Patriot Ledger // Published February 19, 2019 / By Erin Tiernan

The designation by Victory Media, is awarded to the top 15 percent of about 8,800 colleges, universities and trade schools in the country they deem as doing the most to embrace military students, and to dedicate resources to ensure their success in the classroom and after graduation.

QUINCY — Quincy College, with over 175 veterans enrolled, has been designated a military-friendly school for the eighth consecutive year.

The designation by Victory Media, is awarded to the top 15 percent of about 8,800 colleges, universities and trade schools in the country they deem as doing the most to embrace military students, and to dedicate resources to ensure their success in the classroom and after graduation.

Military-friendly ratings are determined by combining an institution’s Military Friendly Schools survey score with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet minimum thresholds for student retention, graduation, job placement and loan repayment rates for all students and specifically for student veterans based on public data. Quincy College exceeded in all categories, according to Victory Media.

“The military and veteran’s services office is honored to support our veterans and we are honored to be recognized by Victory Media for a ninth year in a row. We continually evaluate our programs and assess the needs of our students, providing one-on-one support,” Karen Connick, military and veteran’s services specialist for Quincy College said in a statement. “We look forward to continuing to serve the Quincy College community of veterans year round with honor and commitment they deserve.”

Connick, a retired Army Reserve colonel, said Quincy College offers veteran support on both the Quincy and Plymouth campuses. The college’s military and veteran services office awas established in 2011 to support the unique needs of the veteran population looking to return to college.

Army Veteran and Lakeville resident Mark Herrington received a recommendation to attend Quincy College from the federal Department of Veterans Affairs. He started taking classes last summer and said he’s been impressed with the school’s veteran resources and easy access to the MBTA.

“Navigating the process of VA benefits on top of pursuing an education can be complex and frustrating,” he said.

At Quincy College, he said he’s been able to lean on Connick’s expertise to get answers to his questions.

“It allows me and others to focus on our education,” he said.

Veterans, veteran dependents, and active duty service members are able to use their federal education benefits at Quincy College via the Post 9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Vocational Rehabilitation, My CAA, VA Work Study and tuition assistance.

Through the Quincy College Veterans Discount Program, veterans may enroll in either liberal arts or professional programs classes at a discounted rate. Veterans are eligible for this reduced rate regardless of the number of courses they take in a semester. The veteran discount program is not funded by the state or federal government; therefore veterans who are eligible for education benefits through the VA may also receive the Quincy College discounted rate.