KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Smokies.LIVE NextGen Center) — The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has earned national recognition for its commitment to veterans, service members and military families, ranking among the nation’s top institutions in the Military Times Best for Vets 2026 College Rankings.
UT ranked first among Tennessee institutions, second in the Southeastern Conference, 31st among public universities and 37th nationally. It marks the university’s sixth consecutive year on the list.
The rankings evaluate schools on campus culture, student support, academic policies, financial assistance and outcomes for military-connected students.
UT’s Veterans Success Center provides academic coaching, career preparation, peer mentoring and transition support for veterans entering college life.
“These rankings from Best for Vets represent our unwavering commitment to the military community at UT Knoxville,” said Thomas Cruise, director of the Veterans Success Center.
The university serves nearly 800 student veterans and service members, more than 1,200 military family members and approximately 193 faculty and staff members with military service. UT also has more than 6,400 military-connected alumni and more than 400 ROTC cadets.
Senior Desiree Bland, a student veteran majoring in social work, said the Veterans Success Center helped her find a sense of community on campus. She recently became a peer mentor to help incoming veterans adjust to college life.
The recognition adds to several recent honors for UT’s military-connected programs. U.S. News & World Report ranked the university among the top 50 public institutions for veterans. U.S. Veterans Magazine also named UT a 2026 Top Veteran School, and the university earned Gold status as a Military Friendly School in March.
Veterans connected with the university’s Veterans Success Center were also recognized during halftime of a Lady Vols soccer match at Regal Soccer Stadium.
More information about veteran resources is available through UT’s Veterans Success Center.
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