Middlesex Community College has earned the 2025-2026 Military Friendly® School designation. Through the Veterans Resource Center (VRC), a Veterans Advisory Board, and other special services, Middlesex assists veteran and military-affiliated students in attending college.
“This national recognition reflects the dedication we’ve poured into building a strong foundation of support for our student veterans and military-affiliated students,” said Josue Nunez, MCC’s Director of Veterans and Military Services. “My vision is to create a one-stop hub that meets academic, emotional and transitional needs – and I welcome all the support we can get to make that a reality.”
Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a propriety survey. More than 1,800 schools participated in the 2025-2026 survey with 830 earning special awards for going above the standard.
The 2025-2026 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in the May and October issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and found at the Military Friendly® website.
Methodology, criteria and weightings were determined by Viqtory with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent learners in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s 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.
“Military Friendly® is committed to transparency and providing consistent data-driven standards in our designation process,” said Kayla Lopez, Vice President, Military Friendly®. “Our standards provide a benchmark that promotes positive outcomes and support services that better the educational landscape and provide opportunity for the Military Community. This creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages institutions to evolve and invest in their programs consistently. Schools who achieve awards designation show true commitment in their efforts, exceeding the standard.”
Led by Nunez, MCC’s VRC offers access to advising services and resources, as well as holds special events for veteran and military-connected students to network with each other and the MCC community. The center also guides students on their paths to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce.
“I am very appreciative of the amount of support I have been able to receive from the VRC,” said Kati Manual, an MCC liberal studies student veteran, of Westford. “There have been three resources I’ve been able to utilize that would have never hit my radar if it wasn’t for the meet and greet events with other students at MCC as well as community outreach members.”
Learn more about MCC's student veteran programs.
About Military Friendly® Schools:
The Military Friendly® Schools list is created each year based on extensive research using public data sources from more than 8,800 schools nationwide, input from student veterans, and responses to the proprietary, data-drive Military Friendly® Schools survey from participating institutions. The survey questions, methodology, criteria and weighting were developed with the assistance of an independent research firm and an advisory council of educators and employers. The survey is administered for free and is open to all postsecondary schools that wish to participate. Criteria for consideration can be found at the Military Friendly® website.
About MCC:
Discover your path at Middlesex Community College. As one of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in Massachusetts, MCC has been a proven leader in education for more than 50 years. Middlesex puts the student first. Meeting each learner where they are, MCC provides them with a safe, welcoming and engaging place to learn. Offering more than 80 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses – Middlesex features flexible course formats and a variety of award-winning student support services and resources. Student success starts at MCC!
About Viqtory:
Founded in 2001, VIQTORY is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities through its G.I. Jobs® and Military Friendly® brands. VIQTORY and its brands are not a part of or endorsed by the U.S. Dept of Defense or any federal government entity. Learn more about VIQTORY.