DU Supports Veterans ‘To and Through’

A Top-100 college for veterans, DU surrounds student vets and military-affiliated students with the people, programs, and resources to help them thrive—from first inquiry to graduation and beyond.

The University of Denver has long been home to a vibrant community of veterans and military-affiliated students—now more than 700 strong, including GI Bill users, active-duty service members, reservists, and dependents. That number has nearly tripled in the past decade, reflecting DU’s deepening commitment to support students who have served.

And that dedication continues to earn national recognition: In the 2025 U.S. News & World Report college rankings, DU placed No. 78 in the country on the list of Best Colleges for Veterans—its highest ranking ever.

When Damon Vine, director of veterans services, arrived at DU in 2015, the University served about 250 GI Bill users; today, there are 500. He credits the growth to DU’s strengthened commitment to the Yellow Ribbon program, which covers the full cost of tuition for all qualified GI Bill users, as well as the appeal of earning a degree from an academically strong R1 institution—an especially powerful draw for first-generation students.

Small class sizes also make a difference. Compared to many peer institutions, DU offers a more personal and individualized academic experience, something student veterans often cite as a key factor in their decision to enroll.

What keeps veterans here, Vine says, is not just the academics but the environment. “When students research schools, we’re the one that offers the programs they want and the culture they’re looking for,” he says. “And the services we offer help them navigate the complexities of higher ed.”

Steady support, on their terms

The Office of Veterans and Military Resources, which is part of Student Affairs and located on the third floor of the Community Commons, supports students from the moment they express interest in DU through graduation—and even beyond. Vine describes it as a “to and through” approach: early outreach, tailored orientation support, ongoing opportunities for connection and community building, help navigating college life, and alumni engagement.

Each year, the office runs a VA work-study program, employing five to eight students who are veterans or dependents. These students serve as a first line of support for prospective and current students, answering questions about GI Bill processes and helping peers determine the most effective way to use their benefits. Veterans and military-affiliated students can access resources on everything from scholarships and career readiness to housing and financial assistance.

The goal, Vine says, is steady guidance without pressure. “If there are veterans I never see in our center, that’s OK. They don’t have to come here. Some veterans just want space to sort of reestablish or refine their civilian self. If they have a question, they can come ask the question and then go on about their business. If they know we’re here, that’s all I really need for them to know.”