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Going to college isn't the same for veterans as it is for graduating high school students, who are often more worried about missing the next great frat party than actual responsibilities like working a full-time job or taking care of young children. That's why colleges tailored to helping veterans achieve academically are so vital to a life after service. 

The Military Times put together a list of the best schools in the country for veterans. Their methodology included taking into account factors like whether veterans were charged at or below Post-9/11 limits, participation in the Yellow Ribbon program – under which the school and the VA partner to cover the difference between tuition and the GI Bill payment cap – extracurricular activities and national accreditation.  

Here are their top five picks in each category:

Four-year schools

University of Nebraska at Omaha
Ranked as the best four-year institution in the nation for the second-consecutive year, this public university retains 72 percent of all veterans who attend. With top marks in nearly every category, and 94 percent of its students employed within six years of graduation, University of Nebraska at Omaha leads the field for a good reason. 

University of South Florida
Close behind in second place, South Florida's public university also received top marks across nearly all categories. 

Eastern Kentucky University
This university's commitment to veterans is evident from just a visit to their website, which provides extensive resources and guidance to students making the transition from military life. 

D'Youville College
Located in Buffalo, New York, D'Youville is a private school of only a few thousand students – meaning veterans in attendance receive special attention.

Rutgers
In fifth place is Rutgers, the state university of New Jersey, which has long had a commitment to serving its veteran students. 

Two-year schools

Central Community College – Nebraska
Evidently Nebraska does a great job of taking care of and educating its veterans. Ranked as the best community college in the country for veterans three years running, the school provides a staff of fellow veterans for academic tutoring and advising, mentoring and counseling, as well as social events around campus. 

Georgia Perimeter College
Big as far as two-year institutions go, Perimeter College's 21,000 students have a small, tight-knit veteran community that receives plentiful support from the administration. 

Inver Hills Community College
This small public college's veteran resource center provides educational veteran benefits, assistance with VA forms, a comfortable Veterans Lounge and much more.

Clackamas Community College
The only Oregon college to make the top of the list, Clackamas is open to every veteran seeking a certificate program, technical degree or two-year degree. 

Northwestern Michigan College
Rounding out the top five two-year schools is another small public college that prides itself on providing a smooth transition into student life for returning veterans. 

Online & non-traditional schools

ECPI University
Nationally ranked for five consecutive years now, ECPI has earned its place at the top of the Best for Vets list, as well as Top Military Friendly Colleges and Virginia Values Veterans. With plenty of special accommodations for the GI Bill and military scholarships, it is the perfect school for those with a hectic schedule. 

Park University
Open since 1875, this non-profit, private post-secondary institution has enjoyed an educational partnership with the military for nearly a century. 

Central Texas College
Specially designed for military students, veterans and their spouses, this college understands and adapts to the unique challenges of juggling a job, an education and a home life. 

University of Maryland University College
With a rich history of educating military history, UMUC offers both hybrid and on-site classes, along with countless education benefits, financial aid options and other forms of assistance. 

Liberty University
Proud of their service to those who served, Liberty ensures that earning your degree can be done with the utmost convenience and efficiency.