DON'T DO ORDINARY.

The VMI experience is about more than earning a degree—it’s about joining a community that values honor, perseverance, and service.

Ranked the #4 public liberal arts college by U.S. News and World Report, Virginia Military Institute offers small class sizes, academically challenging undergraduate programs, Division I athletics, and the largest ROTC program in the nation.

Ranked the #4 public liberal arts college by U.S. News and World Report, Virginia Military Institute offers small class sizes, academically challenging undergraduate programs, Division I athletics, and the largest ROTC program in the nation.



VMI Community Updates

Institute leadership continues to communicate important information for cadets, their families, faculty & staff, and the VMI community at large:

  • Open House at VMI: High school juniors and seniors are invited to register for the final two spring admissions open house events on post Mar. 6-7 and Apr. 10-11. These events provide insight into life as a cadet including tours, presentations by cadets and Institute leaders, an academic fair, and the opportunity to stay overnight in barracks. Space is limited, so register today to secure your spot.
  • Commitment to Affordability: Financial aid is able to offset a large portion of the cost of attendance for qualified applicants, and 84% of the Corps of Cadets receives some form of this aid each year on average. For those on ROTC scholarship who are also selected for Call to Duty scholarships, the cost drops to $3,600Connect with financial aid today for more information to learn more about funding opportunities.
  • Big Stage Success: Keydet Swimming & Diving are delivering big performances as VMI hosts the America East Championships. The men's 200 medley relay team  posted a new team record (1:29.05) en route to earning bronze. The women's 200 medley relay also set a new team record, as did the women's 800 free relay squad. Be sure to connect with the teams and VMI Athletics on social media to follow along as these cadet-athletes compete to win.
  • Torch Award Highlights Results: VMI has been recognized by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) for exceptional post-college outcomes, the only Level II institution—one whose highest degree offered is a bachelor’s degree—to receive the award in that category.
  • Mailing Address Update: The United States Postal Service (USPS) has mandated an address update for all letters and packages processed through the Lexington Post Office for VMI. Visit the Auxiliary Services and Contacting Cadets pages for more information.

  VMI Community: To receive important information concerning emergencies, weather, traffic, and parking, text the word "Keydet" to 772-95.


“I wanted to challenge myself… I figured there was no other place to take opportunities and learn to flourish.”

Julia Ward ’26 came to Virginia Military Institute from Illinois uncertain of herself and her leadership abilities. She is completing her cadetship with confidence built from challenges and opportunities not found at ‘ordinary’ colleges, all supported by a community of those committed to honor, service, and excellence.

“Knowing that every single person that's come before me, the men and women that have gone through the same matriculation process, the same Rat Line, knowing that we kind of have that shared experience - it's very comforting.”

Learn more about Julia’s journey - and the paths of other cadets - at vmi.edu/iamvmi

Ready to accept the challenge of No Ordinary College for yourself? Apply today for Fall 2026 admission.

Upcoming Events at VMI

All Events


News from Post

Retired Green Beret Serves as VMI Leader-in-Residence

Virginia Military Institute’s 2025-26 Leader-in-Residence (LIR) Lt. Col. Scott Mann visited post Feb. 9 through Feb. 13. He is a retired U.S. Army Green Beret and author of The New York Times best seller, “Operation Pineapple Express.”

Cadets Lead Cyber Defense Workshops to Benefit Area Small Businesses

The initiative is designed to equip cadets with practical cybersecurity skills, bridging the gap between traditional classroom learning and real-world application, and positioning them for successful careers after graduation.

Scribner to Speak on the American Revolution

Vaughn Scribner will discuss the dynamic experiences of those who fought in the American Revolutionary War and the environmental, psychological, and social impact of combat on those who served at the front lines.

Richter Publishes 7th Book

Dr. Duncan Richter, professor in the Department of English, Rhetoric, and Humanistic Studies and holder of the Charles Luck III ’55 Institute Professorship at Virginia Military Institute, has recently authored his seventh book.

More News