July 3, 2025 – South Florida State College (SFSC) announced today that it has earned the 2025-2026 Military Friendly® School designation.
Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources 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.
The 2025-2026 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in the May and October issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and found at
militaryfriendly.com.
Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by VIQTORY with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for Student Retention, Graduation, Job Placement, Loan Repayment, Persistence (Degree Advancement or Transfer) and Loan Default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.
“As a veteran and now the director of the Career Development Center, I recognize how critical it is for veterans and their dependents using VA educational benefits to receive a high-quality education,” said Robert Hampton, veteran school certifying official and director of the Career Development Center at SFSC. “Education plays a key role in easing the transition from military to civilian life. These benefits are earned through tremendous sacrifice, and institutions have a responsibility to honor that by providing an exceptional academic experience. The Military Friendly® designation affirms our commitment to that standard.”
“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,” said Kayla Lopez, vice president, Military Friendly®.
ABOUT MILITARY FRIENDLY® SCHOOLS
The Military Friendly® Schools list is created each year based on extensive research using public
data sources from more than 8,800 schools nationwide, input from student veterans, and responses to the proprietary, data-driven Military Friendly® Schools survey from participating institutions. The survey questions, methodology, criteria and weighting were developed with the assistance of an independent research firm and an advisory council of educators and employers. The survey is administered for free and is open to all postsecondary schools that wish to participate. Criteria for consideration can be found at
militaryfriendly.com.
ABOUT SOUTH FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE
South Florida State College (SFSC) is a comprehensive, open-access, higher education institution dedicated to providing a student-centered environment focused on learning and personal enrichment through quality programs and services. At its campuses in DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands counties and through its online presence, the College offers certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees that lead to the continued success of its graduates and a variety of opportunities for the educational, cultural, and economic advancement of the service district. SFSC is one of the 28 institutions of the Florida College System.
ABOUT VIQTORY
Founded in 2001, VIQTORY is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that
connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial
opportunities through its G.I. Jobs® and Military Friendly® brands. VIQTORY and its brands are not a part of or endorsed by the U.S. Dept of Defense or any federal government entity. Learn more about VIQTORY at
viqtory.com.
July 3, 2025 – On Monday, June 30, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis signed the 2025-2026 budget and approved funding for South Florida State College (SFSC). The College will receive $1 million for the “Enduring Student Impact” initiative and $500,000 for the Hotel Jacaranda.
The College would like to thank Governor Ron DeSantis for his approval and consideration, and Senate President Ben Albritton, Senator Erin Grall, Representative Kaylee Tuck, Representative Vanessa Oliver, and Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas for their support and hard work in securing state funds for SFSC.
Funds from the “Enduring Student Impact” initiative will support the continued impact and enhancement of the College’s Division of Student Services, ensuring it remains a vital resource for student engagement, success, and well-being.
“As budget constraints continue to impact institutions across the state, we are especially grateful to our legislative delegation for their support for higher education and their efforts in advocating for us,” said Fred Hawkins, president of SFSC. “Their support reinforces the value of the Florida College System and its 28 institutions, which remain committed to student success, workforce development, and fiscal responsibility all while maintaining the same tuition rates since 2014.”
The funds for the Hotel Jacaranda will support the consistent preservation needs that the facility requires. The SFSC Foundation board will evaluate and prioritize the spending of the $500,000 allocated for its care.
“We are incredibly grateful to Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for this $500,000 investment in the Hotel Jacaranda. This funding will allow us to address critical infrastructure needs, beginning with much needed HVAC improvements,” said Emily Dabolt, executive director for the SFSC Foundation. “The Jacaranda is an important community asset, and these funds will help to ensure it continues to serve our students, tenants, and the broader community for years to come.”
For more information on SFSC, visit southflorida.edu, and for information on the Hotel Jacaranda, visit hoteljac.com.
July 3, 2025 – South Florida State College (SFSC) announced today that it has earned the 2025-2026 Military Friendly® School designation.
July 3, 2025 – On Monday, June 30, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis signed the 2025-2026 budget and approved funding for South Florida State College (SFSC). The College will receive $1 million for the “Enduring Student Impact” initiative and $500,000 for the Hotel Jacaranda.
