Best for Vets Ranks DCTC #4 in Minnesota

Technical college provides comprehensive array of support services for military veterans and active-duty servicemembers

2025 Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges has ranked Dakota County Technical College (DCTC) fourth in Minnesota and 21st in the Career/Technical category for providing outstanding support services to veterans and military students. Best for Vets included six ranking categories this year. Along with its Minnesota and Career/Technical rankings, DCTC was recognized in the following categories:

• 42nd in Midwest
• 155th in Traditional
• 209th in Public
• 258th Overall

According to Military Times: “Military Times has earned its reputation as the ultimate and trusted source for veterans and their families. At the heart of our brand lies an unwavering commitment to credibility and accuracy in our award-winning reporting. Our newsroom comprises seasoned journalists and military experts, ensuring a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by veterans.

“We pride ourselves on our thorough and unbiased ranking methodologies, so we have data experts meticulously analyze data submitted by institutions and businesses. For veterans seeking genuine, reliable, and comprehensive information, Military Times stands as the beacon of trust, offering invaluable insights to empower them in making informed decisions for their future.”

The following is the official Military Times Best for Vets press release:

Military Times Announces 2025 Best for Vets:
Colleges Ranking, Expands to 357 Institutions Nationwide

Arlington, Virginia, November 17, 2025 — Military Times released its 2025 Best for Vets: Colleges rankings, the most trusted, comprehensive list of U.S. colleges and universities committed to supporting military service members, veterans and their families.

This year’s list includes 357 institutions, marking the largest field in the program’s history and a substantial increase from 304 in 2024. The growth underscores the expanding network of colleges prioritizing veteran success through targeted programs, financial support and student-veteran communities.

“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. “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 collects data from an extensive  survey from colleges across the country. Institutions are evaluated on academic quality, student support services, affordability, and outcomes for veterans, including graduation and retention rates.

Key trends from the 2025 survey include:

• Increased participation among public universities and community colleges, signaling broader institutional engagement.
• A surge in online and hybrid program options, which continue to support active-duty and Guard/Reserve students.
• Growth in dedicated veteran resource centers, peer mentorship networks and mental health services tailored to post-service transition.

The full 2025 ranking, along with an interactive database of schools, can be found at bestforvets.militarytimes.com/colleges.

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About Military Times

The Military Times digital platforms and magazines are the trusted source for independent news and information for service members and their families. The military community relies on Air Force Times, Army Times, Marine Corps Times, and Navy Times for reporting on everything that matters in their lives, including pay, benefits, finance, education, health care, recreational resources, retirement, promotions, product reviews, and entertainment.

Military Times is published by Sightline Media Group. Learn more by visiting militarytimes.com.

Learn more about the Best for Vets ranking methodology by visiting:
Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges

Military & Veteran Services at DCTC

DCTC Veterans Day Celebration 2025

The Military & Veteran Services Center is located on the DCTC main campus in Room 2-302. Sarah Godsave serves as the college’s MDVA regional coordinator.

Services offered at the Center include:

• Veterans, current military, and dependent resources
• Military credit transfer
• Academic accommodations
• Withdrawals due to deployments
• Referrals to on-campus academic assistance
• Access to community providers
• Events for veterans and military families
• Scholarships for the following:
  • Veterans
  • Current Military
  • Dependents of veterans or current military

DCTC was proclaimed a Beyond The Yellow Ribbon Company in 2010. The college enhanced its status as a veteran-friendly campus by opening a newly remodeled Military and Veterans Service Center in 2016. DCTC has been ranked nationally by Military Times Best for Vets 12 years in a row.

DCTC is dedicated to meeting the needs of student-veterans and active-duty service members. Some veterans face personal, relationship, education and employment challenges. Veteran’s families also may need support while their loved ones serve overseas and when they return home. Working with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, DCTC provides additional training on supporting veterans to counselors, student affairs staff, faculty, and administrators.

Learn more about Military & Veteran Services at DCTC by contacting:

Sarah Godsave
MDVA Regional Coordinator
Sarah.Godsave@state.mn.us
763-381-2438