by Rich Stratton, Assistant Director of Public Relations
Cedarville University has earned the 2026-27 Military Friendly School designation and was recognized as a silver-level school.
The designation highlights Cedarville’s commitment to veterans, service members and their families. The Military Friendly Schools list is released annually and recognizes colleges and universities that excel in serving military communities.
U.S. News 2026 Ranking Recognizes Cedarville’s Support for Veterans in the Midwest
According to the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Cedarville is ranked No. 7 among the best colleges for veterans in the Midwest and No. 2 in Ohio.
Cedarville Meets National Benchmarks for Student Success and Outcomes
Cedarville’s 2026-27 Military Friendly School Silver Status recognition reflects its success in meeting or exceeding the following national benchmarks:
- a one-year retention rate of 50% or higher for all students or veteran students alone
- a graduation rate of at 50% or higher for all students or veteran students alone
- a loan default rate of 20% or lower for all students
- a job placement rate of 50% or higher for all graduates
University Maintains Accreditation and Strong Standing in Federal Programs
In addition to meeting these quantitative standards, the university maintains full accreditation, participates in federal programs in good standing and has no record of enforcement actions at the state or federal level.
Military Friendly Schools Evaluation Uses Survey Data and Public Metrics
Institutions earning the Military Friendly Schools designation were evaluated using public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 3,200 organizations participated in the Military Friendly survey. Methodology, criteria and weightings were determined by Military Friendly in consultation with the Military Friendly Advisory Council, a group of independent leaders in the military community. Final ratings were determined by combining an organization’s survey score, public data and an assessment of the institution’s ability to meet or exceed thresholds for student recruitment, retention, academic progress, graduation rates, career placement and support services for veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses.
Cedarville Provides Resources for Military-Affiliated Students and Families
Beyond these metrics, Cedarville University remains committed to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for military-affiliated students. The university offers a variety of resources, including Reserve Officers’ Training Corps programs, assistance with VA education benefits, a military support organization and individualized services designed to meet the unique needs of student veterans and their families.
Cedarville to Be Featured in 2026-27 Guide to Military Friendly Schools
Cedarville University will be featured in the 2026-27 Guide to Military Friendly Schools, in the April issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and on MilitaryFriendly.com.
About Cedarville University
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio’s largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in The Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.
About Military Friendly
Military Friendly is the standard that measures an organization’s commitment, effort and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community. Military Friendly is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business. Military Friendly is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or the federal government. Results are produced via a rules-based algorithm. The data-driven Military Friendly lists and methodology can be found at militaryfriendly.com.
