Montana State University was named the No. 1 military-friendly school in the country this spring, according to a Mar. 25 announcement from Militaryfriendly.com. This is the first time MSU has topped the rankings in the tier one research institution category, which includes other large universities such as Arizona State, Texas A&M and Purdue.
The recognition highlights MSU’s ongoing investment in supporting student veterans and military-connected students on campus. The ranking is based on public data and surveys that measure support for military students, including retention rates, graduation outcomes, financial aid support and campus culture.
Todd Bucher, director of the Travis W. Atkins Veteran Support Center at MSU, said: “Being ranked No. 1 in the nation shows that MSU is not only welcoming these students but also actively investing in their success and their time here at MSU.” Bucher added: “A truly military-friendly institution, like Montana State, understands the unique experiences that veterans and military-connected students bring with them and builds systems that help them successfully transition into and navigate academic life.”
MSU currently enrolls around 750 veterans and military-connected students using Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits. The Veteran Support Center provides resources such as mental health support, financial aid assistance and community-building opportunities for these students.
Bozeman native Taryn Nell, a sophomore studying computer engineering after serving as a U.S. Army Ranger from 2011 to 2023, described his experience transitioning to student life with help from the center: “The great staff here at the Vet Center, day in and day out, they’re always reaching out to us… Having such great people who actually care really makes a difference. At the end of the day, it gives you a sense of home…”
Montana State University leads research funding efforts within Montana with annual expenditures exceeding $288 million according to its official website. The university also contributes through volunteer efforts and outreach aimed at improving lives statewide according to its official website. It ranks among the top five percent of global universities per rankings by the Center for World University Rankings according to its official website.
With approximately 17,165 enrolled students evenly split between residents and nonresidents according to its official website, MSU operates as Montana’s land-grant university focused on research excellence while addressing key challenges through education and community outreach according to its official website. The university extends its influence beyond state borders while providing access to outdoor recreation amid vast wilderness areas according to its official website.
Militaryfriendly.com will release this year’s rankings for support of military spouses in June.