College tuition and fees can be daunting for first time applicants and current students, as well as their families, but choosing VMI is not only a smart choice for your future — it's a smart choice for your wallet.

The Institute is consistently included on Washington Monthly's Best Bang for the Buck List and was recently named the #2 Best Value College in Virginia by Niche. When it comes to return on investment (ROI), VMI stands out with an average base salary for graduates of $88,000 according to Payscale.com

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Tuition and Fees 2025-2026

Tuition and Fees	Virginians	Non-Virginians	International
Tuition	$10,368	$41,960	$41,960
Housing (Room)	$3.488	$3.488	$3.488
Food (Board)	$8,162	$8,162	$8,162
Auxiliary Fees
Medical	$610	$610	$610
Athletic	$4,186	$4,186	$4,186
Cadet Facilities/Activities	$2,602	$2,602	$2,602
Total Tuition and Fees	$29,416	$61,008	$61,008
Quartermaster Charge
Laundry / Pressing	$498	$498	$498
Haircuts	$344	$344	$344
Uniforms / UMA Activities	$2,758	$2,758	$2,758
Total (Tuition, Fees, Quartermaster Charge)	$33,016	$64,608	$64,608
Health Insurance (International Cadets Only)			$1, 300*
TOTAL COST OF ATTENDANCE	$33,016	$64,608	$65,908

 

Tuition and fees are determined at the May meeting of the Board of Visitors

*International Health Insurance is an estimate.

SCHEV Annual Tuition and Fees Report at Virginia's State-Supported Colleges and Universities

Department of Defense Memorandum of Understanding Tuition Rates: In-State $519, Out of State $1,441

Explanation of Fees

Housing and Food (Room and Board)
Housing and Food are required since all cadets live in barracks and are provided 21 meals per week.

Auxiliary Fees
Costs of medical services, cadet facilities, and activities.

Quartermaster Charges
Covers haircuts and uniforms. Uniforms are state property and must be returned to the Institute. Qualified cadets enrolled or under contract in the ROTC program receive a uniform allowance directly from the federal government which helps defray the cost of cadet uniforms.

Deposit
The Deposit covers property damages, lost property, and unpaid obligations to VMI. The deposit shall equal $300 and be paid by all incoming and returning cadets. VMI returns this deposit, less any deductions for damages or unpaid obligations and without interest, upon graduation of the cadet or the termination of the cadetship.

Health Insurance
Health Insurance is a required fee for all International cadets. The amount included is an estimate for the 2025-26 academic year.  Please contact the Office of Global Education for specific coverage information.

Direct Costs
Direct Costs include VMI billable expenses. Tuition, fees, housing, and food are VMI’s Direct Costs.

Indirect Costs for 2025-26
In-state cadets should plan on $3,350 in Indirect Costs. Indirect Costs include other expenses you may incur, including approximately: $1,200 books, source materials, supplies and equipment; $1,700 personal expenses (potential loan origination fees); and $450 transportation.

Out of state cadets should plan on an estimated $4,300 in Indirect Costs. Indirect Costs include other expenses you may incur, including approximately: $1,200 books, source materials, supplies and equipment; $1,700 personal expenses (potential loan origination fees); and $1,400 transportation.

Late Fee: A late fee of $100 or 10% of the unpaid balance, whichever is less, will be assessed for failure to pay tuition and fees as required.

Interest: Interest of 6% will be added to accounts with a past due balance on Oct. 15 for the Fall semester and Feb. 15 for the Spring semester. Interest is a one-time charge.