UW-Stout Polytechnic has been named a Military Friendly® School for the 17th consecutive year, continuing its long tradition of serving the military community.
UW-Stout Polytechnic received a gold designation as a Military Friendly School and was also designated a Military Spouse Friendly School.
Retired Army Lt. Col. Brian Hackner, military education benefits coordinator with the university’s Veteran Services, said veterans and service members are drawn to UW-Stout Polytechnic because they see a direct connection between education and career success.
“Our polytechnic, hands-on approach, combined with personalized support and a community that understands military service, helps students transition from serving our nation to leading in the workforce. We also recognize that many of our students continue to serve while earning their degrees, and we are committed to providing the flexibility and support they need to successfully fulfill their military obligations while pursuing their academic goals,” he said.
Veteran Services exists to serve military-affiliated students, including veterans, current service members (both active and reserve) and the children and spouses of current or former members of the U.S. military. It serves as a one-stop shop for all the military students’ needs, connecting them with other campus services and providing a sense of camaraderie.
UW-Stout Polytechnic is among the nearly 400 schools in the nation that received the gold designation. More than 2,900 schools participated in the 2026-27 survey. Ranking criteria include retention, graduation, employment and loan default rates among students, especially veterans.
Support for service members, veterans and their families
UW-Stout Polytechnic’s Veteran Services collects data and submits a survey annually to participate in the Military Friendly® rankings.
The Military and Veteran Resource Center is a space dedicated to serving veterans, service members and their families with support resources, activities and opportunities. The MVRC is a place for military and veteran students and families to connect, hold meetings or study sessions, or relax with a complimentary snack and refreshment.
Other special programs include a Council on Veteran Services, a student Veterans Club, veteran-centered events and the Veteran Mentorship Program, a unique peer-to-peer online opportunity designed specifically for student veterans.
Additional academic opportunities include:
- The Military Benefits 101 online course for first-year and transfer students provides an overview of military education benefits, support and services.
- A minor in military leadership, where students gain basic concepts and principles of military science and the art of leadership.
- Online certificates geared toward military-connected student interests, including project management - organizational performance, organizational development, strategic leadership and workforce development.
From the Federal G.I. Bill® to Department of Defense tuition assistance and Wisconsin National Guard tuition grants, the office helps eligible students access nine federal and state military education benefits.
In addition to the Military Friendly ranking, last November, Military Times placed UW-Stout Polytechnic on its 2025 Best for Vets Colleges list for its commitment to serving veterans and their families. The university ranked first in Wisconsin among traditional and online universities, placed 24th in the Midwest and 177th nationwide.
Serving those who served: UW-Stout among top 25 in Midwest on annual Best for Vets list
Continue ReadingUW-Stout Polytechnic has also been ranked among the Best Schools for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report.
As of fall 2025, there were nearly 250 self-identified veteran and military students on campus — including veterans, those on active duty, and National Guard and Reserve members — and another 587 students who were the spouses or dependent children of veterans or military members.
The university’s most recent First Destination Report, released in spring 2025, stated that 100% of veteran graduates were employed within six months of graduation.
UW-Stout Polytechnic’s Veteran Services can provide advice on veteran and military education benefits and assists with applying for benefits and can be reached by calling 715-232-1659 or emailing veteranstudents@uwstout.edu.
