Jacksonville State University

« Back to Recent News

Jax State Expands Support for Military-Affiliated Students, Earns 2025-26 Military Friendly School Designation

Jacksonville, AL (04/16/2025) — Jacksonville State University has once again been named a Military Friendly School, earning the 2025-26 designation for its continued commitment to supporting service members, veterans, and their families. In addition to this national recognition, the university is proud to announce an expansion of its Military Tuition Rate to include not only active-duty service members but also veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year.

The Military Friendly Schools list, compiled annually by Viqtory, recognizes institutions that go above and beyond to provide positive education outcomes for military-affiliated students. Jacksonville State was among more than 1,800 institutions evaluated and is one of only 830 schools awarded the designation for exceeding the benchmark.

"Our military-affiliated students enrich our campus community through their discipline, leadership, and diverse perspectives," said Dr. Christie Shelton, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. "This designation reinforces our ongoing commitment to ensuring they have the resources and support needed to succeed-from enrollment to graduation and beyond."

Building on that commitment, the university's Board of Trustees has approved a proposal by the Military Friendly Committee to expand eligibility for the Military Tuition Rate. Previously limited to active service members, the specialized rate-set at $250 per credit hour for online undergraduate and graduate courses and a reduced general university fee-will now be available to veterans as well.

"Veterans represent a vital part of our student population, and we want to remove as many barriers as possible to help them pursue their educational goals," said Dr. Marie Valentin, Assistant Vice Provost for Institutional Research & Effectiveness and chair of the Military Friendly Committee. "Expanding the Military Tuition Rate is a strategic investment in access and affordability, and it reflects Jax State's deep appreciation for those who have served."

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, nearly 50,000 veterans reside within Jax State's 15-county service area. By extending this financial benefit to veterans, the university strengthens its competitive position while enhancing its reputation as a truly military-friendly institution.

The 2025-26 Military Friendly Schools list will be published in the May and October issues of G.I. Jobs magazine and is available online at www.militaryfriendly.com.

For more information about military and veteran services at Jax State, visit www.jsu.edu/veterans.

About Jacksonville State University: Founded in 1883 as a state teachers' college, Jacksonville State University has grown from humble beginnings into the Alabama regional university with the highest percentage of accredited programs. Located in the Appalachian foothills midway between Birmingham and Atlanta, Jax State offers more than 150 courses of study, including over 40 online programs, at the undergraduate and graduate levels. To learn more, visit www.jsu.edu, call 1-800-231-JAX1, or e-mail jaxfacts@jsu.edu.

About Military Friendly Schools: The Military Friendly Schools list is created each year based on extensive research using public data sources from more than 8,800 schools nationwide, input from student veterans, and responses to the proprietary, data-driven Military Friendly Schools survey from participating institutions. The survey questions, methodology, criteria and weighting were developed with the assistance of an independent research firm and an advisory council of educators and employers. The survey is administered for free and is open to all postsecondary schools that wish to participate. Criteria for consideration can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.

About Viqtory: Founded in 2001, VIQTORY is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities through its G.I. Jobs and Military Friendly brands. VIQTORY and its brands are not a part of or endorsed by the U.S. Dept of Defense or any federal government entity. Learn more about VIQTORY at www.viqtory.com.

Copyright © 2025 Merit Pages, Inc. • All Rights Reserved. • Terms of Service • Privacy Policy • Opt Out