For the second consecutive year, The University of Texas at Arlington is the No. 1 school in the state for military veterans and their families to earn a college education, according to the Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges 2017 ranking of national universities. Nationally, UTA ranked No. 20 of the public and private institutions considered and was the lone Texas school ranked in the top 20.

In all, 130 institutions of higher education made the list based on a comprehensive survey of their programs and academic offerings to current and former service members and their families. Military Times cited the schools' university culture, academic outcomes and quality, student support, academic policies, cost and financial aid as key criterion for inclusion in the list. UTA was recently cited by U.S. News & World Report as having the second lowest average student debt in the nation among U.S. universities.

UTA President Vistasp M. Karbhari called the ranking a well-deserved recognition of premier faculty and staff, rigorous academic programs, and focused community initiatives that are making a difference in the lives of the University's more than 3,000 military veterans and their families.

"These rankings are a genuine reflection of the dedication and excellence of every single individual at UTA who is engaged with our veterans at every step, from recruitment and admissions to teaching, mentoring and counseling," said Karbhari. "Our goal as a world class research university has been - and will continue to be - ensuring that all of our students have access to the best academic experience possible, and that they successfully complete their degree programs as they move into their chosen careers."

Air Force veteran and state Rep. Tony Tinderholt, R-Arlington, applauded UTA on the ranking, saying that the University supports veterans in a full and comprehensive way.

"The state and this campus treat us really well - they take care of veterans here," Tinderholt said. "I think it's really important if someone is considering going to a state school in Texas, or any school for that matter, that The University of Texas at Arlington be at the top of their list."

UTA offers comprehensive services and programs including the Veterans Assistance Center and the Student Veterans Organization. For a complete list, see https://www.uta.edu/uta/student-life/veteran-services.php.

Be sure to watch the YouTube video at the top of the article profiling Arlington resident George Young, Jr.

Young is a junior business management major who came to The University of Texas at Arlington after 20 years in the Marine Corps and Marine Corps reserves.