GGU Recognized for Excellence Serving Military-Affiliated Students

SAN FRANCISCO (April 17, 2025) — Golden Gate University (GGU) announced today that it has earned the 2025–2026 Military Friendly^® School Gold designation and has also been named the #3 Military Spouse Friendly^® School in the nation—an extraordinary dual recognition that affirms the university’s long-standing commitment to supporting military-affiliated students and their families. GGU’s Gold status places it as the #5 school nationwide in its category (private, not offering doctorate).

Institutions earning the Military Friendly^® School designation were evaluated using public data and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,800 schools participated in the 2025–2026 survey, with 830 earning special awards for going above the standard.  

These achievements reflect GGU’s tailored approach to serving the military community, including flexible programs, dedicated advising and career services, financial aid counseling, and the thriving Helen Diller Center for Veterans of U.S. Military Service. The Diller Center is staffed by a dedicated team of veterans and military family members who are committed to ensuring the best possible experience for student veterans and military-connected students at Golden Gate University.  

“Golden Gate University has been proud to serve military and veteran students for over a century, and we are equally honored to support their spouses—who serve and sacrifice in their own right,” said Dr. David J. Fike, President of GGU. “These recognitions are a testament to our mission of expanding access and opportunity for all who serve our country.” 

The 2025–2026 Military Friendly^® Schools list will be published in the May and October issues of G.I. Jobs^® magazine and is available online at www.militaryfriendly.com. 

Methodology, criteria, and weightings were developed by Viqtory, with input from an independent Military Friendly^® Advisory Council. Ratings are based on survey scores combined with publicly available data measuring student retention, graduation, job placement, and loan repayment for military and veteran students. 

“Military Friendly^® is committed to transparency and providing consistent data-driven standards in our designation process. Our standards provide a benchmark that promotes positive outcomes and support services that better the educational landscape and provide opportunity for the Military Community. This creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages Institutions to evolve and invest in their programs consistently. Schools who achieve awards designation show true commitment in their efforts, exceeding the standard.” – Kayla Lopez, Vice President, Military Friendly^®. 

For more information about veteran and military student services at Golden Gate University, visit military.ggu.edu. 

About Golden Gate University 
Golden Gate University (GGU) is a private, nonprofit institution that has been helping working adults achieve their career goals since 1901. Located in downtown San Francisco, GGU specializes in flexible, practice-based undergraduate and graduate programs designed for professionals. A pioneer in online education for nearly 30 years, GGU now offers high-quality distance learning to students around the world, in addition to those who study on campus. Its nearly 70,000 alumni span industries and sectors across the globe. 

About Military Friendly^® Schools 
The Military Friendly^® Schools list is based on research using public data from over 8,800 schools, feedback from student veterans, and responses to the Military Friendly^® Schools survey. The survey is open to all postsecondary institutions and is administered at no cost. 

About Viqtory 
Founded in 2001, Viqtory is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that connects the military community to civilian employment, education, and entrepreneurship opportunities through its G.I. Jobs^® and Military Friendly^® brands. Learn more at www.viqtory.com. 

Media Contacts: 
Golden Gate University: 

Beth Miller
Executive Director of Marketing & Communications
bemiller@ggu.edu 

Military Friendly^® Schools: 

Kayla Lopez 
Senior Director of Military Partnerships
For press inquiries visit: www.militaryfriendly.com/support