6/4/2026
FAYETTE, Iowa – Upper Iowa University announced that it has earned the 2026-2027 Military Friendly School designation.
Institutions earning the Military Friendly School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. Over 3,200 companies participated in the survey.
The 2026-2027 Military Friendly Schools list is published in the G.I. Jobs magazine and found at www.militaryfriendly.com.
Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by consultation with the Military Friendly®, in Military Friendly® Advisory Council, a group of independent leaders in the military community. Final ratings were determined by combining an organization’s survey score, public data, and an assessment of the institution’s ability to meet and exceed thresholds for student recruitment, retention, academic progress, graduation rates, career placement, and support services for veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses.
“The faculty and staff at UIU are profoundly grateful for the service, dedication, and sacrifices of our veteran students,” said Brandy Branstetter, Director of Military and Veteran Affairs at Upper Iowa University. “It is our privilege to support veteran students and their families as they pursue their educational and career aspirations. We are proud to provide every student with a high-quality educational experience.”
“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. 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.” — Kayla Lopez, Vice President of Memberships, Military Friendly®
Military Friendly® is the standard that measures an organization’s commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community. Over 3,200 organizations compete annually for the Military Friendly Schools® designation. Military Friendly® is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business. Military Friendly® is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or the federal government. Results are produced via a rules-based algorithm. The data-driven Military Friendly® lists and methodology can be found at MilitaryFriendly.com.
Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, nonprofit institution dedicated to offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs to approximately 5,700 students both nationally and internationally. Located in Fayette, Iowa, the university extends its reach beyond its main campus to educational centers across the U.S., demonstrating its role as a recognized innovator in providing accredited, affordable, and quality academic programs. Upper Iowa University prides itself on its flexible, multiple delivery systems, which include online and self-paced degree options, catering to the varied needs of its student body.
With a focus on developing leaders and lifelong learners, Upper Iowa University is committed to empowering students by providing an inclusive, supportive learning environment. Here, diverse perspectives are valued, and academic excellence is not just a goal but a standard. This approach ensures that graduates are well-equipped to contribute meaningfully to their communities and professions.
