Institute Overview


The VMI experience is unique in that it combines academic, physical, and mental challenges within a highly structured environment. VMI is for those individuals who have a vision for their future and have the courage to do the work it takes to attain their goals.

The VMI Education Experience

No. 4 National Public Liberal Arts Colleges, 20+ years US News and World Report 2024 (US Military Academies are 1-3)

97% Percent of graduates employed or attending graduate school within five months of graduation (Source: Office of Career Services 2024)

No. 3 Best Value Colleges in Virginia (PayScale 2024)

5 Star Money Magazine Best Colleges (2024)

“VMI could not attract and retain the highest caliber of future leaders without private support. Undergirding and enhancing the infrastructure of the academic program, leadership development process, NCAA athletics opportunities, and the overall VMI experience is one of the most important things we can do for our cadets.”

David Prasnicki VMI Alumni Agencies Chief Executive Officer

The VMI Return on Investment

No. 78 Nationally Top colleges for a bachelor's degree with the highest-paid graduates (PayScale 2024) $80,200 median salary for recent graduates $145,300 median salary for 10+ years of experience

No. 3 Virginia college/university with best alumni salary potential (PayScale 2024)

53% Graduates Commissioned in the Armed Forces (2024) Producing more Army generals than any ROTC program.

“Reconnecting with the Institute—chapter events, reunions, career placement support, new cadet recruiting, cadet events, connecting with brother rats, fundraising efforts, and volunteer leadership roles—has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It is my hope every alumnus gets to experience the camaraderie and support of the VMI network.”

Ed Johnson ’79 VMI Alumni Association Chief Operating Officer

VMI is Nationally Ranked

In addition to the accolades above, VMI has produced 11 Rhodes Scholars since 1921 and is consistently recognized nationally and among colleges in the Commonwealth.

U.S. News and World Report (2024)

  • No. 59 in National Liberal Arts Colleges
  • No. 30 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (where doctorate is not offered)

Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Ed (2022)

  • Best Value: No. 5
  • National Colleges and Universities: No. 158, among top 20% (out of 801)

Washington Monthly (2024)

  • Listed VMI No. 80 out of 277 colleges for 2024 Best Bang for the Buck: Southeast

Payscale (2024)

  • No. 78 in the nation for top colleges for a bachelor’s degree with the highest-paid graduates
  • No. 3 in Virginia for college/university with best alumni salary potential

Forbes (2025)

  • America’s Top Colleges: No. 194
  • Top Public Colleges: No. 89
  • Top Liberal Arts Colleges And Universities: No. 44
  • Top Colleges in the South: No. 46

Niche Best Value Colleges in Virginia (2025)

  • Best Colleges in Virginia: No. 1
  • No. 5 Best Small Colleges in Virginia
  • No. 8 Colleges with the Best Academics in Virginia
  • Best Liberal Arts Colleges in America: No. 48 of 183
  • Best Value Colleges in America: No. 28 of 1,462
  • Best Small Colleges in America: No. 69 of 947

Reconnect with the Institute by finding your local chapter today.

Find Your Local Chapter