More than 3,500 military-connected students supported through career-focused, flexible programs
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (March 30, 2026)—ECPI University has been named a Top 10 Military Friendly® School, placing it among the nation’s leading institutions serving military-connected students.
Military-connected learners represent a significant share of ECPI University’s student population, with more than 3,500 veterans, active-duty service members, and military spouses enrolled across its 18 campuses and through online programs. This population accounts for over 30% of total enrollment, reaching as high as 60% at the Virginia Beach campus.
“This recognition speaks to the work being done to deliver real outcomes for military-connected students,” said Bill Brown, Executive Director of Military Education at ECPI University. “Service members and their families bring discipline, leadership, and real-world experience into the classroom. They need an education that respects their service and supports a strong transition into meaningful career opportunities.”
The Top 10 ranking was awarded in the Non-Traditional / Online Only / Vocational category, recognizing institutions that deliver flexible, career-focused education models aligned with the needs of today’s learners.
“Earning the Military Friendly® designation is more than a badge of honor; it is a reflection of 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,” said Kayla Lopez, Vice President of Memberships, Military Friendly®.
ECPI University’s approach is built to support military-connected learners through accelerated pathways, structured instruction, and hands-on training that translate experience into practical skills aligned with civilian careers. Programs are offered on campus, online, and in hybrid formats, providing flexibility for active-duty schedules, transitions, and family responsibilities.
Students can leverage experience-based credit and military education benefits, including the GI Bill®, Tuition Assistance, and the Yellow Ribbon Program, with dedicated support from enrollment through graduation. Support extends beyond the classroom through partnerships with Student Veterans of America and the USO, as well as alignment with military education pathways across all branches. ECPI University has also earned recognition from Military Friendly®, Best for Vets: Colleges, and the U.S. Department of Labor’s HIRE Vets Medallion Award program.
ECPI University will be featured in the 2026–2027 Guide to Military Friendly® Schools in the April issue of G.I. Jobs® magazine and on MilitaryFriendly.com.
To learn more about ECPI University’s support for military-connected students, visit ecpi.edu/military. For more information on Military Friendly® Schools, visit www.militaryfriendly.com.
Media Contact:
Madison Dudley
Director of Public Relations
ECPI University
[email protected]
757-213-3613
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ABOUT ECPI University
Founded in 1966, ECPI University is a regionally accredited institution offering career-focused degree programs in technology, health science, business, criminal justice, and culinary arts. Headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia, ECPI University has 18 campuses across Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and Texas, and also delivers programs online to students nationwide. With accelerated learning and hands-on education, ECPI University has prepared more than 100,000 graduates for the real world through industry-driven curricula and strong employer partnerships.
About Military Friendly®
Military Friendly® is the standard that measures an organization’s commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community. Over 2,900 organizations compete annually for the Military Friendly® designation. Military Friendly® is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business. Military Friendly® is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or the federal government. Results are produced via a rules-based algorithm. The data-driven Military Friendly® lists and methodology can be found at https://www.militaryfriendly.com.