LEXINGTON, Va., July 16, 2026—VMI once again scored well on Money magazine’s Best Colleges in America list, earning 4.5 stars out of 5. In recent years, the rankings have been done using the star system, based on quality of education, affordability, and student outcomes. VMI also landed on Money’s Best Public Colleges and Best Colleges in the South lists for 2026. 

Money shared that VMI graduates have a median salary of about $75,000 four years after entering the workforce. More than 97% of VMI alumni have jobs or are in a continuing education program within 5 months of graduating.

This year’s rankings included 735 schools from across the country, with each having at least 500 undergraduate students, not being in financial distress, and having a graduation rate at or above the median for its category. Schools are then ranked in the five-star system on 25 factors in the three categories, with the breakdown of the three ranking categories being quality of education, 30%; affordability, 40%; and outcomes, 30%. More about the methodology can be found here.

The application cycle for VMI opens Aug. 1, with six open houses being held during the academic year that allow prospective students to stay in barracks for the night, meet faculty from academics and ROTC programs, and hear from leadership. Interested students can visit the VMI website to learn more and apply.

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