CANTON -- Military Times magazine has once again named SUNY Canton as a top school for veterans, active service members and military families in its annual "Best for Vets" issue.

The college was ranked among the top 20 career and technical schools in the nation that demonstrate "a record of steadfast service and dedication to those who have served," according to Military Times Editor George Altman.

"Fewer than half of the roughly 500 colleges and universities that competed for the recognition earned the right to call themselves Best for Vets in 2019. Their efforts should be commended," he added.

This is the fourth year in a row SUNY Canton has been named to the list, primarily due to the outstanding support services the college offers veterans and service members. A dedicated Military and Veteran Student Service Coordinator helps students navigate the programs and services needed to attain their educational goals, and the Raymond G. Modell '62 Veterans Lounge and Battle Buddy Center offers a space on campus where veterans and active duty members can socialize and build camaraderie.

"Without the services SUNY Canton has provided, I would not have been able to make it this far in a traditional college setting," said senior nursing student and Army veteran Melissa G. Thomas. "The support of staff and faculty, along with the ability to connect with my fellow veterans, have allowed me to be successful."

The college also became the first four-year SUNY institution to implement an application fee waiver policy for all active-duty, National Guard, reserve and veteran students.

The SUNY Canton Career Ready Education and Success Training (CREST) Center for Workforce Development has partnered with Fort Drum to help service members who are transitioning out of the military to develop the skills needed in the solar energy industry. The program, called "Solar Ready Vets," launched in 2016 and has trained more than 100 soldiers.

The 2019 Military Times rankings can be found at https://charts.militarytimes.com/chart/12.