NSU earns Silver 2026-2027 Military Friendly® school designation for sixth consecutive year

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. –For the sixth consecutive year, Northeastern State University (NSU) has been recognized as a Silver-designated Military Friendly® institution, solidifying its reputation as a leading higher education destination for veterans and their families.

Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation are evaluated using public data sources and responses to a proprietary survey. More than 3,200 schools participated in the 2026-2027 survey, with 878 earning special awards for exceeding established standards.

NSU has partnered with the Voluntary Education Partnership through the U.S. Department of Defense since 2012. This long-time partnership allows the university to participate in the Military Tuition Assistance program, which supports service members, veterans, and their dependents. NSU also participates in the Department of Defense’s Yellow Ribbon Program, providing tuition supplements for eligible Veterans Affairs education benefits.

The 2026-2027 designation highlights NSU’s continued commitment to veterans and their families. NSU has a long tradition of preparing military leaders through its Army ROTC program, established in 1974, which has commissioned generations of officers while providing scholarships, stipends and leadership training. In addition, NSU recently launched a Bachelor of Science degree in military science, further expanding academic opportunities for students pursuing leadership roles in the military and related fields.

NSU President Rodney Hanley, a veteran himself, understands the importance of a supportive environment for those transitioning into their next chapter.

“When I stepped into this role, it was important that Northeastern State University remain a place where every veteran feels the same sense of mission and support they found in uniform,” NSU President Rodney Hanley said. “Earning this Silver designation for the sixth consecutive year reflects a commitment that runs throughout our university. We’re not only helping veterans and their families begin their education—we’re supporting them all the way through to graduation and beyond.”

The Silver Award is a selective designation, given only to institutions that exceed standards for student retention, graduation, and job placement for veterans. It reflects NSU’s comprehensive approach to serving those who have served the nation.

For more information about veterans services at NSU, visit nsuok.edu/veterans or stop by the NSU Veterans Services office located on the upper level of the CASE building on the Tahlequah campus. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For additional information, contact Margaret Danner, veterans services coordinator, at 918-444-2204 or veterans@nsuok.edu.

 About Military Friendly ® Schools:

The Military Friendly® Schools list is compiled annually using public data from more than 8,800 schools nationwide, along with input from student veterans and responses to the proprietary, Military Friendly® Schools survey. The survey methodology, criteria and weighting are developed with the assistance of an independent research firm and an advisory council of educators and employers. Participation is free and open to all postsecondary institutions that wish to participate. Learn more at militaryfriendly.com.

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