UC Riverside has once again won recognition for the number of services, programs, and support offered to military veterans and active service members.

The campus received a gold ranking in the 2022-23 Military Friendly ranking among participating tier 1 research institutions on a list published by VIQTORY, a Pittsburgh-based marketing firm founded by three Navy veterans that provides “Military Friendly Schools” and “Military Friendly Company” designations across the U.S. According to its website, the firm “measures an organization’s commitment, effort and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefit for the military community.”        

UCR is the highest ranked tier 1 research institution in California in this year’s ranking and one of only two tier 1 research institutions on the west coast to make the list.

“This is an incredible honor to achieve and we’re lucky to have such dedicated staff on-campus, such as the staff in our Veterans Resource Center and our allies in offices like Financial Aid, the Career Center, and more,” said Adam Ryen Daniels, interim senior coordinator of Student Life, whose role includes overseeing the Veterans Resource Center.

UCR’s financial aid, admissions numbers, and graduation rates for veterans contributed to the score, Daniels said. The campus also offers a career preparation program called Operation VETS.

The Veterans Resource Center last month celebrated the grand opening of its new office at Costo Hall 125 that provides more space to better serve students.

The Military Friendly designation is seen by veterans in magazines and recruitment events and makes UCR a more desirable choice for service members, Daniels said.