UTICA, N.Y. - Utica College has been honored with the distinction of being one of America’s Military Friendly Schools by G.I. Jobs magazine.

The 2010 list of schools honors the top 15 percent of institutions including private, state, and community colleges and universities, as well as trade schools.

Utica College is among the selected schools that make it a priority to recruit students with military experience. This distinction comes at an important time because UC has partnered with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide new educational benefits to veterans as part of the Yellow Ribbon Program, made possible through the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008.

The VA is now working with some private schools to cover the cost of tuition for veterans.

“Veterans have been called upon to go above and beyond the call of duty and so will UC in offering quality, flexible academic programs and top-notch service. Just as our foundation was built around the experience of veterans, our future will grow with their strength and dedication,” said Albert Orbinati, director of online and non-traditional programs at UC and a veteran himself.

When Utica College opened its doors on Oneida Square in 1946, most of its first students were returning WWII veterans. UC, Orbinati said, is proud to carry on the tradition of helping America’s veterans.

The list of 2010 Military Friendly Schools can be found at www.militaryfriendlyschools.com/mfspr