FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pikes Peak State College Ranked Best for Vets: Colleges and Best for Vets: Employers List

Pikes Peak State College is among the 370 colleges and universities being recognized this year as campuses adapt to a growing, changing military-connected student body

Colorado Springs, CO – November 12, 2026 – Military Times released its 2026 Best for Vets: Colleges rankings this week, recognizing 370 colleges and universities across all 50 states for their commitment to service members, veterans and military families. Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) is proud to have made the Best for Vets: Colleges List and Best for Vets: Employers List this year.

For more than a decade, Military Times has run Best for Vets to help service members, veterans and their families make one of the biggest decisions of their post-military lives: where to go to school. The rankings apply the same thorough, unbiased approach behind Military Times’ journalism to evaluate how well schools actually serve military-connected students, from the first application to graduation day.

“The military-connected student today looks different than many people imagine,” said Jon Simkins, editor-in-chief of Military Times. “It’s a veteran starting a second career, a Guard member balancing drill weekends with classes, a spouse finishing a degree between moves. The schools on this year’s list understand that, and they’re building support around the real lives of the people they serve. That’s exactly what we want our readers to know when they’re choosing where to invest their education benefits.”

A growing, changing student body

Military-connected enrollment is growing faster than campuses overall, and the population is becoming more diverse in age, life stage and family situation. Spouses and dependents of service members now make up the largest share of military-connected students, a shift that is pushing schools to think beyond programs designed for the traditional student veteran.

At PPSC, veterans, active-duty service members and military families are an essential part of the college community. With more than 30% of students connected to the military, their experiences help shape campus life and the college's approach to student support.

Student veterans are thriving

This year’s data also challenges the old idea that student veterans are academically at risk. Military-connected students are increasingly matching their civilian classmates on retention and course completion. At many two-year schools, they’re outperforming them.

"Our military-affiliated students bring a wealth of experience, perspective and leadership to PPSC, and that deserves recognition," says Paul DeCecco, Director of Military and Veterans Programs at PPSC. 

Schools are removing barriers

Across the list, schools are focused on clearing the small obstacles that can derail a military-connected student before the first class. More are waiving late fees when GI Bill or Tuition Assistance payments are delayed, protecting students from being dropped while benefits are pending, and simplifying the benefits process with a single point of contact. Many are also expanding career services built specifically for military-connected students, and most plan new military or veteran initiatives for the coming year.

PPSC provides dedicated advising, assistance with VA education benefits and military tuition assistance, and flexible classes at Fort Carson and Peterson Space Force Base. Students can also receive credit for eligible military training and access support through Veterans Upward Bound, scholarships and the Student Veterans Organization. 

How the rankings work

Best for Vets: Colleges is based on a detailed survey of each school’s policies, programs and outcomes. It covers university culture, student support services, academic policies, costs and financial assistance, and military-connected student success rates.

The full 2026 Best for Vets: Colleges rankings are available at bestforvets.militarytimes.com.

PPSC also holds a 2026–2027 Military Friendly School Silver designation and recognition as a Military Spouse Friendly School. 

For more information about PPSC's military and veteran resources, visit pikespeak.edu/mvp. 

About Pikes Peak State College (PPSC):

Established in 1968 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Pikes Peak offers associate degrees, certificates in career and technical fields and a growing number of bachelors’ degrees. With four campuses, various off-campus locations, two military education centers, and hundreds of online classes, PPSC provides access to a quality, affordable and flexible education to more than 17,000 students annually with both credit and non-credit classes.