PirateQ 
Pensacola State College has been named a 2025-2026 Gold Military Friendly® School by Viqtory Media — marking the 16th year the College has earned the Military Friendly® School designation and the fourth consecutive year it has received the gold status in the “Large Public” category.
Additionally, Pensacola State has been named a Military Spouse Friendly School for the first time in the “Large Public” school category.
More than 1,800 colleges, universities and trade schools participated in the 2024-2025 Military Friendly® survey, with 537 institutions earning special awards for exceeding standard criteria. The designation is based on public data and responses to a proprietary survey developed by Viqtory Media.
“Providing exceptional support to our military service members and their families is what we do at Pensacola State College, and we are very proud to be recognized by Viqtory Media,” said Pensacola State President Ed Meadows. “Earning the gold designation for a fourth consecutive year speaks volumes about the College, and we are especially honored to be recognized as a Military Spouse Friendly School for the first time.”
Viqtory developed its methodology and criteria in partnership with the Military Friendly® Advisory Council, a group of independent leaders in higher education and military recruitment. Final ratings were based on survey responses and an evaluation of key metrics, including student retention, graduation rates, job placement, loan repayment, degree persistence and loan default rates — both for all students and specifically for student veterans.
“Military Friendly® is committed to transparency and providing consistent, data-driven standards in our designation process,” said Kayla Lopez, national director of military partnerships at Military Friendly®, in a prepared statement. “Our standards offer a benchmark that promotes positive outcomes and support services that better the educational landscape and provide opportunity for the military community.
“This creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages institutions to evolve and invest in their programs. Schools that achieve awards designation show true commitment in their efforts, going above and beyond the standard.”
The complete list of Military Friendly® Schools can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.
For more information, contact Sheila Nichols, executive director of marketing and information, at 850-484-1428 or snichols@pensacolastate.edu