ST. LEO – The Military Times has included Saint Leo University in its list of top colleges and universities for military service members and veterans.
Saint Leo earned rankings of No. 120 among all schools in the United States; No. 34 among schools offering both in-person and online degrees; No. 27 among all private, nonprofit schools in the United States; No. 32 among schools in the Southeast; and No. 9 in Florida.
More than 900 students at Saint Leo are affiliated with the military. This includes members of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard; National Guard members; retired military officers and enlisted veterans; and military spouses and dependents.
Each year, Military Times surveys colleges and universities nationwide to evaluate their veteran-focused programs.
Its team analyzes these survey responses along with public data from the Department of Education and Department of Veterans Affairs to produce the rankings.
“Saint Leo University recognizes the special needs of our veterans, those serving in the military, and their families, and strives to provide the best educational opportunities for them,” said Ed Dadez, university president. “It is an honor to be recognized by Military Times for the work we are doing to support the success of our student-veterans, helping them transition into civilian life and continue their education. Saint Leo advocates for its military-affiliated students and student-veterans whether they study at University Campus, online, or at one of our education centers.”
In addition to its residential campus in St. Leo, students are educated at teaching locations in Florida and Georgia, including at Naval Air Station Key West and MacDill Air Force Base, as well as through an online program.
“As a son of a deceased U.S. Navy Vietnam veteran, I am grateful to be part of a university that provides a welcoming and supportive environment that values our military-affiliated students’ service and fosters their success,” said Anthony DeSantis, associate vice president of student affairs and director of the Office of Military Affairs & Services.
Part of that support includes special programming for student-veterans and military-affiliated students.
Saint Leo University hosts several signature events for these students and the community, including Conversations About Success Beyond Service. The monthly webinar features speakers who share their personal journeys or discuss opportunities to find resources.
Other programming includes the 22 Push-Up Challenge for Veteran Suicide Prevention; Welcome Back “We’ve Got Your Six” events; and Veterans Appreciation Month events.
Student-veterans also are supported through a Military Resource Center, a Veterans Affairs work-study program, a Student Veterans of America chapter, a Military Excellence Fund, and several endowed scholarships.
In 2021, Saint Leo created an undergraduate degree devoted to veteran studies, and in 2024, Devon Wilson of Riverview, FL, became the first Bachelor of Arts in Veteran Studies Degree graduate. In the fall, the university expanded the program, and the degree now is offered online, in addition to being taught on campus. A veteran studies minor also is available in this emerging field.
Students in the program study the distinctive lives and cultures formed by military service and by retirement from service. The degree program is open to all students, not only those who have a military background.
- 001: Saint Leo University’s For Those Who Serve sculpture was unveiled at the university’s residential campus on Veterans Day in 2010 and honors the branches of the military as well as students and staff. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University
- 002: Student-veteran Josh Thornsberry receives a Quilt of Valor in 2022. Thornsberry earned a bachelor’s in psychology in 2023 and is in Saint Leo’s psychology graduate degree program. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University
