UNO Named No. 1 Public University for Veterans

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is the best public university in the nation for veterans, according to the latest Military Times Best for Vets ranking.

UNO ranked No. 2 out of 304 universities nationwide, trailing only University of the Incarnate Word – a private university in Texas. The ranking is a recognition of the university’s longstanding commitment to veterans through the Office of Military and Veterans Services (OMAVS), university leaders say.

"Supporting our military veterans and service members is both an honor and a duty at UNO,” UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, said. “This ranking is a testament to a university-wide commitment to helping those who have sacrificed so much for our country. Through comprehensive support systems and a welcoming community, UNO remains devoted to providing veterans with a transformative educational experience that supports their career goals and long-term success.”

OMAVS was established in 2012, however, has served military-connected learners for more than 70 years. Today, OMAVS helps veterans and military-connected individuals, prepare for civilian careers, build connections with employers, access Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits, navigate the university admissions and financial aid processes. OMAVS also supports the Student Veterans Organization on campus and offers the campus and Omaha veteran communities a wide array of support resources.

"UNO’s success in supporting military-connected students would not be possible without the dedication of our campus and Omaha communities,” UNO Director of Federal and Military Relations Chase Kratochvil said. “It is this combined support that enables us to serve military-connected students and more specifically, veterans in meaningful ways. Veterans embody a spirit of service and resilience that is central to the values we hold at UNO, and it is both an honor and a privilege to have them as part of our Maverick family.”

UNO Director of Military & Veterans Services Sara Karnowski emphasized the role OMAVS plays in providing comprehensive support for UNO’s military-connected students.

"Working with veterans as they pursue their education is a privilege, which comes with the responsibility to provide the tools and support veterans need to thrive, not only as students, but also in their careers and in our Omaha community,” she said. At UNO, we’re here to help them achieve their educational goals towards, and onto a path to purposeful, impactful careers, ensuring their dedication to service translates into success beyond the military.”