College earns prestigious Gold Designation for outstanding commitment to military-affiliated students

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College has once again been recognized for its exceptional dedication to the military community, earning both the 2025 Military Friendly® School and Military Spouse Friendly® School designations. This year, the college was awarded a gold designation, further solidifying its status as a top institution for veterans, active-duty service members, and military families.

For 16 consecutive years, MGCCC has demonstrated its unwavering support for the military community, achieving the No. 1 national ranking three times and securing a Top 10 placement five times on the Military Friendly® Schools list. These honors reflect the college’s long-standing commitment to providing quality education, strong support services, and a welcoming environment for military-affiliated students.

“We are deeply honored to once again be recognized as both a Military Friendly and Military Spouse Friendly School,” said Dr. Mary S. Graham, MGCCC President. “Receiving the Gold designation this year reflects our continued efforts to support those who serve and their families. Our commitment to military-affiliated students is embedded in every aspect of our college—from specialized support services and academic flexibility to career guidance and community engagement. At MGCCC, we are proud to serve our military community.”

The annual Military Friendly® Schools and Military Spouse Friendly® Schools lists are compiled by G.I. Jobs® Magazine, a publication of Viqtory, a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business. The designations are based on results from a comprehensive data-driven survey that assesses institutional support for military students across key categories, including student retention, graduation rates, job placement, and financial assistance.

MGCCC continues to stand out for its robust military-focused programs and services, such as:

• Dedicated military support staff and veterans services
• Flexible academic programs and credit for military training
• Financial aid advising and military tuition assistance guidance
• Strong community partnerships supporting military families

The college’s consistent recognition over the years speaks to its ongoing mission to meet the evolving needs of military-affiliated learners and ensure they have the tools to thrive in their academic and professional journeys.

For more information on MGCCC’s support for military and veteran students, visit mgccc.edu/military-students.