Cleveland State University Earns Military Friendly Schools® Designation

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Cleveland State University (CSU) has earned the 2026-27 Military Friendly® Schools Designation, recognized as a Silver institution.  

CSU established Viking Vets to empower, engage and advocate for the success of all veteran and military-connected students. The University offers academic and social support services, including access to VA educational benefits, affordable tuition, academic advising, admissions assistance, tutoring, student-veteran organizations and deployment-related accommodations. Military spouses and dependents also benefit from dedicated resources and a welcoming, family-centered approach.  

“This recognition reflects CSU’s focus on how military-affiliated students navigate higher education, supported by policies that remove barriers and make degree progress possible,” said Donna Urban, CSU director of Military Outreach and Prior Learning Assessment. 

Institutions earning the Military Friendly Schools® designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. Over 3,200 companies participated in the Military Friendly® survey. 

Methodology, criteria and weightings were determined by Military Friendly®, in consultation with the 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. 

"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,” said Kayla Lopez, vice president of memberships, Military Friendly®. “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." 

CSU will be showcased in the 2026-2027 Guide to Military Friendly Schools® in the April issue of G.l. Jobs® magazine and on MilitaryFriendly.com. 

For more information about CSU’s support for military-affiliated students visit, csuohio.edu/vikingvets.