MARQUETTE, Mich.—Northern Michigan University is on the list of 2011 Military Friendly Schools released this week by G.I. Jobs. The annual designation honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools that are doing the most to embrace America's veterans as students, according to a press release distributed by the publication.

"This list is especially important now because the Post-9/11 GI Bill has given veterans virtually unlimited financial means to go to school,” said Rich McCormack, G.I. Jobs publisher. “Veterans can now enroll in any school, provided they’re academically qualified. So schools are clamoring for them like never before. Veterans need a trusted friend to help them decide where to get educated."

Derek Blumke, president of Student Veterans of America and a member of the list’s academic advisory board, said, "The Military Friendly Schools list is the gold standard in letting veterans know which schools will offer them the greatest opportunity, flexibility and overall experience.”

Schools might offer additional benefits such as on-campus veterans programs, credit for service, military spouse programs and more. The 2011 list was compiled through exhaustive research starting in April, during which G.I. Jobs polled more than 7,000 schools nationwide. Criteria included efforts to recruit and retain military and veteran students, results and academic accreditations. This is the second consecutive year NMU received the distinction.

G.I. Jobs is published by Victory Media, a veteran-owned business that also publishes The Guide to Military Friendly Schools, Military Spouse and Vetrepreneur magazines.