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UCO Receives National Recognition as Military Friendly University

March 26, 2026

UCO ROTC student holding U.S flag.

The University of Central Oklahoma has received national recognition for its strong support of military-connected students, earning gold-level status in the 2026–27 Military Friendly® School ranking and designated-level status in the 2026-27 Military Spouse Friendly® School ranking. Central is the only public university in Oklahoma to receive gold-level status.

The designations, awarded by Viqtory Media, recognize Central among the top public universities with more than 10,000 students for its comprehensive services and commitment to military-connected student success.

“The University of Central Oklahoma's military-connected students have demonstrated extraordinary commitment and sacrifice in service to our country,” said UCO President Todd G. Lamb.

“We are honored to meet them where they are by ensuring they feel supported, valued and empowered when they choose UCO for their next chapter. We are proud to stand behind them with the programs, partnerships and personal support they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond.”

Institutions earning these designations are evaluated based on public and proprietary data from the annual Military Friendly® survey.

The 2026–27 Military Friendly® Schools list aims to assist service members, veterans and their families in identifying colleges and universities that prioritize meaningful support systems, accessible resources and pathways to degree completion and career advancement.

Central offers several resources for military-connected students through the Veteran Higher Education Resource and Opportunity Center (VetHERO Center). The Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) program is designed to help U.S. military veterans enter and succeed in higher education. The Serving America’s Leaders Using Transformative Education (SALUTE) program provides college retention and completion services to UCO military-connected, first-generation students or those qualifying based on federal income levels. These resources aid military-connected students in their academic, financial, physical and social needs.

The university is also home to the largest ROTC programs in the state and one of the largest in the region.

To learn more, visit militaryfriendly.com.

For more information about veteran support services at Central, visit www.uco.edu/students/vet-hero/.

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Cutline: The University of Central Oklahoma has received national recognition for its strong support of military-connected students, earning gold-level status in the 2026–27 Military Friendly® School ranking and designated-level status in the 2026-27 Military Spouse Friendly® School ranking.

Devan Wielgos

Devan Wielgos

Communications and Marketing Coordinator, UCO University Communications

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About University of Central Oklahoma

The University of Central Oklahoma is a campus community in motion—leading, innovating and creating transformative learning opportunities that foster success for our students. As Oklahoma’s largest metropolitan university, we provide high-quality, nationally recognized programs that are always evolving and adapting to the needs of our students and the community. This commitment is rooted in our founding in 1890 as the state’s teacher’s college, training those who would educate the next generation of leaders and innovators. We remain dedicated to offering an accessible, affordable education, earning national accolades for social mobility, veterans’ outreach and first-generation student programs.

Guided by the motto “ubi motus est” – which translates to “where movement is” – the university continues to evolve and grow, offering 119 undergraduate and 81 graduate programs to our more than 12,000 students from our main campus in Edmond, Oklahoma, and facilities throughout the Oklahoma City metro. Our colors were the first adopted of any university in the state, and our Bronze and Blue symbolize our greatest strengths—the illumination of new ideas and the endless expanse of a clear sky above. At UCO, anything is possible.

The university is governed by the Regional University System of Oklahoma Board of Regents and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Contact

100 North University Drive Edmond, OK 73034

405-974-2307

ucomm@uco.edu

www.uco.edu