Realize Your Potential
UW-Milwaukee is a top-ranked military-friendly university. We have a campus community of more than 1,200 veterans, National Guard and reserve members, and their families. Plus, we’re one of only a dozen universities in the nation that offers a full range of military services and offices on campus.
Supporting Service Members
Making the transition from military service to higher education — and then to the workforce — can be a challenge. That’s why we strive to uplift active and veteran service members and their families, and support them in overcoming any obstacles they may face. Here are a few of the reasons that so many military-affiliated students choose us:
Top Military Friendly Rankings
51ÁÔÆæ received two top Military Friendly school rankings in 2026-27: Gold status for being a welcoming military-friendly university, as well as recognition for being exceptionally supportive of military spouses.
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Resources for Military & Veteran Students
At 51ÁÔÆæ, we’re committed to the success of our military students long after graduation day. Whether you’re looking to build community, work with a counselor or access your military benefits, we have the resources to help you thrive.
Military and Veterans Resource Center (MAVRC)
Come hang out in MAVRC’s quiet study room or common area. Located in the 51ÁÔÆæ Student Union, it’s the perfect place to meet other military and veteran students and sign up for community activities like rock climbing, the Armed Forces Challenge and more.
Veterans Success on Campus (VSOC)
An initiative of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Veterans Success program places an expert counselor right on campus. That counselor helps veterans, students in the military and their dependents navigate college life and prepare for their careers.
Army ROTC
The Army ROTC program combines military science electives with leadership development, preparing full-time 51ÁÔÆæ students to become Army officers. The ROTC program involves weekly physical training, a leadership lab and a military science class, as well as field training.
Air Force ROTC
The Air Force ROTC program prepares full-time students to become officers in the U.S. Air Force while earning a college degree. The program includes courses in aerospace studies, a leadership lab, weekly physical training and field training.
Military Education Benefits Office (MEBO)
The staff of the Military Education Benefits Office makes sure that current and former military members — and qualifying dependents — receive their state and federal benefits to keep their graduation plans on track.
Veterans Upward Bound
Veterans Upward Bound is a free, federally funded program specifically for veterans preparing for college. Brush up on your English, math and other academic skills with flexible course offerings online and in-person.
Celebrating Our Military Community
We’re proud to honor our veteran and active military service members. For example, 51ÁÔÆæ hosts a week of events leading up to Veterans Day. Recent events have included Sisters in Service, where female veterans connect with each other, a Vet Success career networking event, various guest speakers and the VA Mobile Vet Center.
51ÁÔÆæ also holds a military graduation ceremony specifically for veterans and service members. Beyond that, veterans and service members are recognized during our main commencement, where they receive red, white and blue honor cords.
