AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas at Austin is the No. 1 school for veterans in Texas, according to U.S. News & World Report, and was recently honored with a gold medal designation from the Texas Veterans Commission.
Established by the State of Texas, the Veterans Education Excellence Recognition Gold Award recognizes universities that provide excellence in education and related services that significantly contribute to the academic success of student veterans and military-connected students.
The U.S. News veterans ranking is a subcategory of the publication’s overall national undergraduate rankings, which placed UT Austin at No. 10 among all U.S. public universities. In the veterans subcategory, UT Austin ranked No. 1 in Texas and No. 16 among all U.S. universities.
“Providing world-class teaching and mentoring resources to veterans is a top priority and point of pride at The University of Texas,” said UT Austin President Jay Hartzell. “Both of these recognitions underscore our continued commitment to supporting our student veterans and their families.”
The university is home to more than 475 military veterans, and nearly 1,300 students are spouses or children of current or former military members. The university supports these students through a variety of programs including veteran education benefits support, veteran-centered academic support, career services, health care resources, a dedicated veteran/military space on campus, and a full-time staff dedicated to our veteran and military-affiliated students.
“Our veterans are exceptional leaders, students and assets to the university,” said Jeremiah Gunderson, retired staff sergeant and director of Student Veteran Services. “The needs of student veterans are diverse, so our goal is always to serve them through a holistic approach that supports both their academic and personal goals.”
The university’s support of military personnel and veterans is evident across campus, with a long history and wide range of institutes and research initiatives that support military objectives and technological innovation. Most notably, UT Austin’s partnership with the Army Futures Command has established the university as a hub for research dedicated to modernizing the U.S. Army. Additionally, UT Austin recently signed an agreement with the U.S. Space Force to provide advanced research and workforce development.
The Institute for Military and Veteran Family Wellness collaborates with veteran and family service organizations, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense to develop solutions to address military service-related trauma and the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life. It also provides service-learning opportunities to student veterans seeking careers in military medicine and military social work.
“The University of Texas has long been a world-class destination and partner for our nation’s military, veterans and their families — a fact that is further confirmed by our recent No. 1 ranking and gold award,” said Joseph Kopser, special adviser for military leadership and strategy policy at UT. “Our commitment is displayed every day by researchers, faculty and staff who work tirelessly to support strategic military objectives and improve the lives of those who have served.”
Situated in the heart of the state’s capital and with access to a booming culture of innovation in Austin, the university is uniquely positioned to offer strategic support, groundbreaking research and job opportunities to the military community and veterans. Austin was recently named the No. 5 city in the nation for veterans by U.S. News & World Report.
Both the U.S. News & World Report ranking and the TVC Gold Award come as UT Austin is increasingly recognized as a top school for veterans nationally. The university was recently named the best school for veterans in Texas and No. 6 nationally by career website Zippia.
To learn more about the veteran community and UT Austin’s collaboration with the U.S. Military, visit utexas.edu/military.