April 10, 2025
St. John’s University’s commitment to its veteran community has again been recognized by the veterans service group Military Friendly®. St. John’s was honored with a “silver” designation in the organization’s 2025–26 review of Military Friendly® schools, placing it near the top 20 percent of all recognized colleges and universities.
It is at least the fourth consecutive year St. John’s has been recognized by Military Friendly®, a subsidiary of VIQTORY. This
Pennsylvania-based company connects newly separated veterans with professional and educational opportunities. The Military Friendly® School designation is presented to institutions that demonstrate the best military and veteran educational support while cultivating employment and academic outcomes for veterans and their families.
Military Friendly® evaluated more than 1,800 colleges and universities in 2024 using public data and responses to surveys of their institutions. Ratings combined the schools’ survey scores with an evaluation of their ability to meet goals for student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment, and more for student veterans. The surveys were open to all institutions nationwide, with 830 earning some level of recognition in the group’s four-tiered system.
“Our standards provide a benchmark that promotes positive outcomes and support services that better the educational landscape and provide opportunities for the military community,” said Kayla Lopez, Vice President, Military Friendly®. “Schools like St. John’s that achieve award designations show true commitment in their efforts.”
As of Fall 2024, approximately 120 veterans were enrolled at St. John’s; at least 14 student veterans graduated in May 2024. The University’s Veterans Success Center, headed by Karen Simons, Director of Parent and Family Connections, assists student veterans in transitioning from military service to university life through seminars, networking opportunities, community service, and more. The center’s resources include career and financial services, housing assistance, academic advisement, tutoring, wellness and mental health counseling, and disability services.
Academic advisers and benefits representatives help St. John’s student veterans develop a degree plan. The University participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which provides veterans with financial assistance for tuition and fees not covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
“We are not just a university; we are a community that welcomes and supports our service members and veterans, ensuring their transition to civilian life and academic success,” said Ms. Simons. “The center provides a home on campus for our veterans, enabling them to connect with fellow veterans and ensuring they get the support and resources they need to thrive and succeed here at St. John’s. We are honored to be designated a Military Friendly® school again.”
St. John’s military community members said those benefits and more contribute to a welcoming feeling for veterans, regardless of age or branch of service.
“When I applied to St. John’s, I made sure to educate myself on the many services available and take advantage of them,” said graduate student James Phinex, a former US Navy Petty Officer, Third Class. “That was very important to me.”
For many St. John’s veterans, that feeling of welcome extends past graduation.
“There is something unique in how St. John’s deals with its alumni veterans,” former US Marine Corps Sgt. Gabriel Vazquez ’18CPS said. “I naturally felt some anxiety at leaving the Marine Corps and the world I might be coming back to, but I always had my family of St. John’s veterans who were able to assist me.”