For six consecutive years, Park University has been honored by Victory Media on its list of “Military Friendly” schools.

This list recognizes the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools doing the most to embrace America’s military service members and veterans as students.

The Victory Media honor is yet another in a recent string of tributes to Park University’s efforts to educate members of the U.S. military.

Earlier this year, Military Times ranked Park University’s School of Business as the No. 8 “Best for Vets” business school in the country.

In Nov. 2013, Park also made Military Times “Best for Vets: Colleges 2014” list for the second year in a row.

Park ranked No. 5 among all private colleges/universities in the country and No. 8 overall in the “online and nontraditional” category (schools that serve military students primarily online or through a network of small campuses).

Being a student at Park University can mean many things but being a military student is special in its own way.

“I am able to get a quality education in a military-friendly environment,” said Ashley Carpenter, junior geography major. “It means that professors are aware of the difficulties that current military and veterans face transitioning into college atmosphere and it makes it an easier transition.”

Individuals join the military for many reasons whether it is immediately following high school or later on in life.

Many veterans have reported a desire to serve their country after 9/11 and help with conflicts around the world.

Carpenter said she joined the military because she wanted to be a part of something great.

“I joined the military when I got out of high school,” said Carpenter.

“I joined because I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself. I wanted to help and protect others the best way I knew how, so I decided to join the Army and I haven’t looked back since. I have gained a tremendous amount of knowledge and valuable life skills and I have had many once-in-a-lifetime experiences that I may have not had the opportunity to get if it wasn’t for the military.”

After veterans leave service, coming home to find work or school can be difficult. According to the Military Times, the post-9/11 jobless rate for veterans tumbled again to 6.2 percent in September down from 9.2 in July. Those who don’t immediately enter the workforce often attend college.

Park University has 40 locations in 21 states. For any student it is critical to find the perfect school for what you want to get out of your education. Carpenter said Park University was the place for her.

“I did choose Park because of their military involvement,” she said. “I was looking for a school that had a ROTC program in the area I lived and Park fit what I was looking for. Small classroom size, military friendly and they have a great ROTC program that continues to build and do great things,” she said.

Park University prides itself on many things including being built by its very own students in 1875, having the presence of students from over 100 different countries, and being one of the top military friendly schools in the nation. These factors along with many more are the reasons students have such a great experience.

“I have had a great experience thus far at Park,” she said. “The teachers and other employees have been very helpful in everything from registering for classes, helping with books and assisting with classes of subjects where I struggled.”