KINGSTON, R.I. – Dec. 2, 2025 – The University of Rhode Island has been named to the upper tier of best colleges and universities for military veterans across the United States in Military Times’ 2025 Best for Vets: Colleges rankings. The University was ranked No. 17 overall out of 357 total higher-education institutions listed by the military publication.

Military Times annually ranks U.S. colleges and universities based on several metrics, including student success and specific resources available for veterans—such as financial assistance. Admissions and registration policies, human resources and other considerations are also factored into the publication’s rankings.

In its first appearance in the rankings, the University was the highest-ranked New England-based public institution. The only Rhode Island-based school, public or private, to be ranked, URI was also one of only two New England-based schools ranked in the top 20—Quinnipiac University based in Connecticut is the other.

“This is a great first ranking for URI in Military Times’ Best for Vets program,” said Bob Flynn, director of URI’s Center for Military and Veteran Education (MAVE). “The University across the board supports military veterans with services that help them receive an education at an outstanding school. We also make sure we serve veterans where they are with their benefits and any unique problems that they may have. To be ranked that high is a real testament to the University.” 

Approximately 550 military-connected students are enrolled at URI, Flynn says. That includes those who are active duty and family members of those serving in the military. At any given moment, URI is educating up to 5% of the entire active Army and Air National Guard force in Rhode Island, Flynn says.

URI was lauded by Military Times for its various initiatives supporting military veterans, including direct financial aid to military students through the MAVE, thanks to donors and state funding.

“We’re solving problems to keep people in school,” Flynn said. “We have some great relationships with donors, so to help these students out so they can achieve their goals and finish their education. You can’t put a price on that.”

As part of the University’s push to increase its support for military personnel and military-connected students, URI three years ago opened its Center for Military and Veteran Education inside the Memorial Union. The center assists URI’s veterans, current military and military-connected students, as well as prospective students, in understanding veterans’ and military benefits, GI bill certification, financial aid and scholarships and more.

The University also has given early registration to combat veterans for the last 10-plus years. URI also provides career services tailored to military students, including helping with several events that identify veteran-friendly companies.

URI’s military programming also includes the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) elective that prepares students with tools, training and experiences that will help them succeed in all competitive environments. The U.S. Army provides military instruction in partnership with URI through Army ROTC and the Department of Military Science.

Along with the recognition from Military Times, URI  has been named a Top 10 Military Friendly School  for two consecutive academic years. The Military Friendly mark URI earned for the 2025-26 academic year also includes for the first time a positive designation for military spouses.

For more information about the University’s programs for student veterans, current military and military-connected schools, visit uri.edu/veterans.