The University of Iowa is now ranked among the top 10 best colleges for veterans, according to U.S. News & World Report.

The UI ranked in sixth place out of 234 national institutions.

“It’s critical that we provide a transition space for our veterans,” says UI Chief Diversity Officer and veteran Georgina Dodge. “I’m delighted that the hard work we’ve been doing has been recognized. We understand that veterans are an under-represented population and do our best to ensure that they have the tools and services they need to succeed in higher education and in the workforce.”

For a school to qualify for the ranking, it must be certified for the GI Bill, participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, and have federal initiatives that aid veterans with tuition and fees. They also had to be part of the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges Consortium.

There are approximately 600 veterans enrolled at the UI, around half of whom are married with children.

The UI offers many resources for on-campus veterans such as the Military and Veterans Student Services Office — part of the UI Chief Diversity Office — where veterans can access assistance in areas that range from childcare to employment and mentoring.

“We really want to help folks develop the soft skills they need to get a job, and create a university culture that demonstrates we care and understand,” says Allen Roberts, UI military and veteran education specialist.

This is the first time U.S. News & World Report has ranked best colleges for veterans.

Other ranked schools include Pennsylvania State University-University Park (ranked No. 1), Tulane University and the University of Texas-Austin (tied at 2), Syracuse University, and Texas A&M University-College Station.

—  by Lauren Coffey