University of Central Missouri Ranks Third Among Military Friendly® Schools

 

The University of Central Missouri (UCM) has earned the 2026-27 Military Friendly® School designation as well as recognition as a Military Spouse Friendly School.

UCM ranked third among large public universities in the U.S. for 2026-27, once again making it the only Missouri university listed in the top 10. The university was also ranked third as a Military Spouse Friendly School.

 

“At UCM, support isn’t just something we talk about, it’s something we put into action,” said Courtney Swoboda, director of Military and Veteran Services at UCM. “Earning a #3 national ranking reflects our unwavering commitment to serving military-affiliated students.” 

Institutions earning the Military Friendly Schools® designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 3,200 companies participated in the Military Friendly® survey. 

 

“Earning the Military Friendly® designation is more than a badge of honor; it is a reflection of an institution’s deep-rooted values and strategic commitment to those who served,” said Kayla Lopez, vice president of memberships for Military Friendly®. “These schools don’t just open doors for veterans and military spouses, they build sustainable pathways for academic success and long-term impact. Their support is transformative, proving that investing in military-connected students is both a moral imperative and a standard for educational excellence.”

UCM is committed to helping veterans, active-duty military and their families access higher education opportunities. The university offers tuition benefits for veterans and military members, plus in-state tuition for their dependents. Other benefits include free entry to athletic events and access to the Military and Veterans Success Center, a one-stop resource for active duty military, veterans and military dependents enrolled at UCM. 

For more information about UCM’s Military and Veterans Services, visit ucmo.edu/military, call 660-543-8776 or email vets@ucmo.edu.