Several of UConn’s online graduate programs are highly ranked for the quality, value, and flexibility they offer to veterans, including one that recently earned the top spot nationwide in U.S. News & World Report’s annual review.

The UConn School of Nursing’s programs were named No. 1 for veterans wishing to pursue online graduate studies in that field, along with high rankings for others: the School of Business (no. 8); the College of Engineering (no. 22); and the business school’s MBA program (no. 62).

The new honors underscore UConn’s strong reputation as a welcoming atmosphere for veterans both academically and socially, and as an institution that values their experience and celebrates the unique attributes they bring to the community.

Alyssa Kelleher ’04 (CLAS) ’17 (BUS), director of UConn’s Office of Veterans Programs & Military Affairs, says her office was thrilled but not surprised that the online graduate programs performed so well in the rankings.

“Their staff consistently collaborate with our office and have a real commitment and understanding of the big and small things that can help not only military-affiliated students, but all adult learners to be successful in challenging and in-demand programs,” Kelleher says.

The Office of Veterans & Military Affairs helps veterans, students with active-duty or reservist status, and dependents navigate the programs and services available for their circumstances. It also creates an open and welcoming community for veterans who are UConn employees and alumni, including people serving as mentors to others.

The support extends not only to students taking classes in person on UConn campuses, but also those learning via online programs such as those that ranked highly in the most recent U.S. News overview.

Students who are veterans, on active duty, or in reserve status often have unique circumstances when deciding to enroll in graduate study and tend to benefit from the flexibility that online programs can offer.

When determining which online programs best serve veterans, U.S. News assessed their quality, affordability, and accessibility in light of the special circumstances of that student population, including having access to federal GI Bill benefits and often needing the flexibility of distance learning.

Those attributes and others helped the UConn School of Nursing’s online graduate programs rise to the top of the U.S. News list this year as the No. 1 choice for veterans studying in those fields.

The School of Nursing’s applications have skyrocketed in recent years, and it receives strong support from alumni, including a $50 million gift that is helping to fund construction of a new building to house the school’s expanded programming.

Its online programs in continuing education also are thriving and include family nurse practitioner, adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, nurse educator, neonatal nurse practitioner, and nurse leader.

“The School of Nursing’s online MS program provides a supportive online environment for all veterans and members of the military who attend UConn. Additionally, the University’s commitment to veteran support services makes it a top choice for those looking to further their careers in nursing,” says Annette Jakubišin Konicki, the school’s associate dean of graduate studies.

In assessing how online graduate programs fit veterans’ needs, U.S. News selected offerings that incorporate predominantly internet-based coursework; are housed in regionally accredited institutions; and have strong reputations, faculty credentials, and retention rates.

U.S. News & Report also only included programs in their rankings with a critical mass of students with military backgrounds.

Programs included in the rankings must be in colleges of universities certified for the GI Bill, while also either participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program or charging in-state tuition – which can fully covered by the GI bill — for all veterans applying from out of state.

At UConn and throughout Connecticut, a state tuition waiver and several other financial benefits are available for active duty and veteran students based on their particular circumstances, and other assistance is also available through scholarships and VA Work Study.

In addition to the School of Nursing’s online graduate programs receiving the highest rank for their accessibility and value to veterans, UConn’s School of Business programs were ranked at No. 8 for veterans pursuing graduate studies online, and its online MBA program was No. 62 for veterans nationwide.

“We are honored to be recognized as a top business school for veterans. This reflects our commitment to providing the resources, flexibility, and support veterans need to excel academically and professionally,” says Jose M. Cruz, associate dean for graduate programs in the School of Business.

“Veterans bring exceptional leadership, discipline, and a global perspective, enriching our graduate programs. We remain dedicated to fostering an environment where their strengths thrive and drive lasting impact in the business world,” Cruz says.

The College of Engineering also had strong showings, with its online graduate program ranking No. 22 nationwide in accessibility and value to veterans.

The online Master of Engineering program operates within the college’s Center for Advanced Engineering Education and offers 14 concentrations, from biomedical engineering to digital design and manufacturing, to help students earn the skills to advance as engineers in their respective fields.

“Our degrees are designed to help working engineers balance their work/life responsibilities, empowering them to be a real force in the increasingly evolving, and highly impactful, world of engineering,” says Nora Sutton, director of the Center of Advanced Engineering Education.

“Veteran tuition waivers have long since been applicable toward our programs, which offer engineering servicemen and women an opportunity to bridge the gap between active service and their professional careers,” she adds.

JC Zhao, dean of the College of Engineering, says the programs also benefit from talented faculty who are dedicated to dynamic online education, UConn’s academic mission, and its students.

“We are incredibly proud of the Center for Advanced Engineering Education, which seeks to offer flexible programs for working professionals who are already contributing to society as employed engineers,” Zhao says.