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.

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VMI Community Updates

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

  • Upcoming Athletics Special Events: Wednesday's basketball game promotion will feature National Girls and Women in Sports Day! Several women's sports teams at VMI will be recognized throughout the game as well as coaches and staff members from the athletic department. All young girls with a RARO t-shirt will be given free admission to the game (parents, siblings must pay normal ticket rates). VMI Wrestling and SAAC will host a Teddy Bear Toss during Friday’s dual against Chattanooga. Fans can bring a new or gently used stuffed animal to throw onto the mat. All toys will be donated to children transitioning into foster care programs.
  • 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.
  • Earned, Never Given: Congratulations to the VMI Class of 2029. Following a bitterly cold Breakout, these young men and women now continue their leadership journeys with the official title of 4th Class cadets - rats no more. Connect with VMI on social media for additional footage of the Rat Line and life at the Institute. You can also find more photos from VMI's major events for rats and the entire Corps of Cadets on the Institute's Flickr account.
  • Scholarship Opportunities: Are you applying to VMI as a recipient of a three or four-year ROTC national scholarship? If so, explore how the Institute can help ease the cost of your education at No Ordinary College through the Call to Duty Scholarship, now accepting applications. VMI also offers a number of merit-based scholarships to top academic talent. Explore the Institute Scholar and Peay Merit Scholarship opportunities for more details and requirements.

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


“It isn’t easy, but it’s worth it.”

Regimental Commander Devin Auzenne ‘26 credits VMI with his growth as a leader, inspiring confidence and pushing him to excel, all while supported by the unique systems at the Institute and the camaraderie of brotherhood within the Corps that make VMI No Ordinary College.

“The end result of the VMI system is forged through the rigors of the regimental, class, and honor systems, but the extraordinary people are the defining factor that sets VMI apart.” 

Learn more about the unique experiences and leadership journeys of Devin and other cadets at vmi.edu/iamvmi or get an inside view of cadet life by attending an Admissions Open House.

Ready to accept the challenge for yourself? Apply today. 

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News from Post

Breakout and Brotherhood - VMI 1st Class President Reflects

In this Q&A, the 1st Class President Maximus Ankrah ‘26 reflects on the responsibility of guiding rats through the Rat Line, the priorities behind planning Breakout, and the pride that comes with welcoming the newest cadets into the Corps.

VMI Receives Accreditation Award

VMI was recently honored by SACSCOC with a Torch Award, recognizing the Institute for exceptional post-college outcomes. VMI is the only Level II institution—one whose highest degree offered is a bachelor’s degree—to receive the award in that category.

VMI Hosts “11 Days” - One-Man Show Explores Bonds Forged in Combat

Written and performed by retired U.S. Army Green Beret Lt. Col. Scott Mann, the one-man, one-act stage production brings to life the human cost, moral courage, and extraordinary leadership demonstrated during the final days of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021.

Cadets Rally at NYSE

Ten members of the Cadet Investment Group (CIG) at Virginia Miliary Institute, along with an advisor and an instructor in the Department of Economics and Business (ECBU) traveled to Wall Street in New York City (NYC) in December, to meet with financial analysts and traders, including VMI alumni.

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