Nichols College named a 2025–26 Top 10 Military Friendly® School
DUDLEY, Mass. – Nichols College was recently named a top Military Friendly® School, achieving the No. 1 ranking and Top 10 status among private institutions that do not offer a doctoral degree. The ranking reflects an improvement over last year’s Gold Level status—itself a notable achievement—and signifies that Nichols is a national leader in supporting and embracing the educational pursuits of active military service members, veterans, spouses and their children.
The Military Friendly® Schools list honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools in the United States that support scholars with ties to the military. Schools with Military Friendly® Top 10 distinction “are setting the example with their programs and initiatives,” according to VIQTORY Media. Nichols excelled in meeting the standards in all Military Friendly® categories, including academic policies and compliance; admissions and orientation; culture and commitment; financial aid and assistance; graduation and career; and military student support and retention.
“We are proud to rank first in the nation as we are recognized, once again, as an institution that supports veterans,” said President Bill Pieczynski. “Our ties to the military are deep and enduring—from President James L. Conrad’s service during WWII to our faculty, staff and students who serve our nation today. We are forever grateful to veterans and seek to do all that we can to ensure they receive the educational and financial support that they have earned. We are pleased to make this announcement during Military Appreciation Month and to honor our active military members and veterans throughout the year.”
Criteria for inclusion on the Military Friendly® Schools list include a strong commitment to recruiting, retaining and providing financial, academic and social services to student veterans. Nichols College distinguished itself with its range of services, including waiving its admissions application fee for military personnel and veterans, awarding college credit for military training and experience, offering online courses and providing Nichols’ generous Yellow Ribbon program and other financial aid to veterans.
The Nichols Office of Veteran and Military Services (OVMS) is a central unit focused on the needs of the College’s military-connected population. The OVMS partners closely with other campus units, including the Nichols College Veterans Committee and the Student Veterans Club, to meet the needs of veterans.
Ryan Leary, a student veteran at Nichols and former specialist (E-4) in the U.S. Army, was featured in the April issue of GI Jobs magazine. You can read about Ryan’s experience at Nichols and view a list of the nation’s Military Friendly® schools here: https://www.gijobs.com/magazine/april-2025/.
(Pictured: Nichols student veteran Ryan Leary.)
About Nichols College
Nichols College has earned business accreditation from the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), the longest serving global accrediting body for business schools and the largest business education network connecting learners, educators, and businesses worldwide. Founded in 1815, Nichols College transforms today’s students into tomorrow’s leaders through a dynamic, career-focused business and professional education. Nichols offers real-world learning focused on professional depth – combined with vibrant living, competitive athletics, and an unmatched alumni advantage – equipping students to exceed their own expectations. To learn more about Nichols College, visit www.nichols.edu.
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