THURSDAY'S CUP: Gulf Coast colleges get veteran salute

Veterans in Florida have lots of colleges that are considered “military friendly,” a recent survey says.

Victory Media, a company that provides information to veterans about transitioning to civilian life, says 54 colleges, technical schools and universities in Florida provide special programs and support for military veterans.

For example, Hodges University, the Naples-based college for professionals and older students, says 10% of its students are military veterans. Hodges has a student-run club that helps veterans get the most from their college education.

In addition to Hodges, other notable education institutions earning high marks for veterans in our region include Eckerd College, Florida Gulf Coast University, Hillsborough Community College, Saint Leo University, Southwest Florida College, The University of Tampa and the University of South Florida.