Survey Overview 


        The list of Military Friendly® Schools and Military Friendly® Schools ratings are assessed through the evaluation of both public data about the institution and proprietary data gathered through our free Military Friendly® Schools Survey. The annual, data-driven Military Friendly® Schools survey assessment is offered at no cost to more than 8,800 institutions nationwide. Each year, schools taking the survey are held to a higher standard than in previous years via improved methodology, criteria and weightings developed with the assistance of an independent research firm and our Advisory Council.

        Survey responses are weighted according to the categories below. Final survey results and ratings are determined by combining an institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet minimum thresholds for Student Retention, Graduation, Job Placement, Loan Repayment and Loan Default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans. The benchmark is set by the score of the leading institution.  EY, a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services, independently evaluated the scoring methodology used for the  Military Friendly® Schools list using the criteria set forth by VIQTORY. The services performed by EY were limited to advisory procedures and do not provide assurance over the scoring methodology.


Course Curriculum

Click on a question below for detailed help documentation.

Survey Categories & Weightings

  • Academic Policies & Compliance 9%

  • Graduation & Career Outcomes 30%

  • Culture & Commitment 10%

  • Military Student Support & Retention 30%

  • Admissions & Orientation 9%

  • Financial Aid & Loan Repayment 12%

Metric Qualification

One of the most important components of the Survey is meeting the metrical benchmarks. Many institutions fall short or do not even fill these sections out. An institution must meet 3/6 of the benchmarks below. If you do not complete the Metrics section you will not qualify for designation. The data submitted in this area will be compared against public data sources, your metrics must be within 10% of the aggregate data collected. During this evaluation, your school may receive a flag if the data does not fall within 10% of the aggregate numbers in each category. If you receive a flag, you will be required to submit documentation supporting your metrics and you will be required to resubmit your survey again during the designated recording period in order to qualify for designation after a flag is received.

  • Graduation rate for all students or veteran students alone is 50% or higher

  • 1 year retention rate for all students or veteran students alone is 50% or higher

  • 2 year retention rate for all students or veteran students alone is 50% or higher

  • Loan default rate for all students or veteran students alone is 20% or lower

  • Job placement rate for all students or veteran students alone is 50% or higher

  • Transfer rate for all students or veteran students alone is 50% or higher (Community Colleges)

Additional Requirements

Military Friendly® Schools designation requires the following:

  • Accreditation and federal programs must be in good standing

  • Must meet or exceed minimum standards in the Metrical Benchmarks

  • Clear of any federal flags or have not been cited in any state or federal law enforcement actions

  • No more than five veteran complaints or 5% of the student veteran population, whichever is lower, registered against the school in the VA’s GI Bill comparison tool. Schools exceeding the complaint threshold will require manual review and may request a survey for their Veteran students and receive 20% of the surveys back with a net-promoter score.

Resources

Click the Visit Survey Taker Guide button below to learn more about the following:

  • Timeline

    The expanded timeline that includes designation release dates and future survey openings

  • Methodology

    Breakdown on how we create our rigorous Military Friendly® Schools List

  • Survey Help

    New to the survey process or in need more information about data, metrics, or specific questions in the survey?