FITCHBURG — Fitchburg State University has announced that it has earned the 2026-2027 Military Friendly School designation.
Institutions earning the Military Friendly School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. The rankings measure institutions’ ability to meet thresholds for retention, graduation, job placement, repayment, persistence, and loan default rates for all students, and specifically for student veterans.
Fitchburg State has been designated a Military Friendly institution every year since 2015.
In addition to the Gold ranking, Fitchburg State was also designated a Military Spouse Friendly School.
“Earning the Gold ranking and the Military Spouse Friendly designation affirms the focused work we have undertaken over the past two years to strengthen how we serve military-connected students,” said Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge. “We have invested in dedicated leadership, expanded support structures, and deepened cross-campus collaboration to ensure that veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard members, spouses, and dependents experience not just access, but belonging and momentum.”
Director of Military and Veteran Services Nolan Buck, who has the honor of assisting 99 student veterans enrolled at the university this semester, said he was proud of Fitchburg State’s continued recognition as a military-friendly institution.
“Big energy and big pride as we once again earned military-friendly recognition, and we didn’t just maintain, we leveled up from Silver to Gold,” said Buck. “That kind of growth happens when passionate people come together with open minds and a real care-for-others mindset. Our mission is to serve all military-connected students, whether they are active duty, National Guard, veterans, spouses, dependents, or learning with us online or in person. I’m beyond grateful to everyone committed to supporting this community. This win reflects our heart, our teamwork, and our drive to keep raising the bar.”
Hodge said that as the veteran population is growing, that growth reflects both trust and outcomes.
“These students bring leadership, discipline, global perspective, and a profound sense of service to our classrooms,” said Hodge. “They raise the standard for all of us. At Fitchburg State, we are committed to meeting them with clear pathways, flexible learning models, strong advising, and career preparation that translates their service into long-term opportunity.
“This recognition matters because it signals results,” said Hodge. “But what matters more is the daily work behind it, ensuring that every military-connected student who chooses Fitchburg State finds a community ready to honor their service and invest in their future.”
For more information about the university’s student veteran programs, visit fitchburgstate.edu/veterans.
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