Military Times Names Pace University One of Nation's Best Schools for Veterans

Pace University Ranks Third in New York State

For the third consecutive year, Military Times has named Pace University to its list of best schools for military service members and veterans.

In being named to the 2023 Best for Vets: Colleges rankings, Pace placed third out of 29 institutions state-wide, ninth among private colleges nationwide, and 66 overall.

The ranking is an affirmation of the impact of Pace’s efforts in fostering a welcoming environment for all military veterans and assisting them in reaching their educational goals. It continues Pace’s recent upward trajectory as the university went from 287 to 124 in 2022.

“We are deeply committed to supporting the student veterans at Pace University, and so it’s a real honor to be recognized for that work by Military Times,” said Pace President Marvin Krislov. “More than 200 of our students, across all three of our campuses, have volunteered to serve in America’s armed forces. They are a special and valued part of our community, and we’re pleased that they chose to pursue their education with us. We’re grateful for their service, and for this recognition.”

This year, 325 schools made the list – up nearly 5% over last year. Student success metrics – notably, GPA, retention, persistence, and graduation rates -- were the most important factors in determining the ranking of schools on the list, followed closely by the range of military-specific resources and the level of financial assistance offered. Admissions and registration policies, human resources and assorted miscellaneous considerations also factor into the scoring rubric.

“Student veterans contribute to the diversity and campus life here at Pace University,” said COL (Ret) Peter Riley, director of Pace Office of Veterans Services. “Hard work, authentic student care, accountability, and a heartfelt commitment to achieving success pays off. I am proud of this recognition and the awareness of what we provide for this important population of students.”

Pace recognizes the commitment our veterans have demonstrated to our country and are firmly committed to assisting veterans, active duty, and reserve service members in advancing their careers through higher education. Pace provides specialized and support services to over 200 veterans and dependents across its three campuses.

Pace’s special services for veterans include:

• Academic resources such as tutoring and professional writing assistance
• A specialized “University 101 for Veterans,” introductory course meant to address the experiences of veterans in higher education
• Counseling and disability services
• Financial assistance such as the Yellow Ribbon Program, Veteran Tuition Scholarship Program, Army Tuition Assistance & Air Force Tuition Assistance program
• Career services
• A website, Veterans, which lists resources specifically for veterans
• An active Pace Student Veteran Association, a chapter to the national Student Veterans of America organization

The university also offers a Veteran Student Center on both the New York City and Pleasantville campuses. The center serves as a one-stop resource center providing a study and gathering space where Pace student veterans and dependents can connect with others who have served and those who want to support them.

Neath Williams '24 spent over 20 years as a Navy combat medic on active duty and in the reserves before enrolling. Now he’s working on his Master of Arts in Communications and Digital Media through the robust online program Pace offers and is active in the Arts and Veterans communities in and around New York City.

“Student veterans have a holistic view of the importance of their education,” said Williams. “Most have goals set for after school, and they’re focused on that. They may be more focused on learning the actual content rather than on passing the class. This is the stuff we came here for, and Pace provides the resources for us to be successful.”

To view the full rankings visit the 2023 rankings.

About Pace University

Since 1906, Pace University has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, Pace offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, Sands College of Performing Arts, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

About Military Times

The Military Times is the trusted source for independent news and information for service members and their families. The military community relies on Air Force Times, Army Times, Marine Corps Times, and Navy Times for reporting on everything important to their lives, including branch-specific news, pay, benefits, finance, education, health care, recreational resources, retirement, promotions, product reviews, and entertainment. Military Times is owned by Sightline Media Group. To learn more, visit the Military Times.