Columbus State renews its status as a military-friendly university for students, spouses

October 8, 2026

Columbus State University continues its decade-plus run on Military Friendly®’s list of schools nationwide that support military students and spouses.

In the 2026-27 “Small Public School” category, Columbus State retains its Gold Level designation as a Military-Friendly School—one of just two Georgia institutions on the list. It also renews its Military-Friendly Spouse School status.

Staff in the university’s Military-Connected Student Services office coordinate educational assistance and transfer credit programs for more than 1,500 active-duty soldiers, military retirees, veterans, spouses and dependents, while helping them maximize financial aid benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Military Tuition Assistance Program and military-earmarked scholarships.

“Our renewed status as a Gold-Level Military Friendly® School and Military Spouse Friendly® School reflects Columbus State’s deep commitment to those who serve,” said Dr. Stuart Rayfield, Columbus State’s president. “Military-connected students and their families know what it means to lead with purpose, act under pressure and dedicate themselves to a mission. At Columbus State, we mirror that dedication by providing the structured support, academic pathways and community partnerships necessary to help them translate their experience into academic success in the classroom and meaningful success in their careers as they continue making a difference in the world.”

Rayfield highlighted the many ways the military is woven into Columbus State’s academic programs, student engagement and community outreach efforts:

• Nearly 20% of Columbus State’s current student body has a military connection, and more than 6% of its employees have direct military service.
• A dedicated group of Military Affiliated Student Advisory Committee volunteers who support the Military-Connected Student Services team while raising funds for specialized academic scholarships for soldiers, veterans, retirees and their families.
• An active Student Veterans Association that connects military-connected students as they transition to college, build campus connections and balance school, family, military and life.
• The newly established Lt. Gen. Harold & Julia Moore Institute for the Study of the American Military Experience, a multidisciplinary center dedicated to advancing teaching, research and public engagement focused on the United States military’s role in society.
• Military history education, bolstered by the Col. Richard R. Hallock Endowment for Military History, established in 2010 to honor the distinguished World War II parachutist, serves students majoring in history and ROTC cadets committed to serving as Army officers.
• Graduate degree partnerships with the U.S. Army’s Captains Career Courses and Sergeant Major Academy extend nationwide. Graduates of these programs receive pre-approved academic transfer credit toward several Columbus State master’s degrees.
• On-campus events that celebrate the contributions of the armed forces, along with Green Zone Training that equips employees to better understand and appreciate the unique challenges, strengths and skills of the university’s military-connected students.
• The ROTC Cougar Battalion has, over the last 50 years, commissioned more than 720 traditional and Green to Gold cadets as U.S. Army officers, while remaining one of the top units in the U.S. Army Cadet Command.
• The university’s Archives & Special Collections continues to preserve the nation’s military history, from the American Revolution to the present, by acquiring collections that include those of former Secretary of the Army John O. Marsh, trailblazing Army social worker James Martin, and Robert McNamara “whiz kid” Pierre Sprey. The newly established 1st Lt. William A. Donahoe Jr. and Corporal Charles Foster Vault for American Military History Preservation will further these efforts.
• Academic, research and operational partnerships with nearby Fort Benning, as well as military organizations and historic sites and landmarks, including the National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center and the National Civil War Museum.

About the rankings

VIQTORY compiles its Military Friendly® Schools list each year based on extensive research using public data sources from more than 8,800 schools nationwide, input from student veterans and responses to its voluntary survey from 1,800 participating institutions. An independent research firm and an advisory council of educators and employers developed the survey questions, methodology, criteria and weighting.

Founded in 2001, VIQTORY is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities through its G.I. Jobs® and Military Friendly® brands. More information is available from the Military Friendly® website.

---

Media contacts: Michael Tullier, APR