MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. – SUNY Orange has earned a Military Friendly® Silver School designation for the 2023-24 academic year, placing the College among the nation’s top 20 percent of higher education institutions in the rankings produced annually by Viqtory Media.

It marks the fourth year in a row, and eighth time in the past 11 years, that the College has earned a Military Friendly® designation. It is SUNY Orange’s second Silver designation, following a similar commendation in 2018-19.

Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,800 schools participated in the 2023-2024 survey with 665 earning special awards for going above the standards. The 2023-2024 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in the May and October issues of G.I. Jobs magazine and can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.

Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Viqtory with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment, persistence (degree advancement or transfer) and loan default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.

“I’m so pleased that SUNY Orange has earned a Military Friendly® designation again this year, and proud to say our College is among the nation’s top 20 percent of institutions that best support veterans,” said Dr. Kristine Young, SUNY Orange president. “It speaks to the College’s commitment to serving our active duty, reserve and veteran students, as well as spouses and dependents. We have developed an array of services to help veterans utilize their military benefits, successfully return to college life and succeed in the classroom. We greatly value our veteran students’ service to our country and their contributions to our College community.”

“Military Friendly® is committed to transparency and providing consistent data-driven standards in our designation process. Our standards provide a benchmark that promotes positive outcomes and support services that better the educational landscape and provide opportunity for the Military Community. This creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages colleges to evolve and invest in their programs consistently. Schools who achieve awards designation show true commitment in their efforts, going over and above that standard,” said Kayla Lopez, national director of military partnerships for Military Friendly®.

SUNY Orange was also listed as a Military Friendly® school in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

To its students who are active duty, veterans, spouses or dependents of veterans or in the reserves, SUNY Orange offers a variety of services, including specialized academic advising, transfer counseling, transition assistance, personal counseling and accommodations for military students with disabilities. The College also provides a Veterans Resource Center where students can meet recreationally, gather to study and support each other. Collaborations with veterans services agencies and organizations within the county also bring an added array of resources to the campuses.

For more information on SUNY Orange’s veterans services, visit www.sunyorange.edu/veterans.

About Military Friendly® Schools

The Military Friendly® Schools list is created each year based on extensive research using public data sources from more than 8,800 schools nationwide, input from student veterans, and responses to the proprietary, data-driven Military Friendly® Schools survey from participating institutions. The survey questions, methodology, criteria and weighting were developed with the assistance of an independent research firm and an advisory council of educators and employers. The survey is administered for free and is open to all postsecondary schools that wish to participate. Criteria for consideration can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com. About [Your School]: Your Boilerplate Here

About Viqtory

Founded in 2001, VIQTORY is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities through its G.I. Jobs® and Military Friendly® brands. VIQTORY and its brands are not a part of or endorsed by the U.S. Dept of Defense or any federal government entity. Learn more about VIQTORY at www.viqtory.com.

About SUNY Orange

Orange County Community College (SUNY Orange) enrolls approximately 4,000 full- and part-time students across 40 degree and certificate programs. With campuses in Middletown and Newburgh, the College has grown to meet the needs of its students, while also addressing the demands of a growing and diverse population in the Hudson Valley. Consistent with its mission to provide high-quality and accessible educational and enrichment opportunities, the College is noted for its commitment to ensuring student success. Since its founding in 1950, the College has earned its reputation as a pioneer and innovator in meeting the needs of its students and contributing to a vibrant and thriving community. Learn more about SUNY Orange at www.sunyorange.edu.