Student Veterans Find a Place to Call Home

New York Tech is ranked No. 5 for Best Colleges for Veterans (Regional Universities North) in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings. In fact, the university saw more than a 20 percent increase in student veteran enrollment for the fall 2024 semester from last year.

“A big part of that is due to the partnerships we’ve established with veteran departments at other schools, including NYU, Columbia, the New School, and Fordham,” says Joel Acevedo, associate director of military and veteran affairs. Partnerships with other veteran departments builds a network, allowing New York Tech to increase resources for its student veterans. Additionally, partnerships with organizations like the NYC Department of Veteran Services are also important. “For example, we recently participated in the New York Mets Military Transition Summit, a military/veteran resource fair at Citi Field, where we connected with hundreds of veterans. This type of outreach is critical in reaching veterans where they are, offering them resources, and showcasing what New York Tech can provide.”

^{Joel Acevedo, associate director of military and veteran affairs}

Another way the university connects with veterans is through its Military Mondays in partnership with Admissions. “This is a pilot program where prospective student veterans can attend informational sessions, ask questions, and apply to New York Tech on the spot. We’re excited about how well it’s been received, and we plan to expand it. Admissions has been a great partner and deserves recognition for their efforts in recruiting veterans,” says Acevedo.

The Office of Military and Veteran Affairs and Admissions work together to make it easy for veterans to apply, ensuring veterans’ questions and concerns are addressed. “Our office is very hands-on in helping veterans through the process, from application to enrollment,” says Acevedo.

It’s not just the outreach that has attracted more students. The university’s commitment to helping student veterans thrive is another reason why veterans choose New York Tech.

“New York Tech excels in supporting veterans by offering a comprehensive approach that integrates mentorship programs, the Student Veterans of America Annual National Conference, the SALUTE Veterans Honor Society, and the Student Veteran Organization (SVO),” says Maria Gonzalez Bautista, who served in the U.S. Army Reserve and is now an architecture student and president of the SVO. “I’ve seen firsthand how the university works hand-in-hand with the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs to bring crucial resources and events to enhance the experiences of student veterans. These initiatives are instrumental in providing academic, emotional, and career-related support specifically tailored to veteran needs.”

^{Maria Gonzalez Bautista, president of the Student Veteran Organization}

Many student veterans come to New York Tech with highly developed skills from their military service and are looking for a school that will help them translate those skills into a civilian career. “New York Tech does just that, offering a clear pathway from education to employment,” says Acevedo. “We work closely with Career Success and Experiential Education to provide tailored services for our student veterans. We connect them directly with employers looking to specifically hire veterans.”

When searching for a college, Gonzalez was looking for a place where she could grow as a leader and pursue her passion for architecture. “New York Tech’s dedication to innovation and strong veteran support programs attracted me,” she says. “One key program that has helped me is the mentorship program for veterans that I am actively involved in as a mentor. The guidance and leadership I’ve received have been invaluable in navigating my transition [to civilian life]. New York Tech has empowered me to make a smooth transition, giving me opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.”

Additionally, the university has made great strides in creating a welcoming environment for its student veterans, including events hosted by the SVO throughout the year and participation in Military Appreciation Week in November and the Student Veterans of America Annual National Conference. The university also created a new veteran lounge on the New York City campus. “These are all elements that foster a stronger sense of community and belonging,” says Acevedo.

“Since the creation of the new lounge spaces for student veterans, they now feel like they have a place where they truly belong,” adds Gonzalez. “We take pride in fostering connections and support, and we couldn’t have achieved this without the continuous guidance of our director of military and veteran affairs, whose initiatives, along with university support, have been instrumental in strengthening our organization. Through this teamwork, we’ve been able to create a welcoming environment for student veterans to thrive.”

Says Acevedo, “We’ve worked hard to build a culture of belonging not just within our office but throughout the campuses. Veterans appreciate that they are part of a community that values their experiences and contributions. Our student veteran population is incredibly active, and that sense of inclusion resonates with those looking for a place to call home after their military service.”