---
title: Getting Started with the Military Friendly® Schools Survey
description: Learn how to begin the Military Friendly® Schools Survey, including mandatory eligibility requirements, critical institution ID numbers (IPEDS, OPEID, VA Facility Code), and the strategic benefits of earning a national designation for veteran student recruitment.
---
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1. [Military Friendly Surveys](https://account.militaryfriendly.com/knowledgebase?hsLang=en)
2. [Reporting Metrics](https://account.militaryfriendly.com/knowledgebase/reporting-metrics?hsLang=en)
3. [Military Friendly Schools](https://account.militaryfriendly.com/knowledgebase/reporting-metrics?hsLang=en#military-friendly-schools)
# Getting Started with the Military Friendly® Schools Survey
## The Military Friendly® Schools designation is a data-driven standard that recognizes colleges, universities, and trade schools for their commitment to the military community. Participating in the annual survey allows your institution to be evaluated against national benchmarks and showcase your support for service members, veterans, and their families.
#### 1. How to Get Started
Getting started is a straightforward process designed to be accessible to all post-secondary institutions.
- **Request a Survey Link:** The first step is to register your institution by visiting the [Military Friendly® Schools Survey Request](https://www.militaryfriendly.com/military-friendly-school-survey-request/) page.
- **Receive Your Link:** Survey links are typically distributed in **August** following the registration period in July.
- **Review the Methodology:** Before beginning, review the [Schools Survey Help](https://www.militaryfriendly.com/schools-survey-help/) to understand the six focus areas used for scoring:
- Academic Policies & Compliance (9%)
- Graduation & Career Outcomes (30%)
- Culture & Commitment (10%)
- Military Student Support & Retention (30%)
- Admissions & Orientation (9%)
- Financial Aid & Loan Repayment (12%)
- **Gather Your Data:** Prepare data on student retention, graduation rates, and job placement specifically for veteran students.
- **Submit Before the Deadline:** The initial deadline is typically the **third Wednesday of December**. Rolling submissions for certain award levels (Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Designated) are accepted until the survey officially closes in June.
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#### 2. Benefits of Participating
Participation in the survey is **100% free** and offers significant advantages for your institution's growth and reputation.
### **Recognition and Credibility**
- **Earn the Designation:** Successful institutions earn the right to use the [Military Friendly® School](https://www.militaryfriendly.com/school/) logo and badge on their website and marketing materials at no cost.
- **Stand Out from Competitors:** The designation is a well-respected standard that signals to potential students that your programs meet rigorous [Military Friendly®](https://www.militaryfriendly.com/understandingmfs/) criteria.
### **Talent Acquisition and Enrollment**
- **Attract Qualified Applicants:** Millions of veterans and active-duty members use the [Military Friendly®](https://www.militaryfriendly.com/school/) list as a primary resource when searching for schools that maximize their GI Bill® benefits.
- **Showcase Impact:** Spotlight your specialized programs, such as dedicated [Military Certifying Officials (MCOs)](https://www.militaryfriendly.com/edu/3-roles-your-school-needs-to-support-your-military-connected-students/) or specialized admissions advisors.
### **Program Improvement and Benchmarking**
- **Data-Driven Insights:** Use the survey process to understand where your organization excels and where it needs to evolve.
- **Benchmark Against Peers:** Schools are scored and compared against a [peer group](https://www.militaryfriendly.com/schools-survey-help/) (e.g., Tier 1 Research, Small Public, Large Community College), providing a clear picture of your standing within your specific category.
### **Marketing Opportunities**
- **Leverage Designations:** Use your status in social media campaigns, PPC ads, and testimonials to [drive more leads](https://www.viqtory.com/ways-to-leverage-your-military-friendly-schools-awards-in-your-student-recruitment-strategy/amp/) from the military community.
- **Print and Digital Features:** Designated schools are featured in the annual *G.I. Jobs® Guide to Military Friendly® Schools*, reaching over 400,000 veterans.
- [FAQs](https://account.militaryfriendly.com/knowledgebase/faqs?hsLang=en)
- [Reporting Metrics](https://account.militaryfriendly.com/knowledgebase/reporting-metrics?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [Military Friendly Schools](https://account.militaryfriendly.com/knowledgebase/reporting-metrics?hsLang=en#military-friendly-schools)
- [General](https://account.militaryfriendly.com/knowledgebase/general?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [Military Friendly® Schools survey](https://account.militaryfriendly.com/knowledgebase/general?hsLang=en#military-friendly-schools-survey)
- [Support](https://account.militaryfriendly.com/knowledgebase/support?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [Military Friendly Schools](https://account.militaryfriendly.com/knowledgebase/support?hsLang=en#military-friendly-schools)
- [Schools Survey Guide](https://www.militaryfriendly.com/survey-schools-guide/)
- [Company Survey Guide](https://www.militaryfriendly.com/mfcguide/)
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