Clemson University has achieved notable recognition in the latest Military Times rankings, earning the title of the 13th best college and the top higher education employer for veterans in 2025. This marks a significant advancement for Clemson, which has improved its position by 136 spots in just two years, reflecting its commitment to supporting military-connected students.
In the recently released “Best for Vets: 2025 Colleges” list, Clemson ranks 13th among 357 institutions, the largest number of participating colleges in the program’s history. This places Clemson as the highest-ranked university from South Carolina and the 9th overall among public universities. Additionally, Clemson was recognized as the number one institution in the “Best for Vets: Employers” ranking, placing 92nd out of 245 employers nationwide.
The evaluations by Military Times focus on organizations that excel in recruiting and supporting military personnel through effective onboarding, retention, and career advancement initiatives.
Clemson’s commitment to the military community has garnered multiple accolades over the years. Earlier this year, Clemson was ranked second nationally among Tier 1 research institutions recognized as a Military Friendly® School, achieving its highest ranking in this category to date. Furthermore, the university received gold recognition from the South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs for its military academic programs. Most recently, Clemson celebrated its first appearance in the Top 10 for Military Friendly® Employers.
Support for Military-Connected Students
To better serve its military-connected population, Clemson has updated its admissions form, allowing applicants to specify their status as service members, veterans, military spouses, or dependents. Currently, the university supports a total of 2,656 military-connected students, which includes 528 individuals who are active service members or veterans.
The Office of Military and Veteran Engagement (M&VE) has reported increased activity in its resource centers, with over 3,200 visits recorded this fall. This uptick highlights the growing need for resources and support for this demographic.
Clemson actively engages in a variety of military-focused projects and initiatives. This includes participation in the Department of Defense SkillBridge program, which offers hands-on experience for transitioning service members, as well as Green Zone Training aimed at addressing the unique needs of military-connected students. The university also has a Veteran Preference program for qualified applicants seeking full-time employment.
Commitment to Advocacy
These recent rankings reflect Clemson’s ongoing efforts to foster a supportive environment for veterans and military-connected students. According to Jimmy Mullinax, executive director for military affairs, “These new rankings from Military Times are reflective of our continual efforts institution-wide to strengthen a culture of advocacy and support for veterans and military-connected students.”
Mullinax emphasized the university’s strong military heritage, which is celebrated throughout the year with various events that honor those who have served. The university’s focus remains on providing an exceptional experience for military-connected students as they pursue their academic goals.
Military Times magazine is recognized as a trusted source for independent news and information relevant to service members and their families. The annual survey compiles results from institutions across the country, including R1 research universities and various public and private schools. The recognition by Military Times underscores Clemson’s dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for its military community.
