South Dakota Mines Ranks Among Nation’s Top Universities for Veterans

South Dakota Mines continues its tradition of commitment to veterans and military-connected students, earning national recognition and ranking in the top 50 of colleges and universities nationwide in the 2026 Military Times: Best for Vets College Rankings. The ranking places Mines among the top 10 percent of recognized institutions in the country.

“The military-connected student today looks different than many people imagine,” said Jon Simkins, editor-in-chief of Military Times. “It’s a veteran starting a second career, a Guard member balancing drill weekends with classes, a spouse finishing a degree between moves. The schools on this year’s list understand that, and they’re building support around the real lives of the people they serve. That’s exactly what we want our readers to know when they’re choosing where to invest their education benefits.”

The national recognition, released this week, adds to the university’s strong record of supporting military students. Mines also earned a Top 10 Military Friendly School designation for 2025-2026 and was ranked the No. 1 college in South Dakota for veterans for College Factual’s 2026 Best Colleges for Veterans listing.

“Our veteran students are a great asset to our campus community and bring their unique experience and skills to our university,” said Derek Flom, director of the Rich and Trudy Wells Veterans Resource Center (VRC) at Mines and a U.S. Air Force veteran. “Our continued recognition as a "Best for Vets" university helps to show our continued effort to honor our veteran scholars and families.”

The honors reflect the university’s commitment to providing veterans, active-duty service members and military families with the academic resources, personalized support, and career opportunities they need to succeed in higher education and beyond. 

The Rich and Trudy Wells Veterans Resource Center provides the university’s veterans a relaxing place to study or connect with other campus veterans. Located on the lower level of the Surbeck Center near the student activities area, the VRC is sponsored jointly by Mines and Western Nebraska Community College TRIO Veterans Upward Bound, a program funded by the Department of Education. 

The center offers a wide range of support services, including tutoring, job and internship assistance, scholarship guidance, help with resumes and cover letters, and referrals for veterans’ benefits and G.I. Bill support. It also connects students with local veterans’ organizations and hosts workshops focused on academic success and essential life skills.