Howard Payne University was named to the Military Friendly Schools^® list by Victory Media, the premier media entity for military personnel transitioning into civilian life. The 2013 Military Friendly Schools^® list honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools in the U.S. that are doing the most to embrace America’s military service members, veterans and spouses as students and ensure their success on campus.

“Inclusion on the 2013 list of Military Friendly Schools^® shows HPU’s commitment to providing a supportive environment for military students,” said Sean Collins, director for G.I. Jobs and vice president at Victory Media. “As interest in education grows, we’re thrilled to provide the military community with transparent, world-class resources to assist in the search for schools.”

The Military Friendly Schools^® website, found at www.militaryfriendlyschools.com, features the list, interactive tools and search functionality to help military students find the best school to suit their unique needs and preferences. The 1,739 colleges, universities and trade schools on this year’s list exhibit leading practices in the recruitment and retention of students with military experience.

“HPU is honored to have been named to this distinguished list,” said Dr. Bill Ellis, university president. “We have been incredibly blessed by the men and women serving our country and we are proud to be recognized as a university that, in turn, serves them.”

Now in its fourth year, the 2013 list of Military Friendly Schools^® was compiled through extensive research and a data-driven survey of more than 12,000 schools across the nation approved by the Veterans Administration. The survey results that comprise the 2013 list were independently tested by Ernst & Young LLP based upon the weightings and methodology established by G.I. Jobs. Each year, schools taking the survey are held to a higher standard than the previous year via improved methodology, criteria and weightings developed with the assistance of an Academic Advisory Board (AAB) consisting of educators from schools across the country. A full list of board members can be found at www.militaryfriendlyschools.com/board.

A full story and detailed list of 2013 Military Friendly Schools^® will be highlighted in the annual G.I. Jobs Guide to Military Friendly Schools^®, distributed in print and digital format to hundreds of thousands of active and former military personnel in early October.