By A. J. Kaufman, Managing Editor
ETSU counts more than 1,300 military-affiliated students in its enrollment. For those looking to serve as an officer after graduation, the school says it houses the top Army ROTC program in Tennessee and “one of the best in the country.”
ETSU’s campus is also home to one of the nation’s best Veterans Affairs Medical Centers — James H. Quillen VA Medical Center at Mountain Home — which consistently ranks in the top 5 nationally. ETSU has honors about which to boast as well.
On the recognition side, ETSU again earned Gold status in the 2026-2027 Military Friendly® School rankings this spring, becoming one of just 32 large public institutions to receive the Gold-level designation. Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation are evaluated through a rigorous review of public data, student feedback and institutional programs. More than 3,200 schools participated in this year’s evaluation, with 878 earning the 2026-27 Military Friendly® School designation.
“The strength of ETSU’s military and veteran programs comes from a simple philosophy: we view service members, veterans, and military-affiliated students as tremendous assets to our campus and our region,” Col. (Ret.) Dan Bishop, director of Military and Veteran Services, told the Business Journal. “Our Gold Military Friendly designation and Yellow Ribbon status reflect a university-wide commitment to helping these students succeed academically, professionally, and personally. ETSU’s commitment is most evident in our 78% growth in this population over the last five years. We are proud to host over 1,300 military-affiliated students this fall, approaching 10% of our student population.”
Bishop said the university’s continued recognition reflects years of intentional investment in military-affiliated students. Last year, ETSU cut tuition rates for active-duty military students by nearly 50%. He also believes that every veteran on campus brings valuable leadership, resilience and perspective. He says the school’s goal is to ensure they have the “resources, guidance and community” necessary to succeed.
“We’re honored to continue this tradition of service,” the retired colonel explained in a recent press release. “While we’re proud to receive Gold status once again, what matters most is creating an environment where military-affiliated students feel welcomed, supported and empowered to achieve their goals.”
ETSU was also named a 2026 Yellow Ribbon School by U.S. Veterans Magazine, adding to a growing list of national recognitions for the university’s commitment to veterans, active-duty service members and military-affiliated students.
“As we look to the future, ETSU is investing in stronger connections between education, military talent and workforce development. We are also in the first phase of fundraising to honor the late Maj. Gen. Gary Harrell by establishing what will be the largest Military Student Support Center in the State of Tennessee,” Bishop added. “Through our veteran services programs and ROTC, we are helping develop leaders who possess the discipline, adaptability and mission focus that employers need. Those graduates will play a significant role in strengthening the workforce, driving innovation, and supporting economic growth across the Tri-Cities region.”
In addition to Department of Defense Tuition Assistance where military-affiliated students now pay no more than $250 per credit hour, the university also provides them with specialized advising, priority registration, assistance navigating education benefits and access to the Military-Affiliated Student Resource Center.
