Learn how Virginia Military Institute prepares and nurtures students to become future leaders.
It may not be the college experience you pictured, but Virginia Military Institute will make you look twice. Read on to find out what makes VMI stand out from the typical college experience.
Virginia Military Institute doesn’t do ordinary
With a Nobel Prize winner, 11 Rhodes Scholars, 7 Medal of Honor recipients, a Pulitzer Prize winner, college presidents, and generals and flag officers in its ranks, VMI is far from ordinary. Ranked No. 1 among Virginia public colleges for the best return on investment, No. 4 in Top Public Schools by U.S. News & World Report and No. 5 in Money Magazine’s 2022 Best Colleges list against more than 620 colleges, VMI’s prestige is built on a tradition designed to shape students’ futures.
Pay less, get more
Eighty-three percent of students get some form of scholarship or financial aid for academics and athletic ability, and 99% of students are employed or attending grad school within five months of graduation.
Experience a small school with big opportunities
No massive lecture halls here. VMI’s 10:1 faculty-to-student ratio creates a personalized classroom experience where students learn directly from their professors. The broad four-year curriculum offers majors in engineering, science, liberal arts and social sciences. The Institute houses quality equipment and research opportunities usually only found at top research institutions.
VMI students are fit for life
By nature of military training, students are fit. With 18 NCAA Division 1 teams, VMI encourages “sound mind and sound body,” focusing on three all-encompassing educational pillars: academics, military training and athletics.
Nurture lifetime friendships
VMI programs ensure students are not alone on their journey. The Center for Cadet Counseling, Writing Center, Office of Career Services and the Math Resource Center provide ongoing support year-round. In addition, the VMI “Rat Line” system is all about establishing bonds between classmates known as “brother rats,” now considered a gender-neutral term for the brotherhood and sisterhood that’s built at VMI. BRs stay friends for life, return for reunions and stay connected long after graduation.
VMI alumni help graduates make valuable connections
When it comes to navigating the workforce, it's no secret that it helps to know people. The VMI alumni network is robust and far-reaching, so graduates have immediate connections that can help them land great jobs and career opportunities long after graduation.
Graduates do not have to serve in the military
About half of the students who come to VMI end up serving in the military, but every student leaves VMI with a “citizen-soldier” mentality that emphasizes the importance of service.
VMI develops leaders
We’re not just talking about student government here. Every cadet has the opportunity to lead others and is provided a chance to impact how the school is run.
Live the honor code
The honor code at VMI demands that students be good people with integrity. Need an example? A student who takes just a quarter from someone will get kicked out — seriously.
Photo provided by Virginia Military Institute
Look good in gray
Admit it, uniforms look great. At VMI, students don’t have to worry about what to wear, and they look good every day.
For more information, visit noordinary.vmialumni.org.
