ROTC at VMI

As a senior military college, VMI’s ROTC program can provide military training at a higher level than programs at civilian colleges and universities. Cadets have access to active duty bases, field training exercises, and high-ranking military officials on post, a rich and valuable training ground for tomorrow’s officers.

Significant financial support is available through VMI’s ROTC program. Incoming scholarship cadets who maintain satisfactory academic and disciplinary standing may receive an annual stipend. ROTC Scholarships for Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force or Space Force are administered through the awarding military branch. Scholarships cover tuition and may also include allowances for books and fees and living expenses, and they offer opportunities to obtain leadership positions in the armed forces upon graduation.

Only those cadets who accept ROTC scholarships or contract as non-scholarship cadets are required to enter military service.

Two or three years of ROTC scholarship assistance may be available after the first or second year of enrollment at VMI. A two-year program is also available to students who transfer to VMI after their sophomore year.

In addition to the benefits of a military-style education and a cadetship focused on developing future leaders, a new scholarship opportunity further distinguishes the Institute amongst other colleges and universities offering ROTC programs

 VMI Call to Duty Scholarships 

Successful completion of the ROTC program may lead to a commission as a second lieutenant in the Army, Marine Corps, Air Force or Space Force, or as an ensign in the Navy.

For those who choose not to commission, the combination of academic and practical course work of the program enables students to sharpen both mind and body and learn valuable leadership skills and principles that can be applied to any career. The VMI experience is a proven formula promoting early success for VMI graduates in whatever career they choose.

As officers in the military, graduates find themselves at an advantage because they have trained alongside other branches of the armed forces and have a deeper knowledge and affinity for working together.

VMI graduates also benefit from the support of a legendary network of alumni who recognize and appreciate the value of a degree from Virginia Military Institute.

The combination of academic and practical course work, leadership training, and an emphasis on tactics and problem-solving, provide a path for students to learn new skills, conquer adversity, and grow as leaders and as teammates.

“VMI showed me the importance of daily leadership by example, and I’ve been able to directly transfer those lessons into action as a Marine officer.”—Lt. Col. George Hasseltine ’97, USMC, Retired

“Four years at VMI prepared me for the military through strong academics, camaraderie, and a vision of what I wanted to become as a leader and an officer in the U.S. Navy.”—Ryan Beatley ’04, Lt, U.S. Navy, Head of the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division at Newport’s Waterfront Operations Branch in the Ranges, Engineering and Analysis Department.

“VMI’s Air Force ROTC program is challenging and rewarding. It provided me with a great foundation to begin my Air Force career.”—Gen. John Jumper ’66, USAF (Ret.), Former Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force