CANTON -- Military Times magazine has identified SUNY Canton as a top school for veterans, service members and military families in its annual "Best for Vets" issue.

The college was ranked 14th in the nation as part of their Career and Technical College category, advancing one slot from 15th in 2018.

SUNY Canton officials noted that the ranking reflects the outstanding support services the college offers.

Patrick S. Massaro serves as the college's director of Military and Veterans Student Services and helps students navigate their entrance to SUNY Canton.

"We have a faculty member dedicated to helping students translate their military service into college credits based on American Council on Education guidelines," Massaro said. "Others help oversee the SUNY Canton Veterans Association, which helps provide a quality experience for our students when they begin their education."

The Raymond G. Modell Veterans Lounge and Battle Buddy Center offers a space on campus where veterans and active duty members can socialize and build camaraderie. Modell, a 1962 graduate of the college, enrolled through the GI Bill after his Air Force service.

The college also became the first four-year SUNY institution to implement an application fee waiver policy for all active-duty, National Guard, reserve and veteran students. In addition, the SUNY Canton Career Ready Education and Success Training (CREST) Center has partnered with Fort Drum to help service members who are transitioning out of the military develop the skills needed to work in the solar energy industry. The program, called "Solar Ready Vets," launched in 2016 and has trained more than 100 soldiers.

SUNY Canton also earned a 2019-2020 Military Friendly School designation by G.I. Jobs Magazine following a survey by VIQTORY, a veteran-owned business that measures organizations' commitment, effort and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefit for the military community.