Collin College named top Texas community college for veterans

Collin College received national recognition on Jan. 15 when it was named one of Military Times' 2025 Best for Vets colleges, marking the 13th consecutive year the college has earned the honor. In the latest ranking the college placed 70th out of 357 colleges and universities nationwide, ranked seventh among Texas institutions, and was the highest-ranked community college in the state for veteran services.

The Best for Vets distinction evaluates veteran services, academic outcomes and related supports, spotlighting institutions that help service members and their families transition to civilian life. For Collin County residents, the award underscores the role of Collin College as the only public college based in the county and a key local access point for education, job training and social supports.

Collin College District President Neil Matkin acknowledged the college’s continued focus on veterans and their families and framed the recognition as evidence of sustained institutional commitment. That continuity matters in a region experiencing rapid growth, where veterans and military families confront the same pressures as other residents: rising housing and living costs, shifting job markets and the need for accessible mental health and career services.

The college offers a broad array of degree and certificate programs aligned with regional workforce needs, strengthening pathways from military service into local careers. For veterans, that can mean faster entry into health care, information technology, skilled trades and other in-demand fields that sustain Collin County’s economy. Beyond credentialing, the ranking highlights wraparound supports that influence public health and social equity, including counseling, academic advising and benefits navigation that can reduce barriers to completing training and maintaining well-being.

Sustained recognition also carries practical implications for recruitment and retention. Being visible on a national list can help Collin College attract veteran students who need nearby options with proven supports, and it can reassure employers seeking trained candidates with military experience. For local policymakers and service providers, the award signals where investments in veteran services are working and where gaps persist elsewhere in the county.

While the honor celebrates progress, it also invites continued attention to systemic challenges affecting veterans: stable health care access, mental health resources, affordable housing and career advancement opportunities. Collin College’s ranking offers a model for strengthening educational supports, but county leaders, employers and health systems will need to coordinate to turn educational access into long-term economic and health equity for veterans and their families.

For Collin County residents, the listing means stronger local options for veterans seeking education and workforce entry today, and a reminder that maintaining those supports will require sustained partnership across schools, health services and the local economy.