WT Earns National Rankings from Military Times for Veteran Services

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, cchandler@wtamu.edu

CANYON, Texas — West Texas A&M University’s efforts to serve veterans ranked highly among schools in Texas and in the Southwest, according to newly announced rankings.

WT ranked No. 16 in Texas and No. 27 in the Southwest in Military Times’s Best for Vets 2025 Colleges.

“We’re proud of this recognition from Military Times,” said Amy Criss, director of WT’s Office of Military and Veterans Services. “It’s a reflection of how hard WT works to make sure our veterans and military-connected students feel supported from the moment they decide to attend here. We work to create a space where they can thrive, find community and know someone has their back every step of their college career.”

This year’s list includes 357 institutions, marking the largest field in the program’s history and a substantial increase from 304 in 2024. The growth underscores the expanding network of colleges prioritizing veteran success through targeted programs, financial support and student-veteran communities.

“For 15 years, Best for Vets has helped transitioning service members find schools that not only welcome veterans but actively invest in their success,” said Jon Simkins, executive editor of Military Times and Sightline Media Group. “The record-breaking participation this year shows that higher education leaders are listening and working to create environments where veterans can thrive academically and personally.”

Military Times collects data from an extensive survey from colleges across the country. Institutions are evaluated on academic quality, student support services, affordability, and outcomes for veterans, including graduation and retention rates.

Overall, WT ranked No. 195 in General Education, No. 206 in Public and No. 90 in Traditional and Online classifications.

WT’s military and veterans services office recently won a 2025 gold Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Award by the Texas Veterans Commission.

WT has the No. 1 online bachelor’s programs for veterans among Texas schools and No. 19 in the country, according to the most recent U.S. News & World Report rankings. Online MBA programs for veterans ranked No. 62, or No. 7 across Texas schools.

The WT Student Veterans organization is running a food drive for High Plains Food Bank through Nov. 21.

WT’s goal to be a leading institution in the United States for enrolling military personnel is a key metric in the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which reached its initial $125 million goal 18 months after publicly launching in September 2021. The campaign has raised more than $175 million and will continue through 2025.

About West Texas A&M University

A Regional Research University, West Texas A&M University is redefining excellence in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus, as well as the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center in downtown Amarillo. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. A Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, WT boasts an enrollment of more than 9,000 and offers 66 undergraduate degree programs, including eight associate degrees; and 44 graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor’s and master’s degree, a specialist degree and two doctoral degrees. WT recently earned a Carnegie Foundation classification as a Research College and University. The University also is home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest’s finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 16 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

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