Blue Ridge Community College Earns 2026–2027 Gold and Top Ten Military Friendly School® Honors
HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. – Underscoring a tradition of providing exemplary service to U.S. veterans and their families, Blue Ridge Community College earned the 2026-2027 Military Friendly® School Designation. Achieving the highest Gold-level status, Blue Ridge received additional distinction as a Top Ten school among similarly sized community colleges nationwide. The College has earned Military Friendly® recognition each year since 2013.
Institutions earning the Military Friendly School® designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. Over 3,200 companies nationwide participated in the Military Friendly® survey.
Blue Ridge Community College offers more than 200 programs across 30 areas of study, including short-term Workforce Continuing Education, two-year associate degrees, and numerous online options, to help veterans transition to new careers and achieve long-term success. Among its Veterans Services, the College provides comprehensive support to veterans and their families in navigating U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits, federal student aid, and state scholarships such as the Next NC Scholarship. With the support of the Educational Foundation and private donors, veterans also have access to additional financial assistance and personalized guidance.
“At Blue Ridge Community College, we are continually inspired by the service and sacrifice of our veterans and active-duty military members,” said Dr. Laura B. Leatherwood, president of Blue Ridge Community College. “Being named both a Gold-level and Top Ten Military Friendly® School is a point of great pride and highlights our dedication to both educating and employing those who have served.”
“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,” said Military Friendly® Vice President of Memberships Kayla Lopez. “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.”
Blue Ridge Community College will be showcased in the 2026-2027 Guide to Military Friendly Schools® in the April issue of G.I. Jobs ® magazine and on MilitaryFriendly.com.
Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Military Friendly®, in consultation with the Military Friendly® Advisory Council, a group of independent leaders in the military community. Final ratings were determined by combining an organization’s survey score, public data, and an assessment of the institution’s ability to meet and exceed thresholds for student recruitment, retention, academic progress, graduation rates, career placement, and support services for veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses.
“At Blue Ridge, we are committed to providing meaningful support through accessible, high-quality education and tailored resources that empower our veterans to reach their academic and career aspirations,” added Dr. Leatherwood. “Their leadership and experience enrich our campus, strengthen our workforce, and benefit our nation.”
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 3,200 organizations compete annually for the Military Friendly Schools® 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 www.militaryfriendly.com.
Blue Ridge Community College maintains resources for current and prospective veteran students and employees at www.blueridge.edu/veterans.
About Blue Ridge Community College
Blue Ridge Community College is a two-year, post-secondary institution that elevates the educational experience to prepare students for 21st-century success in the workplace or at four-year colleges and universities. Providing real-life, affordable, and accessible education, the College offers more than 200 degrees, diplomas, and certificates; more than 200 online courses; and fast-tracked job training. To learn more about Blue Ridge Community College, visit blueridge.edu.