Flathead Valley Community College has been recognized by G.I. Jobs as one of 1,220 colleges and universities in the nation to make its 2011 Military Friendly Schools list.

The list honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools doing the most to embrace America’s veterans as students.

“We are extremely honored to be recognized as a college that is friendly to the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country,” said  Kathy Hughes, vice president of instruction. “We value our nation’s veterans and their leadership, diversity and life experiences they bring to our campus.”

Schools on the list range from state universities and private colleges to community colleges and trade schools. The common bond is their shared priority of recruiting students with military experience.

The tens of billions of dollars in tuition money now available with the passage of the Post-9/11 GI Bill last year has intensified a strong desire by colleges to court veterans.

Interactive tools to help military veterans in choosing schools that best meet their personal educational needs are available online at www.militaryfriendlyschools.com. The site currently shows 2010 Military Friendly Schools but will switch to the 2011 list in late September.

FVCC is among 10 colleges and universities in Montana honored on the list.