By Branden Ferguson

For the fourth consecutive year, Bowling Green State University has retained its ranking as the No. 1 university in the Midwest for veterans and active military students, according to Military Times.

In its 2024 Best for Vets rankings, the publication also placed BGSU at No. 16 among public colleges and universities and No. 20 overall in the nation. BGSU has been consistently ranked by the publication as a top academic choice for veterans and active military students since 2013.

Considered the most comprehensive assessment of collegiate veteran and military student services, the Best for Vets rankings are based on an annual survey of colleges and universities nationwide to evaluate their veteran-focused programs and resources. Department of Education and Department of Veterans Affairs data are also analyzed for the rankings.

For this year's rankings, Military Times prioritized student success as the most important factor in determining relative placements, underscoring the University's commitment to student outcomes. The publication also considered the breadth of military-specific resources and financial assistance available to students among other factors.

Differentiating itself from other institutions, BGSU is deeply committed to assisting veterans and active military students through comprehensive services and personalized support. The BGSU Office of Nontraditional and Military Student Services meets veterans and active military students where they are, providing unmatched academic and individualized support to learners whether they are on campus or on deployment.

"We recognize the uniqueness of each student and the individual situations they face," said Dr. Barbara Henry, assistant vice president of BGSU Nontraditional and Military Student Services. "None of our students have exactly the same circumstances. Some of them might need assistance with studying, while others are receiving orders to report for active duty. Our comprehensive, personalized approach ensures that BGSU military-affiliated students have the support needed to succeed and thrive."

Bryan Bills, a U.S. Army veteran, enrolled at BGSU in 2014 as a nontraditional military student for his undergraduate degree. He said the individualized support and constant encouragement helped him to earn his degree in 2021, led to his return and completion of an MBA degree and now a doctoral degree.

"Between my time as an undergraduate student and the completion of my MBA program, I deployed three or four times," Bills said. "If it wasn't for the support and resources at BGSU, I would not have had a reason to come back. The staff in Nontraditional and Military Student Services are so supportive and provide you with a place to study and create the camaraderie that is needed. If it wasn't for them going out of their way to talk with me before, during and after my deployments, I don't think I would have finished even one of my degrees."

Henry said with a student-centered approach and a dedicated student veteran center, students can build a supportive community and receive the support they need.

"Our military members are looking for a sense of belonging when they enter college," Henry said. "They trained with their unit and those individuals became their support system. At BGSU, they are empowered to build those connections with fellow military members, create a sense of camaraderie and establish or find a support group."

New military-affiliated students at BGSU receive support from Peer Advisors for Veteran Education – or PAVE – which consists of veteran and active military students who are already on campus, have experience with academics and know how to balance the transition to college.

"Students gather in the Student Veterans Center daily to connect with one another, get assistance with classwork and embrace the unique resources available to them," Henry said. "We have full-time staff here from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. to answer questions, assist with benefits and provide guidance with no appointment needed."

After serving 12 years in the Army National Guard, completing multiple deployments overseas and earning two BGSU degrees, Bills' journey has come full circle. Currently serving as a graduate assistant in NTMSS, Bills now helps current veterans and active military students navigate their college journey.

"Veterans usually feel like they have some kind of responsibility to help and support other veterans," Bills said. "I'm at a point now where I'm able to give back the best way I know how. I've been in their shoes, and I know what they are going through. BGSU has done so much for me, and I am happy to be able to make an impact."

BGSU also ranks No. 1 in Ohio as home to the best online bachelor’s degree programs for veterans, according to U.S. News and World Report.