In its annual choice for best colleges for veterans, the Military Times magazine selected Santa Fe College No. 9 out of 357 of the nation’s universities and colleges.

According to an SF release sent Thursday, the college in Gainesville was evaluated by the military-focused media outlet and placed in the top five in multiple categories, including:

• No. 1 in General Education and Career/Technical Institutions
• No. 2 for traditional and online schools
• No. 2 in Florida
• No. 3 in the Southeast
• No. 5 among all public colleges 

“For 15 years, ‘Best for Vets’ has helped transitioning service members find schools that not only welcome veterans, but actively invest in their success,” said Jon Simkins, Executive Editor of Military Times and Sightline Media Group, in the press release. “The record-breaking participation this year shows that higher-education leaders are listening and working to create environments where veterans can thrive academically and personally.”

Military Times noted SF’s “culture of respect and support” in recognizing several of the college’s military-friendly perks, such as priority registration, one-stop admissions through the Veterans and Military Success Services (VMSS) office, academic support offered through TRIO-SERVE, benefits certification, peer mentoring and a dedicated lounge.

The release stated, “the allure of SF for vets, according to their rankings profile, included: being a 2015 Aspen Prize-winner and one of only two Florida public colleges to garner prestigious ‘Opportunity College and Universities’ designation from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Learning; a 19:1 student-faculty ratio; high affordability; high transfer rate to the University of Florida; and access to a vast array of high-demand careers.”

For the full “Best for Vets” 2025 rankings, click here.