Auburn University named Military Friendly® School for 10th consecutive year

Auburn University has once again been recognized in the 2026–27 Military Friendly® Schools designation, highlighting the university’s continued commitment to supporting student veterans and military-affiliated students. Presented by the renowned veterans service organization, the designation places Auburn among institutions nationwide recognized for fostering a supportive and welcoming environment for those who have served.

“At Auburn, supporting veterans and military-affiliated students is central to our mission of service,” Paul ‘Puck’ Esposito, director of Auburn’s Veterans Resource Center, said. “We are honored to once again receive this recognition and remain committed to ensuring our students have the resources and opportunities needed to succeed both in the classroom and beyond.”

As Alabama’s largest land-grant institution with deep ties to the military, Auburn maintains a longstanding commitment to supporting veterans and military-connected students through various campus and alumni programs and resources designed to help them succeed academically and professionally.

Established in 2012, Auburn’s Veterans Resource Center (VRC) serves as the university’s hub for supporting the more than 2,100 military-affiliated students enrolled at Auburn, including veterans, active-duty service members, members of the National Guard and Reserves and military dependents. The center assists students with navigating VA education benefits, accessing academic support and effectively transitioning from military service to campus life.

“Many of our student veterans arrive at Auburn with years of leadership experience and a deep sense of discipline shaped by military service,” Esposito said. “Providing the right resources and support is critical so our students can translate their skills into their academic programs, their careers and their campus involvement.”

To support their transitions, Auburn connects student veterans with faculty and staff mentors, professional networking, career preparation and wellness programming, while supporting key campus initiatives including Auburn Warrior Orientation and Learning, the Auburn Student Veterans Association and professional development opportunities such as Boots to Suits.

The center also hosts programs that foster connection and community among military-affiliated students, including Third Friday Connections, Military Appreciation Week, Patriots on the Plains and Veterans Day observances.

Military Friendly® Schools designations evaluate institutions based on criteria including financial support, student engagement, academic outcomes and the effectiveness of services provided to military-connected students. Data related to recruitment, retention, persistence and graduation rates for veterans, active-duty service members, reservists and military dependents are also considered. The 2026–27 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in G.I. Jobs magazine and online.