SUNY Oswego continues to rank among the most military-friendly and supportive universities, according to the Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges ranking, released in November 2024.

Best for Vets: Colleges is the largest and most comprehensive annual ranking of schools for military service members and veterans. Oswego has consistently made this ranking, as well as other lists commending outstanding services for veteran and military students.

“We serve around 120 students who identify as Veteran, Active Duty, Reserve and National Guard – as well as 300 students who identify as being a military dependent,” said Kenneth Cisson, SUNY Oswego’s coordinator of veteran and military services, part of the Division of Extended Learning.

For years, SUNY Oswego has proudly served veteran students and, since 1985, worked with nearby Fort Drum to serve active-duty military students. The university participates in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) programs for the Army, Air Force and Space Force, and remains committed to providing them with a welcoming, supportive atmosphere so they can focus on achieving their educational goals.

“As a former student veteran and graduate of SUNY Oswego who served in Iraq, I understand firsthand the critical importance of supporting student veterans on campus,” Cisson noted. “Transitioning from military service to academic life is a significant shift, and having experienced it myself, I know the challenges and unique needs that come with it.”

Cisson said the role of his office is to ensure the process is as smooth as possible, making veterans and military members feel welcomed, valued and part of a community. The office connects students with services including academic advisement, mental health, career services and more. 

A Battle Buddy Lounge in 313 Sheldon Hall plays “a significant role with the success of their transition as well,” Cisson said.

“Our Battle Buddy Lounge also supports success by creating a welcoming environment for studying, relaxation and peer interaction,” Cisson said. “Our veteran alumni donors have assisted in this mission which allows for entertainment, computers and printers, snacks and refreshments and more for the lounge. These amenities with this dedicated space helps bring back a strong sense of camaraderie that that military service provides.”

The Battle Buddy Center also hosts annual luncheons for veterans and military students and their supporters, scheduled this year from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 11.

Each year, the Best for Vets survey is sent 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. 

Schools were asked to complete the survey earlier this year and the responses were then analyzed by the Military Times data team, producing the anticipated, respected and unbiased annual ranking.

In addition to the Military Times ranking, SUNY Oswego also:

  • ranks 18th in the North in the 2025 US News’ Best Colleges for Veterans list
  • and has been recognized as a Military-Friendly School by both Military Advanced Education and G.I. Jobs.

For more information on SUNY Oswego’s Veterans and Military Services office and opportunities, visit oswego.edu/veterans.