RLC marks fourth consecutive year on list of Military Friendly Schools

INA, Ill. (Nov. 5, 2015) - Rend Lake College has made the list of the top Military Friendly Schools in the country for the fourth year in a row. The list, published by veteran-owned business Victory Media, is the result of a survey of approximately 8,000 schools based on their support of military students.

RLC is joined at the top by 1,700 other colleges, universities, and trade schools who received high rankings on a survey completed by student veterans and prospective military students. This year, the surveys included over 100 questions in 10 categories about each institution. Some of the categories included information about military support on campus, graduation and employment outcomes, and military spouse policies.

The surveys were then scored against key indicators of success. Victory Media also collected independent data from EY (Ernst & Young) to be included in the final scoring. According to Victory Media, the Military Friendly Schools designation is awarded to the top colleges in the country who “are doing the most to embrace military students.”

RLC President Terry Wilkerson said it’s an honor to be included on the Military Friendly School list for the fourth time, and he hopes the tradition continues for years to come.

“For all the service veterans provide this country, it’s the least we can do to help with their education and transition back into civilian life,” said Wilkerson. “It’s always a priority to help our students be successful, and the faculty and staff at Rend Lake College are dedicated to doing just that for every student we see.”

The full list, interactive tools, and a search function to help military students find the college best-suited to their unique needs and preferences can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.

“Post-secondary institutions earning the 2016 Military Friendly School award have exceptionally strong programs for transitioning service members and spouses,” said Daniel Nichols, Chief Product Officer of Victory Media and Navy Reserve veteran. “Our Military Friendly Schools are truly aligning their military programs and services with employers to help students translate military experience, skills and training into successful careers after graduation.”

As a part of one initiative to help veterans and service members, RLC has begun registering veterans and service members for Spring 2016 classes. Anyone interested in taking advantage of priority registration should contact the Rend Lake College Academic Advisement Center at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1266, or advising@rlc.edu, identify themselves as a veteran or service member, and make an advisement appointment.

Students can also get one-on-one help from April McCormick, RLC Veterans Coordinator, to submit applications for military benefits and other financial aid. McCormick can be reached at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1297 or mccormicka@rlc.edu.