UB has earned a gold designation — advancing from its previous silver ranking — in the 2026–27 rating of military friendly Tier 1 research institutions in the U.S. by Military Friendly,® a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business. 

The designation reflects UB’s commitment to supporting veterans, and active- and reserve-duty service members and their families.

“The University at Buffalo places a high priority on supporting veterans and military-connected students on their path to success, and it is wonderful to receive this recognition for the significant efforts being made,” says Brian Hamluk, vice president for student life.

Institutions recognized as military friendly schools are evaluated through a combination of publicly available data and responses to a comprehensive proprietary survey. More than 3,200 organizations participated in this year’s evaluation process.

Methodology, criteria, and weightings are established by Military Friendly® in consultation with its advisory council, a group of independent leaders within the military community. Final designations are determined by combining survey results, public data and an institution’s demonstrated ability to meet or exceed benchmarks in key areas, including student recruitment and retention, academic success, graduation rates, career placement and support services for veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses.

UB Veteran Services supports 840 military and military-connected students through a range of programs and resources, including a peer-advising program and a dedicated space in the Efner “Lucky” Davis Veterans Lounge.

“Our university community is stronger because of the students and their families who have served our country. Their experiences enrich our classrooms, workspaces and campus in meaningful ways that extend beyond UB,” says Dan Ryan, director of veteran services. “Earning the Military Friendly® designation is more than a badge of honor, as it reflects our values and our ongoing commitment to those who have served.”

UB will be showcased in the 2026-27 Guide to Military Friendly Schools® in the April issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and on MilitaryFriendly.com. Military Friendly® is the standard that measures an organization’s commitment, effort and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community. More than 3,200 organizations compete annually for the Military Friendly Schools® designation.

Military Friendly^® is owned and operated by Viqtory Inc., a certified service-disabled, veteran-owned business that is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Department of Defense or any government entity.  MilitaryFriendly.org is the home for the Military Friendly^® ratings.

Results are produced via a rules-based algorithm. The data-driven Military Friendly® lists and methodology can be found on the Military Friendly website.