U.S. News & World Report (2026)
#4
Top Public School
Top 31%
In National Liberal Arts Colleges
Top 10%
In Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs at Schools Without a Doctorate
Money Magazine
4.5 Stars
$77,370
Niche
Top 4%
Best Value Colleges in America
Top 5%
Best Value College in Virginia
Top 8%
Best Small Colleges in America
Top 26%
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in America
Payscale.com
$88k
Washington Monthly
Top 24%
Of Best Colleges for Your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars
Top 32%
Of Best Bang for the Buck in the Southeast
Top 35%
Of Liberal Arts Colleges
Smart Asset
#2
$77,369
Reputation for Excellence and Value
VMI is consistently included in rankings and recognitions from leading industry experts. While criteria and categories evolve, the Institute maintains its reputation as a top-choice destination for undergraduate education.
Past accolades include:
#1 liberal arts college in the nation for ROTC Rank (Washington Monthly, 2024)
#30 liberal arts college in the nation for net price rank (Washington Monthly, 2024)
#3 in Virginia for college/university with best alumni salary potential (Payscale.com, 2024)
#78 in the nation for top colleges for a bachelor’s degree with the highest-paid graduates (Payscale.com, 2024)
A- in Best Colleges in America, based on categories such as academics, diversity, Athletics, and value. (Niche, 2024)