VMI Featured in TIME’s Inaugural College Rankings

Virginia Military Institute ranked No. 73 out of 500 colleges and universities in TIME magazine’s inaugural America’s Best Colleges of 2026-2027 list, released Aug. 25. The publication partnered with Statista, a data research firm, on the list, which focused on three pillars: student outcomes, learning environment, and attractiveness to students, with student outcomes weighted at 75% for the overall scoring.

VMI received a final score of 81.3 out of 100. TIME stated that “schools with historically strong STEM programs—and pipelines into high-paying tech jobs—rank high on the list.”

Lt. Gen. David Furness ’87, VMI superintendent, recently spoke to the incoming matriculants, saying, “As an institution of higher learning, [VMI] provides an educational experience structured around personal honor; academic excellence; and soundness of mind, body, and spirit.” He went on to say, “Four years from now, you will be fully prepared intellectually, physically, and in character to pursue whatever personal and professional goals you have set for yourself.”

The full list of Best Colleges can be found here, and the methodology is here.

Applications are now open for the 2027-28 academic year. Students and their families can learn more about what VMI has to offer on the website or by visiting post.