CCC Takes Second Place in Military Friendly Schools Rankings

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. – Central Community College placed second in the 2024-25 Military Friendly School rankings for small community colleges. The second-place ranking moves CCC up from sixth place a year ago.

Institutions earning the Military Friendly School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,800 schools participated in the 2024-25 survey with 537 earning special awards for going above the standard.

“As a veteran, I’m thrilled to be a member of such a determined and talented team which takes care of those who served our country as they transition from military to civilian life,” said Barry Horner, CCC director of veterans and military services. “Veterans have specific education programs available that are not offered to other students, and it takes dedication to ensure veterans are matched properly with their earned benefits so they too can be a college graduate.”

Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of its ability to meet thresholds for student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment, persistence (degree advancement or transfer) and loan default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.

CCC’s veterans and military resource centers – located at the Columbus, Grand Island and Hastings campuses and the Kearney Center – provide support to active duty, reservist and National Guard members; veterans; and their family members. In addition to military education benefits, the VMRC assists with transferring military credit, scholarships, career planning and registration as well as access to military-related resources and programs.

“We are pleased with this recognition and most honored to support the educational needs of those individuals and family members who have selflessly served our state and nation,” said Dr. Beth Klitz, vice president of student services and enrollment management. “Our veterans and military resource centers have highly experienced staff, many of whom are veteran or active duty, committed to helping others who have served to pursue and achieve their educational goals.”

“Central Community College is proud of its second-place finish on the Military Friendly Schools rankings and to be nationally recognized for this effort and its positive impact on students,” said CCC President Dr. Matt Gotschall. “CCC is equally proud of its longstanding commitment to assisting veteran students in earning degrees and moving on to successful endeavors.”

The 2024-25 Military Friendly Schools list will be published in the May and October issues of G.I. Jobs magazine and can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.