Central Community College Kearney Campus (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
GRAND ISLAND — Central Community College is the top two-year college for veterans in Nebraska and second nationwide.
That’s according to the Military Times Best for Vets: College Rankings for 2024. The study also finds that CCC is third in Nebraska public colleges and eighth among 34 public colleges in the central region. Overall, 304 four-year universities and two-year colleges nationwide took part in the survey which focuses on each institution’s efforts to support the military community. CCC placed 55th nationally among all institutions, both four-year and two-year.
“The results our military students achieve while attending classes here speak loud and clear,” said Barry Horner, director of veterans and military services. “Our veterans’ efforts pay off not only in their success in earning their degrees but also in the work they do in our local communities. I’m always amazed at the tenacity and drive shown while balancing school, work and family to earn their date with a graduation stage. I’m proud beyond words to lead a passionate team that provides second-to-none service for veterans and military-connected students.”
CCC’s Veterans and Military Resource Centers (VMRC) are located at the Columbus, Grand Island and Hastings campuses and at the Kearney Center. Each VMRC assists veterans and their family members with benefits, academic advising, referrals and support with disability services and mental health resources. For immediate family members of 100-percent disabled veterans, CCC participates in the Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs tuition waiver program. The Central Community College Foundation also provides veteran-specific scholarships.
“Central Community College is very pleased to be recognized as one of the top two-year colleges in the nation and No. 1 in the state of Nebraska for our support to veterans and military-affiliated students,” said Dr. Elizabeth Klitz, vice president of student success and enrollment management. “We are proud to support the men, women and family members of those who have so selflessly served our state and nation as they pursue their educational goals and continue to positively impact their communities.”
To see the complete rankings, go to https://bestforvets.militarytimes.com/rankings/colleges.
