Kettering University has once again earned the Military Friendly School Silver designation for 2025–26, recognizing its strong commitment to supporting student veterans and military-connected learners in achieving their academic and professional goals.
Awarded by Viqtory, this designation is based on both public data and institutional responses across categories, including student retention, graduation rates, career outcomes, and financial assistance, focusing specifically on outcomes for veterans. Kettering’s recognition reflects a model built not just on academic rigor, but on real results.
“Kettering University’s career-first model and hands-on approach set a high bar for veteran success,” said Judi Langolf, Kettering University’s Registrar and VA School Certifying Official. “Our students earn real experience from day one through a rigorous, paid, professional Co-op program that pairs academic challenge with real-world results. Veterans and military-connected students come to Kettering ready for a challenge — and ready to lead.”
Built for Those Who’ve Served
Aaron DeHaven ‘23, a Navy veteran and current computer engineering graduate student, is one of many military-connected students who have found both opportunity and purpose at Kettering.
“I came out of the service with strong technical training, but I didn’t know what was next,” DeHaven said. “My dad, a GM retiree, had always talked about Kettering, so I looked into it. When I saw they were a Yellow Ribbon school, I knew it was possible.”
Through the Yellow Ribbon Program, Kettering covers tuition costs that exceed standard VA benefits — a key factor, in addition to Kettering’s Co-op model and its associated earnings, that made it possible for Aaron to complete both his bachelor’s and now his master’s degree without out-of-pocket tuition.
Beyond financial support, Aaron says the structure of the Kettering experience aligned with the maturity and discipline he gained in the military.
“You come out of the Navy with a different level of confidence and leadership. I didn’t just want to sit in class — I wanted to do real work,” he said. “At Kettering, I’ve had Co-op placements in EV startups and advanced manufacturing, and now I’m doing research in autonomous driving and AI. That’s a full arc.”
Veteran Support that Delivers
Veteran coordinators at Kettering ensure every benefit is processed efficiently, so students can stay focused on their education and career goals.
“I never had to worry about whether the VA was sending payments or whether something would get missed,” said DeHaven. “Judi Langolf and Cierra Boegner have made the process almost invisible — that’s huge.”
Recognition Rooted in Results
The Military Friendly Silver designation is more than a badge — it’s confirmation that Kettering’s model works for veterans. Student veterans here aren’t just completing degrees; they’re leading research, earning advanced credentials, and stepping into high-impact roles in STEM industries.
“I’ve always ended up in leadership positions, even when I didn’t expect to,” DeHaven said. “Kettering gives you the platform to turn that into something real.”
About Military Friendly Schools The Military Friendly Schools list is created each year based on research using public data sources from more than 8,800 schools, input from student veterans, and responses to the Military Friendly Schools survey. Criteria for consideration can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.
About Viqtory Founded in 2001, Viqtory is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business that connects the military community to employment, education, and entrepreneurial opportunities through its G.I. Jobs and Military Friendly brands. Viqtory and its brands are not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense or any federal government entity. Learn more at www.viqtory.com.
About Kettering University At Kettering University, we prepare ambitious students to stand at the forefront of tomorrow’s industries. Our Co-op model blends rigorous academics with immersive professional experience, equipping students to lead in high-demand fields like mobility, sustainability, robotics, and cybersecurity. From first-year labs to global impact, Kettering students build what’s next. Explore how Kettering supports veterans and military-connected students through tailored academic pathways, hands-on experiences, and VA-aligned financial assistance at https://www.kettering.edu/admissions-aid/us-military-veterans.
