, no matter what stage of life they are in.

“This national recognition highlights the resources, academic opportunities and career support we provide to help veterans, active-duty service members and their families succeed,” Cross-Schindler says. “Being ranked among the best in the country strengthens our reputation and motivates us to keep improving our programs. This honor reaffirms our institution as a top choice for military-connected students looking to further their education and career goals.”

Cross-Schindler says she enjoys sharing her story of beginning college after military service and earning both her undergraduate degree and MBA from UW-Eau Claire.

Sierra Roeske of Altoona, who has a public health degree from UW-Eau Claire and is pursuing a second degree in nursing, recently returned from active-duty military service and found the transition back to campus “flawless” thanks to the university’s support.

“It was reassuring to know that while I was away, there were people on campus who understood the unique circumstances surrounding a reservist on active-duty orders,” Roeske says. “I felt confident that my academic needs would be met — both while I was away and once I returned. Coming off active-duty orders straight back into academics can be a jarring experience. My transition was softened by the support offered to me on campus.”

Roeske says she would recommend UW-Eau Claire to any veteran or military-connected student because campus has professionals with experience navigating the complexities of how serving in the military can affect academic life.

“One of the best resources is the Veterans Center on campus, where students can unwind in between classes and make new friends,” Roeske says. “Camaraderie is an important part of the military and is often missed when a veteran transitions from military lifestyle to civilian. Having a source of that camaraderie in the Veterans Center boosts morale and improves retention rates. The morale and support offered by the people in the Veterans Center is essential to the success of military-connected students.”