Jersey City, N.J. – November 11, 2024 – Saint Peter’s University is proud to announce its recognition as the number one top-ranked university in New Jersey and 14th overall in the nation on Military Times’ 2024 Best for Vets: Colleges rankings. This annual ranking provides the largest and most comprehensive list of top colleges and universities that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to supporting military service members, veterans and their families.
“Saint Peter’s University is deeply committed to honoring and supporting those who have served our country,” said Hubert Benitez, D.D.S., Ph.D., president of Saint Peter’s University. “We are proud to be a leading choice for veterans in New Jersey and across the nation, and we remain steadfast in our mission to help them achieve success in their educational and professional lives.”
Building on its longstanding commitment to veterans, service members and their families, Saint Peter’s University has intensified its efforts in recent years to become the premier destination for military-affiliated students. Notably, the University appointed Frank Rivera, a United States Air Force veteran, in October 2021 as the inaugural director of military and veterans services, bringing invaluable firsthand experience and leadership to this pivotal role. To further enhance support, a chapter of Student Veterans of America was established on campus, creating a dedicated community for veteran students. The University also introduced Green Zone training across its community, equipping students, faculty, staff and administrators with the understanding and skills needed to support military-affiliated students as they transition into civilian life.
These initiatives reflect Saint Peter’s deep commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive and empowering environment for those who have served —a dedication that has now earned the University a top spot in Military Times’ prestigious Best for Vets rankings.
Each year, Military Times surveys colleges and universities nationwide to evaluate their veteran-focused programs. These survey responses, along with public data sourced from the Department of Education and Department of Veterans Affairs, undergo a rigorous analysis by the Military Times data team to produce a trusted, unbiased ranking. This year, 304 schools earned a place on the prestigious list.
For over a decade, Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges has helped veterans make informed choices about their educational futures, showcasing institutions dedicated to supporting their unique needs. “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.
In addition to this recognition, Saint Peter’s was also presented with the New Jersey Governor’s “We Value Our Veterans” Academia Award in November 2021. In March 2022, Saint Peter’s earned the 2022-23 Military Friendly® School designation, a standard that measures an organization’s commitment, effort and success in creating sustainable and meaningful opportunity for the military community. In September 2023, the University was named among the “Best Colleges for Veterans” by U.S. News and World Report.
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About Saint Peter’s University
For more than 150 years, Saint Peter’s University, inspired by its Jesuit, Catholic identity, commitment to individual attention and grounding in the liberal arts, educates a diverse community of learners in undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional programs to excel intellectually, lead ethically, serve compassionately and promote justice in our ever-changing urban and global environment. To learn more, please visit saintpeters.edu.
About Military Times
Military Times is the trusted source of independent news and information for service members and their families. Service members rely on Air Force Times, Army Times, Marine Corps Times, and Navy Times for essential reporting on topics such as branch-specific news, pay, benefits, finance, education, healthcare, and more. Owned by Sightline Media Group, Military Times remains committed to supporting the military community. To learn more, visit militarytimes.com.
Media Contact
Angeline Boyer
aboyer1@saintpeters.edu
(201) 761-6238