Stockton University is tops for veterans seeking education

GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP - Military Times recently recognized Stockton University as one of the top schools in the state and in the Mid-Atlantic for military service members and veterans.

Stockton was ranked No. 3 in New Jersey and No. 17 in the Mid-Atlantic region. The university was No. 144 out of 215 public schools and No. 185 out of 304 schools nationwide in the rankings, which were released on Nov. 4.

“This recognition is a reflection of Stockton's collaborative spirit, driven by passionate faculty and staff who work diligently to empower, support and celebrate military-affiliated students as they achieve personal, academic and professional excellence,” said Michael Barany, director of Stockton’s Military and Veteran Success Center. “Stockton truly sets the bar for fostering an environment where veteran success is not just encouraged but prioritized.”

The Military Times is the trusted source for independent news and information for service members and their families. Each year, the organization sends a survey to colleges and universities across the nation asking about their programs for veterans. The survey results are then analyzed, along with public data about colleges and universities obtained from the Department of Education and Department of Veterans Affairs, and turned into an official ranking.

“This achievement is a testament to the outstanding work of the MVSC and the university's broader community,” Barany said. “At Stockton, students are equipped with skills that extend well beyond their military experience, setting them up for long-term success. The MVSC is dedicated to providing tailored resources, guidance and opportunities that support these students’ unique journeys.”

The rankings have become a vital tool for veterans seeking guidance on maximizing their educational benefits and for schools to highlight their veteran programs.

“Our comprehensive survey and thoughtful methodology ensure that our rankings remain a trusted resource,” said Jon Simkins, executive editor at Sightline Media Group, parent company of Military Times.

• Stockton is hosting a week-long celebration of veterans on campus in commemoration of Veterans Day on Nov. 11. All of the events are being held at Stockton’s Galloway campus, 101 Vera King Farris Drive. 
• The community is welcome to attend the university’s Veterans Day Recognition Ceremony at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 6, in the Campus Center Grand Hall in Galloway. Guest speaker is Major Steven Mares, senior Army instructor at Central Regional High School’s JROTC program. A Zoom link for the ceremony is also available. Call 609-652-3419 for more information.
• There will be a public observatory viewing in which veterans are invited to attend from 7 to 9:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 7 at Stockton’s Harold E. Taylor Observatory, 36 South Pomona Road. 
• A Community Resource Fair, hosted by Stockton’s Military & Veteran Success Center and Center for Community Engagement & Service Learning, will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8 at the Campus Center Event Room
• The Bay Atlantic Symphony Veterans Day Concert will be held at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Stockton Performing Arts Center. Free tickets are available at stockton.edu/pac.
• Stockton’s Military Community Photograph Project will be on display, along with a military gear layout and a POW/MIA table display until Friday, Nov. 8 at the F-wing Lower Gallery Atrium. The photo project features Stockton’s military-affiliated students, faculty and staff, while the gear review features equipment utilized by our military-affiliated students. The table display is part of a tradition of honoring our prisoners of war and those missing in action by decorating a table with special symbols to help service members remember their brothers and sisters in arms.