oakton college earns 2023-2024 military friendly School designation

Oakton College has earned the Military Friendly® School designation for the eighth consecutive year. The distinction honors colleges, universities and trade schools that are doing the most to embrace America’s military service members and veterans as students and ensure their success on campus. Oakton received a Silver Award for the 2023-2024 year.

“Our commitment to all our students means we understand that every journey presents its own challenges, and the veteran’s and service member’s journeys are no different. We are proud to be recognized for the eighth consecutive year, and we will continue to ensure that the veterans in our community receive the support they need to attain quality education,” said Brooke Roche, veterans academic advisor.

Institutions earning the Mili- tary Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,800 schools participated in the 2023-2024 survey with 665 earning special awards for going above the standard.

Oakton will host staff from the Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital Tuesday, March 21 from 11 a.m.1 p.m. at the Des Plaines campus, 1600 E. Golf Road, to discuss enrollment, eligibility and requirements for VA health care benefits with community members. The Hospital staff will help attendees understand and complete the benefits application and answer questions about the PACT Act, a law that expands VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances, and the new changes. The event is free to attend and open to the public.

“Military Friendly® is committed to transparency and providing consistent data-driven standards in our designation process. Our standards provide a benchmark that promotes positive outcomes and support services that better the educational landscape and provide opportunity for the Military Community. This creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages colleges to evolve and invest in their programs consistently. Schools who achieve awards designation show true commitment in their efforts, going over and above that standard,” said Kayla Lopez, national director of Military Partnerships, Military Friendly®.

The 2023-2024 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in the May and October issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and can be found at www.military friendly. com.

Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Viqtory with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for Student Retention, Graduation, Job Placement, Loan Repayment, Persistence (Degree Advancement or Transfer) and Loan Default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.

Oakton College is committed to providing access to exceptional educational opportunities to veterans. In spring 2022, 152 veteran students enrolled at Oakton. Dedicated staff members provide academic and financial aid advising to help veteran students stay on track to complete their goals. Oakton also established a Veterans Emergency Fund to help students who encounter unforeseen expenses. Additionally, Oakton College partners annually with the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce & Industry to offer the Veterans Back to Work Boot Camp providing comprehensive career development programming using proven job-seeking tools adapted to the needs, experiences and skills of veterans.

To learn more about Oakton’s programs and resources dedicated to serving veterans, please visit: https://www.oakton.edu/ admissions/apply-to-oakton/veterans-info/