University of Phoenix today announced that it was named one of the country’s top 20 colleges and universities favorable to military personnel in the recently published issue of Military Advanced Education. The honor takes into consideration the number of military students served, the availability of military scholarships, and other policies benefiting military members and veterans.

“University of Phoenix has always held the deepest respect for the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country,” said Mike Bibbee, vice president, University of Phoenix Military Division. “This ranking further acknowledges our long-term commitment to providing members of the military with access to a quality education. We are extremely pleased to be included on this list and in the company of these other distinguished colleges and universities.”

More than 2,000 colleges and universities participated in this year’s survey, and University of Phoenix was selected among the top 20 by an independent panel of judges from both the educational and the military fields.

Nearly 29,000 active-duty military and their spouses, as well as veterans, are enrolled in University of Phoenix degree programs. More than 7,200 military members or veterans graduated from the University last year.

The University understands the needs and demands of military service, including members’ frequent moves and deployments, and has created a special military division that employs more than 500 counselors, many of whom are veterans themselves, to help military students attain their academic goals every step of the way. To further provide access, University of Phoenix also works closely with information officers at hundreds of military bases around the globe to ensure the University is providing the support and information necessary to help military personnel determine which educational programs best fit their lifestyle.

University of Phoenix also makes education financially attainable through a variety of programs and scholarships for military members. The University extends tuition discounts to military students and their spouses, and partners with several government and military agencies to offer scholarships.

In addition, the University has initiated its own scholarships specifically designed for military members. These include the AMVETS Scholarship Program which offers 50 tuition scholarships valued at $4,000 each to active military, veterans and their families. The University’s Severely Injured Veterans Scholarship Program was created to honor military personnel who return home from service in Iraq and Afghanistan with critical injuries. University of Phoenix works with Heroes to Hometowns, a national Department of Defense program, to provide five full-tuition scholarships annually to help ease the sometimes difficult transition to civilian life under the umbrella of the Severely Injured Veterans Scholarship Program.

“University of Phoenix believes the heroic men and women of the Armed Forces deserve educational opportunities to enhance their future and that of their families,” Bibbee said. “Just as they feel it is their duty and honor to serve their country, University of Phoenix feels honored and privileged to serve these individuals and help them reach their academic goals.”