The accolades keep coming.

U.S. Veterans Magazine named East Tennessee State University a 2025 Yellow Ribbon School – the latest recognition in what’s becoming an impressive streak of military-friendly honors for the university.

Building momentum

The Yellow Ribbon School designation, announced earlier this month, recognizes institutions that go beyond in supporting veterans and their families. It’s a meaningful addition to ETSU’s growing reputation as a premier destination for military-affiliated students.

Just this year alone, ETSU has:

  • Slashed tuition rates for active-duty military students by nearly 50%
  • Maintained its Military Friendly® School designation for the 15th consecutive year

“This Yellow Ribbon School designation is both an honor and a responsibility,” said Dan Bishop, director of Military and Veteran Services at ETSU. “It reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring that those who have served our country have access to the educational opportunities and support they’ve earned.”

Real support

These awards matter because they reflect real programs making a real difference. At ETSU, military-affiliated students find:

Financial support that works. Thanks to recent Board of Trustees action, active-duty military undergraduates using Department of Defense Tuition Assistance pay no more than $250 per credit hour. That's substantial savings recognizing the unique challenges of balancing military service and college coursework.

Personalized guidance. From priority registration to specialized advising, ETSU's approach recognizes that one size doesn't fit all when it comes to supporting students with military backgrounds.

Faculty who get it. Through Green Zone training, ETSU faculty and staff develop deeper understanding of the student veteran experience, creating more supportive classroom environments.

Need assistance?

Staff at ETSU are committed to assisting veterans and all military-affiliated students. Visit etsu.edu/veterans, email va@etsu.edu or call (423) 439-6819.

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