North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) has earned the 2023-2024 Military Friendly ® School designation.

Institutions earning the Military Friendly ® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,800 schools participated in the 2023-2024 survey with 665 earning special awards for going above the standard.

“We are very excited to again receive this recognition,” said Michelle Petznick, VA Certifying Official and Registrar at NIACC. “NIACC is able to provide veterans, spouses, and dependents with a variety of support and resources as they pursue their academic goals. By offering these services, NIACC prepares the student with a personalized transition plan into the academic environment and civilian life.”

The 2023-2024 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in the May and October issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.

Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Viqtory with input from the Military Friendly ® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for Student Retention, Graduation, Job Placement, Loan Repayment, Persistence (Degree Advancement or Transfer) and Loan Default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.

“Military Friendly® is committed to transparency and providing consistent data-driven standards in our designation process. Our standards provide a benchmark that promotes positive outcomes and support services that better the educational landscape and provide opportunity for the Military Community. This creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages colleges to evolve and invest in their programs consistently. Schools who achieve awards designation show true commitment in their efforts, going over and above that standard.” –

Kayla Lopez, National Director of Military Partnerships, Military Friendly®.

For more information about NIACC’s commitment to attracting and supporting military students, visit NIACC’s website at https://www.niacc.edu/admissions/veterans-assistance-2/ . Schedule a campus visit at www.niacc.edu/visit to see our beautiful campus and to learn more about veteran’s assistance benefits at NIACC.

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About Military Friendly ® Schools: The Military Friendly ® Schools list is created each year based on extensive research using public data sources from more than 8,800 schools nationwide, input from student veterans, and responses to the proprietary, data-driven Military Friendly® Schools survey from participating institutions. The survey questions, methodology, criteria and weighting were developed with the assistance of an independent research firm and an advisory council of educators and employers. The survey is administered for free and is open to all postsecondary schools that wish to participate. Criteria for consideration can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.

About NIACC: North Iowa Area Community College, founded in 1918, is a nationally-recognized, two-year college located in central North Iowa.  With approximately 3,000 career and transfer students, the College has been recognized by the Aspen Institute as a leading community college in the nation.  NIACC welcomes students from across Iowa, Minnesota, the nation, and the world. The College has served as a leader in student-centered learning, community engagement, and collaborative leadership for more than 100 years. Choose NIACC First.  

About Viqtory: Founded in 2001, VIQTORY is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities through its G.I. Jobs® and Military Friendly® brands. VIQTORY and its brands are not a part of or endorsed by the U.S. Dept of Defense or any federal government entity. Learn more about VIQTORY at www.viqtory.com.

For further information or to arrange interviews, contact:

North Iowa Area Community College

Valerie Zahorski-Schmidt

Director of Marketing and Community Relations

zahorval@niacc.edu

641-422-4435

Military Friendly ® Schools:

Kayla Lopez

Senior Director of Military Partnerships

For press inquiries visit: www.militaryfriendly.com/support

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