Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

St. John's University has once more received recognition for its dedication to supporting veterans, earning a "silver" designation in the 2025–26 review by Military Friendly, which places it in the top 20 percent of all recognized colleges and universities.

This marks at least the fourth consecutive year the Pennsylvania-based group Military Friendly, a subsidiary of VIQTORY, has acknowledged St. John's. VIQTORY connects newly separated veterans with professional and educational opportunities. The Military Friendly School designation is given to institutions that show exemplary military and veteran educational support while enhancing employment and academic outcomes for veterans and their families.

In 2024, Military Friendly evaluated over 1,800 colleges and universities using public data and institutional survey responses. Schools’ survey scores were combined with evaluations of their ability to meet various goals, including student retention, graduation, job placement, and loan repayment for veterans. Out of all institutions nationwide, 830 received recognition within the group's four-tier system.

Kayla Lopez, Vice President of Military Friendly, stated, “Our standards provide a benchmark that promotes positive outcomes and support services that better the educational landscape and provide opportunities for the military community. Schools like St. John’s that achieve award designations show true commitment in their efforts.”

At the start of the Fall 2024 semester, around 120 veterans were enrolled at St. John’s, and 14 student veterans graduated by May 2024. The Veterans Success Center, overseen by Karen Simons, Director of Parent and Family Connections, aids veterans in transitioning from military service to university life with services including seminars, networking, career and financial services, and more.

The center offers additional resources such as career and financial services, housing assistance, academic advisement, tutoring, wellness and mental health counseling, and disability services. Furthermore, St. John's University participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, providing financial assistance for tuition and fees not covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Ms. Simons noted, “We are not just a university; we are a community that welcomes and supports our service members and veterans, ensuring their transition to civilian life and academic success. The center provides a home on campus for our veterans, enabling them to connect with fellow veterans and ensuring they get the support and resources they need to thrive and succeed here at St. John’s. We are honored to be designated a Military Friendly school again.”

The university's military community has expressed that these benefits contribute significantly to creating a welcoming environment. Graduate student and former US Navy Petty Officer, Third Class, James Phinex, remarked, “When I applied to St. John’s, I made sure to educate myself on the many services available and take advantage of them. That was very important to me.”

Former US Marine Corps Sgt. Gabriel Vazquez ’18CPS shared, “There is something unique in how St. John’s deals with its alumni veterans. I naturally felt some anxiety at leaving the Marine Corps and the world I might be coming back to, but I always had my family of St. John’s veterans who were able to assist me.”