A&M-Texarkana Ranked as a Top College for Veterans

College Factual recently reviewed 1820 colleges and universities nationwide in an effort to rank them according to which institutions are the most veteran-friendly. Texas A&M University-Texarkana ranked in the top 15% of all schools in the nation in the “Best for Vets” category and finished #16 out of 79 schools reviewed in Texas.

According to a press release, the ranking is meant to highlight colleges and universities who are working hard to provide quality educational outcomes to veterans, active duty military students and their families. Some of the quality factors included in the rankings are veteran affordability, veteran support services and resources available, and overall quality metrics important to any student – particularly those metrics important to non-traditional students.

Texas A&M University Texarkana has an active Veteran Services Center that is always looking to enhance the educational opportunities for those who serve or have already served, and their families. Robert Hernandez, Manager of TAMUT’s Veteran Services Center explained that “the Veteran Services Center is here on the Texas A&M University-Texarkana campus to serve those that served our country. We will assist in determining eligibility for VA or State of Texas Education benefits as well as assist with applying the benefits to help with paying your tuition and fees. Our office will help you every step of the way…from applying to admission right through graduation.  We are a One-Stop Shop for Active Duty, Reserve, Guard, Veterans and their family members.”

Barney Self, US Army 1981-1983, is just one of many students on campus taking advantage of TAMUT’s Veteran Services Center. Because he was a resident of Texas when he enlisted in the Army, Self is eligible for benefits under the Texas Veterans Commission’s Hazelwood Act. The act allows Self to take 150 credit hours free of tuition and fees. “The Veteran Services Center at A&M-Texarkana is the best I’ve ever seen,” said Self. “They have literally shown me how to navigate the process of receiving these benefits, and now have me on my own path towards becoming a teacher. They have absolutely changed my life.”

There are currently 210 students out of the university’s roughly 2000 students who are receiving benefits through the Veteran Services Center. If you would like more information on TAMUT’s Veteran Services Center, please contact Robert Hernandez at 903.334.6602 or rhernandez@tamut.edu.