UW-Eau Claire remains a ‘Best for Vets’ campus for 2026

This latest ranking continues a long history at UW-Eau Claire of exemplary support and services for active, reserve and retired military service members and their families.

UW-Eau Claire is once again the top-ranked school in Wisconsin and climbed a notch to 20th among all schools in the Midwest. UW-Eau Claire is No. 1 in the state, followed by UW-Stout Polytechnic, Moraine Park Technical College, Chippewa Valley Technical College, UW-Superior, UW-La Crosse and Herzing University.

According to the Nov. 9 press release from Military Times, 370 colleges were recognized for 2026, up from last year's list of 357 colleges.

"More institutions than ever are making support for military-connected students a priority," the release reads, pointing to the changing demographics for this student base, one becoming more diverse in age, life stage and family situation. 

"The schools on this year’s list understand that, and they’re building support around the real lives of the people they serve. That’s exactly what we want our readers to know when they’re choosing where to invest their education benefits," says Jon Simkins, editor-in-chief of Military Times.

Miranda Cross-Schindler, adult and military services manager at UW-Eau Claire, is pleased to see a positive review once again and to get the word out to veterans and families considering higher education that UW-Eau Claire is the right choice for their unique needs.

“Receiving the 'Best for Vets' designation is a meaningful honor and reflects UW-Eau Claire’s ongoing dedication to serving our military-connected student population,” Cross-Schindler says.

“Our students bring a wide range of experiences and responsibilities to campus, from transitioning out of military service to supporting their families and pursuing new educational and professional opportunities. We recognize the importance of providing support that acknowledges and responds to those unique experiences.”

Cross-Schindler and others across campus have worked hard over the years to make UW-Eau Claire a place where veterans, service members and their families feel welcomed, supported and connected. She notes that the donor-supported Veterans Center in Schofield Hall plays an important role in that work.

“The center is an anchor in creating that community,” she says. “It offers students a place to access mentorship and guidance, build relationships, connect with fellow students with similar experiences and develop a sense of belonging.”

Cross-Schindler is not one to rest on accolades, but this consistent endorsement from Military Times is encouragement to keep up the good work.

“Ultimately, our focus is on helping military-connected students reach their educational and personal goals,” Cross-Schindler says. “This recognition is a reflection of the collective efforts of our campus community and the continued commitment to ensuring these students have the support and opportunities they need to thrive.”

In addition to the inclusion on Military Times' "Best for Vets" list, UW-Eau Claire was also recognized this fall by U.S. News and World Report. UW-Eau Claire is in the Top 10 of the 2027 Best Colleges for Veterans in the Midwest regional ranking, and the top-rated campus among the Universities of Wisconsin.

For more information about services and support for veterans at UW-Eau Claire, contact Miranda Cross-Schindler at veterans@uwec.edu.