N.J.’s top ‘military friendly’ institutions — and how they got that way

• Provides a dedicated veterans center for social interaction. 

• Fosters university-wide connections among veterans through its Veterans House.  

• Features an office which assists in processing military education benefits.  

• Extends support to approximately 105 undergraduates annually, offering a maximum school annual contribution of $7,022 per student and $7,555 for up to 15 graduate students through the Yellow Ribbon Program. 

• Houses a dedicated Military Services office, aiding military-affiliated students in transitioning to campus life.  

• Has a Veteran Student Organization which fosters camaraderie among military veterans and students to promote communication and understanding. 

• Offers a 20% tuition reduction scholarship for veteran students and their dependents, along with the possibility of earning credit for military training.

• Offers a “Green Zone Military Cultural Competency Training” across the university. 

• Conducts tailored training for external organizations, benefiting faculty, staff, and students alike. 

• Fosters a supportive environment through its Veterans Council, overseen by the Director of the Office of Veterans Affairs.  

• Accommodates three VA work-study student veterans and knowledgeable staff dedicated to serving veteran students across all areas. 

• Offers scholarships designed explicitly for veteran students.  

• Provides a dedicated space called the Veterans House where veterans can connect with their peers.

• Provides undergraduate, graduate and professional studies in the arts and humanities, life and physical sciences, business, social sciences, law, public affairs and criminal justice.  

• Conducts regular veteran-themed events on campus. 

• Offers a Student Veterans Organization.  

• Features a dedicated staff ready to answer questions and aid with enrollment, benefits and other questions.

• Houses an Office of Veteran and Military Resources dedicated to supporting military-affiliated students in their academic journey.  

• Offers a veteran-to-veteran peer mentorship program to assist newcomers in transitioning smoothly into university life. 

• Grants credits for military training in certain instances. 

• Offers an unlimited annual school contribution to as many as eight undergraduate and two graduate students.

• Supports military students with tailored academic programs and has done so since the end of World War II.  

• Participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, ensuring that eligible veterans under the GI Bill can attend FDU at no cost. FDU does not impose a cap on Yellow Ribbon awards. 

• Offers veterans organizations, various events, fundraisers, and an array of resources designed for military members and their families.  

• Simplifies the process of accessing VA benefits and evaluates military transcripts to grant college credits.  

• Provides counseling services and staff support for referrals related to non-educational needs like housing.

• Continues its long history of welcoming veterans and military service members, dating back to 1865 when most of Rider’s first class consisted of Civil War veterans.  

• Offers a Veteran Affairs Office to assist military members applying for benefits. 

• Offers a Veterans Association which allows veterans to establish a network with fellow veterans. 

• Participates in Yellow Ribbon Program and extends awards to an unlimited number of undergraduate and graduate students.  

• Commits to covering the full remaining 50% of all tuition and fees after the application of VA benefits.

• Offers several program areas – HVAC, Auto, Spa and Cosmetology, Electrical and Electronics.  

• Offers dedicated military student support teams.  

• Offers scholarship programs for veterans. 

• Offers assistance in accessing education benefits and helping complete the enrollment process.

• Provides both day and evening classes. 

• Offers diverse programs from allied health/medical assisting to technical training such as the Mazda Automotive program. 

• Extends veteran financial aid packages for its trade school programs.  

• Participates in the Yellow Ribbon program (Bristol PA campus only).

• Continues a long tradition of commitment to veterans and military students.  

• Houses the Office of Military and Veteran Affairs which helps students adjust to civilian and professional life. 

• Offers credit for military training and experience in certain instances. 

• Offers the Yellow Ribbon Scholarship to all eligible recipients which covers 100% of undergrad tuition and fees not covered by federal and state grants.

• Participates in Yellow Ribbon Program.  

• Offers seven students per year an unlimited tuition benefit.  

• Offers credit for military training and experience in certain instances.

• Offers a variety of program paths that allow easy transfer in order to continue education or to prepare for a career right after graduation.  

• Features a Military Education & Veteran Services which provides educational benefits assistance to the veteran population. 

• Offers information and help regarding benefits available from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

• Features an Office of Veterans Affairs to help provide a strong sense of community for veteran and military students.  

• Offers credit for military training and experience in certain instances. 

• Participates in Yellow Ribbon Program. 

• Offers ten undergrad and ten graduate students an unlimited school contribution each year. 

• Participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program.  

• Offers 25 students a maximum school contribution per year of $4,000. 

• Offers an Office of Veterans Student Services which features transition services for veterans, service members, and dependents.  

• Offers credit for military training and experience in certain instances.

• Offers studies in automotive tech, HVAC, welding, machining and manufacturing. 

• Continues history of welcoming veteran students since first doing so with returning WWII military personnel.  

• Offers dedicated military student support teams.  

• Provides guidance in understanding and using educational benefits.

According to the Education Connection, this is how much each of New Jersey’s 15 military-friendly educational institutions awarded in GI Bill benefits during the 2023 / 2024 school year. All of the data cited is from the National Center for Education Statistics.