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Due to its exceptional support for military-affiliated students and their families, Marian University has been recognized as a Tier 2 Collegiate Purple Star of Indiana Institution during the 2025-26 school year. This designation is awarded by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs as a way to highlight educational institutions that excel at supporting veterans, active-duty service members, and military-connected students.
The Collegiate Purple Star Indiana designation evaluates educational institutions against 37 standards across 8 areas to confirm these institutions provide comprehensive, personalized support for military students. Areas evaluated include admissions and enrollment, financial support, student services, institutional support systems, and career and community engagement.
It's a recognition that Marian University is incredibly proud of, and it reaffirms the school's longstanding commitment to serving military students and providing them with the structured support they need.
The Collegiate Purple Star of Indiana Program recognizes eligible postsecondary institutions that successfully demonstrate a commitment to cultivating an intentional and supportive environment for military-affiliated student populations throughout their entire academic journey. Evaluating 37 standards across 8 areas, this program confirms that military students receive comprehensive support from the moment they fill out their application until the day they graduate and beyond.
Recently launched in 2024, the Collegiate Purple Star Indiana designation is administered by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA). This innovative program put Indiana in the national spotlight for its commitment to championing the relationships between higher education institutions and military-affiliated students.
The program has multiple tiers:
As a Tier 2 Collegiate Purple Star of Indiana school, Marian University proves it is ready to meet the unique and dynamic needs of military-affiliated students, including active-duty service members, veterans, reservists, National Guard members, and students from military families.
Marian University has a deep appreciation for the sacrifice and commitment of military-affiliated students, and as a result, has implemented structured support systems designed to honor their service and support their unique academic journeys. The dedicated staff at the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs is available to assist students and ensure they receive the guidance they need as they take the next step toward their goals.
Eligible military-affiliated students can access a range of military benefits that support tuition and living costs, such as Veterans Affairs (VA) Education Benefits, Department of Defense Tuition Assistance (TA), and Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31). There are also military benefits available for dependents and spouses. However, knowing these benefits are available and knowing how to maximize them are two separate things entirely. Recognizing this, Marian University offers personalized military benefits counseling to help you understand what type of support you may be eligible for.
Students who have served in the United States military may be eligible for transfer credit based on their experience. Military students who are interested in earning credit for prior learning experiences, such as service in the armed forces, can request an official evaluation. Then, the Marian University admissions team will consider experience and reference information provided by the American Council on Education to determine appropriate credit.
There are also nonfederal military support services that students may be able to access, depending on their affiliation and level of service. These resources include:
The dedicated staff at Marian's Office of Veteran and Military Affairs works closely with military students to understand their experiences and determine what level of support they may need while earning their degree. We recognize that transitioning into a degree program after serving in the military can be both exciting and challenging. We want our military students to know they are in a place where their service is valued, and their needs will be considered every step of the way.
The Collegiate Purple Star of Indiana Tier 2 Designation confirms that Marian University abides by the guiding principles of the program: education, respect, inclusion, commitment, and capacity building. Military-affiliated students who are looking for a school where their service is honored and valued know they have found a safe place in Marian.
This designation identifies schools committed to military success and reflects institutional support beyond admissions. Prospective military students can feel confident knowing intentional resources are in place to ensure their success as they transition into academic life. While it's a valuable recognition, it is only one factor to consider during your search. You also should consider academics, affordability, and your career goals.
"Marian University is deeply committed to ensuring our military-affiliated students have the support, resources, and sense of community they need to succeed from enrollment through graduation and beyond," said Tony Gearlds, a Marine Corps veteran and Director of Military Affairs at Marian University.
With a deep and lasting commitment to Catholic Franciscan values, Marian University proudly supports military-affiliated students, including veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, National Guard members, and students in military families. Eligible military-connected students can access a range of military benefits, including Veterans Affairs (VA) Education Benefits, Department of Defense Tuition Assistance (TA), and Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31).
Allow us to support you on your academic journey. Explore online degree programs that are built for real life, learn more about military benefits that you may be eligible for, and apply now.
Sources
https://www.marian.edu/online/
https://www.marian.edu/admissions/military-benefits
https://www.marian.edu/campus-life/office-of-veteran-and-military-affairs/
https://www.marian.edu/admissions/application-process/transfer-students/transfer-credits
https://www.in.gov/che/adult-strategy/collegiate-purple-star
https://www.in.gov/dA/bf4309b695/Collegiate-Purple-Star-of-Indiana-One-Pager.pdf?language_id=1
https://www.in.gov/dA/e1582aa9d8/240430_RELEASE_CPSI-Launch-1.pdf?language_id=1
