Wilkes University announced that it has earned the 2025-2026 Military Friendly® School designation. Wilkes was recognized with silver distinction, which is for institutions offering exceptional military and veteran programs that scored above 21% in the survey and have three or more qualifying benchmarks. Wilkes is in the category for private schools offering doctorate programs.
“It’s a great honor for Wilkes University to be designated a Military Friendly® School and a great honor for me to be part of Wilkes’ outstanding support to the veteran community and their dependents,” said Lt. Col. Mark Kaster (retired), Wilkes University’s veterans counselor. “The support to our veterans is a team effort: faculty, staff, administration, et cetera. Leadership and caring at every level of a veteran’s experience at Wilkes generates success after their service to our country.”
More than 1,800 schools participated in the 2025-2026 survey with 830 earning special awards for going above the standard. The 2025-2026 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in the May and October issues of G.I. Jobs magazine and can be found by visiting www.militaryfriendly.com.
“Earning the Military Friendly® Silver designation shows just how dedicated Wilkes is to making sure veterans like me have the resources, guidance, and community we need not only to persevere but to thrive,” said Stephanie Smith, management major and treasurer of the Student Veterans Council.
The Military Friendly® School designation comes as a result of the University’s support services designed to aid veterans, including:
- A dedicated veterans affairs counselor who works with veterans as they enroll at the University.
- The Wilkes Student Veterans Council, which provides programming to help members of the military transition to the civilian world. Council members also support service projects related to the military, such as sending care packages overseas.
- The Veterans Center of Excellence, located on campus in Conyngham Hall, which offers a place where veterans can meet and study. Programs to assist veterans also are provided at the center.
- The Inter-Organizational Veteran Educational Support Team (INVEST), which connects Wilkes and community partners who can help mitigate risk factors that hinder veteran persistence in higher education.
- Veterans Memorial Court, located in the Fenner Quadrangle. Dedicated on the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy during World War II, memorial plaques and benches among the United States, Pennsylvania and University flags offer a contemplative space in the heart of campus.
“As a Navy veteran and student at Wilkes, having a place like the Veterans Center of Excellence means everything. It’s more than just a study space, it’s a home away from home, where I can connect with other veterans who understand the transition from military to civilian life,” said Smith. “The support system here, especially the mentorship from Lt. Col. Mark Kaster has been invaluable. He and the entire team at Wilkes truly care about our success, both in and out of the classroom.”
Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey.
“Military Friendly® is committed to transparency and providing consistent data-driven standards in our designation process. Our standards provide a benchmark that promotes positive outcomes and support services that better the educational landscape and provide opportunity for the Military Community. This creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages Institutions to evolve and invest in their programs consistently. Schools who achieve awards designation show true commitment in their efforts, exceeding the standard,” said Kayla Lopez, vice president of Military Friendly®.
Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Viqtory with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community.Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for Student Retention, Graduation, Job Placement, Loan Repayment, Persistence (Degree Advancement or Transfer) and Loan Default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.
For more information about Wilkes University’s student veteran programs, visit wilkes.edu/veterans.