State officials evaluated the campus based on a combination of formal criteria and firsthand observations of its daily operations. Jelani A. Edwards, Midlands Regional Integration Officer for the SCDVA, noted that the university distinguishes itself by placing military-connected students at the core of its academic and career planning. The campus maintains a dedicated Veterans Center and requires staff to undergo military cultural competency training to better serve student needs.

Beyond administrative support, the university actively removes financial barriers by waiving application fees and aligning tuition costs with Montgomery GI Bill and Post-9/11 GI Bill coverage. The institution also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program and grants academic credit for prior military training as recommended by the American Council on Education. Campus President Dr. Deborah Harris-Sims credited the achievement to the consistent efforts of her team in providing flexible learning options, including hybrid and accelerated programs, to accommodate students who may be balancing their studies with ongoing service or relocation.