VMI Quick Facts
The mission of VMI is to develop educated, honorable men and women, prepared for the varied work of civil life, imbued with love of learning, confident in the functions and attitudes of leadership, possessing a high sense of public service, advocates of the American democracy and free enterprise system, and ready as citizen-soldiers to defend their country in time of national peril.
To accomplish this result, Virginia Military Institute shall provide to qualified young men and women undergraduate education of highest quality – embracing engineering, science, and the arts – conducted in and facilitated by the unique VMI system of military discipline.
HistoryFounded in 1839, the Virginia Military Institute is a four-year undergraduate college awarding B.A. and B.S. degrees. VMI is the nation’s first state-supported military college. From the beginning, the VMI experience has instilled the character traits of service to community and to others in its cadets.
Visit the VMI Museum
Keydets and Kangaroos
Stonewall Jackson and VMI
CharacterThe demands of cadet life instill qualities of self-reliance, initiative, perseverance, integrity, and self-discipline in each cadet, qualities that allow VMI alumni to succeed at the highest levels in many professions. These same qualities allow the Institute to make contributions of importance and influence to American society.
Center for Leadership and Ethics
NumbersClass Demographics
- 1569 enrolled
- 34 states
- 6 countries
- 5% African-American
- 4% Hispanic
- 4% Asian or Pacific Islander
- 1% American Indian or Alaskan Native
- 10% female
- 11.3:1 cadet-faculty ratio
- 145 faculty members
- 100% fulltime faculty in degree granting departments hold Ph.D. or terminal degree
- 134 acres - 12 as National Historic District
ROTCLeadership comes from knowledge of self and confidence in one’s own abilities. VMI hones both the mind and the body. Regardless of major, each cadet receives a well-rounded education.
The development of leaders of character at VMI involves a four-year cadet journey through well-integrated and closely coordinated experiences in intellectual, military, physical, and character development. Cadets become leaders of character who are prepared to serve the nation as citizen-soldiers, whether in the military or in another profession of their choice.
NCAA AthleticsVMI is a member of NCAA Division I (FCS) and the Big South Conference; 18 intercollegiate sports, including baseball, men’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, football, men’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s rifle, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s swimming, men’s and women’s track, men’s and women’s cross country, women’s water polo and men’s wrestling.
NCAA Athletics Website
AlumniAbout 18% of VMI graduates make the military a career. Graduates have distinguished themselves in all walks of life, including finance, medicine, and law.
VMI Alumni Website
Costs & FeesThe fee structure at VMI is very different from those of other colleges. VMI costs cover everything (except books). The quartermaster charge includes clothing, laundry, tailoring, and haircuts. Room & Board includes living in the barracks and all meals. The auxiliary fee includes medical services, cadet facilities & activities, athletics, and other services.
90% of VMI cadets graduate in 4 years.
Financial Aid Information