For the first time in its history, Moreno Valley College landed on the Military Times' "Best for Vets" list, ranking No. 25 among community colleges throughout the country that were assessed on their ability to assist former members of the U.S. Armed Forces in their educational pursuits, it was announced Monday.
"We are grateful for our veterans and are committed to providing a supportive learning environment that will assist them," said Dyrell Foster, vice president of Moreno Valley College Student Services. "We have been working hard to better support our student veterans, and we are honored that the work we have done has earned us this military-friendly designation."
Moreno Valley College is part of the Riverside Community College District, which includes Norco College -- also on the Best for Vets list, at No. 12.
The two campuses were among only four California two-year learning institutions that earned recognition.
About 500 two- and four-year colleges were surveyed, according to the Military Times. The complete list is available at https://rebootcamp.militarytimes.com/.
Campuses were awarded points based on academic outcomes for vets, students' answers to surveys, policies that ensure vets receive support in their academic endeavors, financial aid availability and "gap coverage" that supplements GI Bill educational benefits, according to the Military Times.
Moreno Valley College has a 75 percent military-student retention rate and a 32 percent graduation rate for veterans. Norco College has a 73 percent retention rate and a 67 percent graduation rate, figures showed.
"Military Times' Best for Vets designation is trusted throughout the veteran community as the mark of excellence for schools and other organizations that work with veterans, service members and military families," Military Times editor George Altman said. "It can't be bought with advertising dollars -- unlike some other supposedly veteran-friendly rankings -- only earned through a record of steadfast service and dedication to those who have served."
