March 27, 2026

UBalt Recognized as One of Top 10 Small Public Institutions in the Nation for Its Support of Military-Connected Students

Veterans shake hands at University of Baltimore Veterans Day event
The University of Baltimore has been ranked by the Military Friendly organization as one of the Top Ten Small Public Institutions for Veterans in the nation for 2026-27

The University of Baltimore has been recognized as one of the Top Ten Small Public Institutions for Veterans in the nation for the 2026-27 Military Friendly School rankings. The designation highlights institutions from across the country that demonstrate exceptional commitment to military-connected students.

 

This recognition reflects the University's intentional, student-centered approach to supporting veterans and military-affiliated learners, an approach grounded in innovation, community, and sustained institutional investment.

 

"I am incredibly proud and grateful to see The University of Baltimore recognized for the work we are doing to support our military-connected students," said Josiah Guthland, director of Veteran and Military Student Services. "This achievement is truly a reflection of a campus-wide commitment. We have reached this level of success thanks to the support of our faculty, staff, and institutional leadership, who are dedicated to creating an environment where our veterans can thrive."

 

Military Friendly ratings are based on extensive data analysis using public data sources and institutional reporting, evaluating areas such as student retention, graduation rates, job placement, and policies supporting military-connected students.

 

Guthland noted that UBalt continues to expand its veteran-centered initiatives, this recognition affirms its role as a national leader in creating inclusive, effective, and scalable models of support for those who have served.

 

At the core of this success is The University of Baltimore's Hub-and-Spoke model of veteran student support, an integrated framework designed to meet the diverse needs of student veterans. The Bob Parsons Veteran Center serves as the central "hub," offering a dedicated space for connection, resources, and community. Expanding out from this hub, a coordinated network of campus and community partners, the spokes extend support across academic advising, career development, mental health services, financial aid, and peer engagement. This model ensures that veteran students experience a seamless and comprehensive support system across the institution.

 

Complementing this structure is the University's four-pillar approach to veteran student programming, which focuses on:

  • Social engagement – building community, connection, and a sense of belonging among military-connected students;
  • Academic support – providing tailored guidance and resources to support persistence and achievement;
  • Career development – preparing students for meaningful post-graduate employment and professional success;
  • Service – fostering continued service and leadership opportunities within the campus and broader community.

Together, these pillars create a holistic framework that supports the full student experience, inside and outside the classroom.

 

The University's veteran-friendly culture extends well beyond the Bob Parsons Veteran Center. A significant number of faculty and staff have completed Green Zone training, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to better understand and support military-connected students. This widespread institutional commitment ensures that veteran support is embedded across campus, creating an inclusive and responsive environment at every touchpoint.

 

"Veterans have already proven they know how to work hard, lead under pressure, and stay committed to the mission. What they need from a university is tailored support and a clear path to succeed," said Bob Parsons, B.S. '75, D.H.L. '08, co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. "The University of Baltimore is doing that, and this recognition shows it."

 

The University's continued recognition is also made possible through the transformational support of the Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, whose investment has enabled the expansion of programming, staffing, and dedicated space of the Bob Parsons Veteran Center. This partnership has strengthened the University's ability to deliver high-impact services and scale innovative practices that directly contribute to student success.


Learn more about The Bob Parsons Veterans Center at The University of Baltimore.

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