NATCHITOCHES, La. — Northwestern State University has been recognized as both a Military Friendly School and a Military Friendly Spouse School for the 2026-27 academic year, the university announced.
The designation is awarded based on a combination of public data, institutional survey responses and an assessment of performance in areas including student recruitment, retention, academic progress, graduation rates, career placement and support services for veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses.
More than 3,200 organizations participated in the Military Friendly survey process. Criteria and methodology were established in consultation with the Military Friendly Advisory Council, an independent group of leaders in the military community. Final ratings are determined through a data-driven evaluation that incorporates survey scores and publicly available information.
Northwestern State President James Genovese said the recognition reflects the institution’s commitment to serving military-affiliated students and their families.
“We recognize the unique sacrifices made by our military personnel, as well as the resilient families who support them. By providing tailored resources and flexible programs, we ensure that our heroes and their spouses have a clear, supportive path to academic and professional success. At NSU, we don’t just enroll military-affiliated students; we embrace them as vital members of the Demon family, committed to serving those who have so bravely served us,” Genovese said.
Kayla Lopez, vice president of memberships at Military Friendly, said the designation signals a sustained institutional commitment to supporting military-connected students.
“Earning the Military Friendly designation is more than a badge of honor; it reflects an institution’s deep-rooted values and strategic commitment to those who served. These schools don’t just open doors for veterans and military spouses, they build sustainable pathways for academic success and long-term impact. Their support is transformative, proving that investing in military-connected students is both a moral imperative and a standard for educational excellence,” Lopez said.
Northwestern State will be featured in the 2026-27 Guide to Military Friendly Schools, scheduled for publication in the April issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and on MilitaryFriendly.com.
Military Friendly, a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business, evaluates organizations annually using a rules-based algorithm. The designation is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or the federal government.