Overview
Founded in 1839, Virginia Military Institute is the oldest state-supported military college in the United States, established on the site of a former state arsenal in Lexington, Virginia. VMI produced Confederate general Stonewall Jackson, who taught there before the Civil War, and its cadets famously fought in the 1864 Battle of New Market. The institute is renowned for its demanding Rat Line system for first-year cadets, its adherence to a strict honor code, and its long tradition of producing military officers, business leaders, and public servants.
At a Glance
| Type | Public |
| Location | Lexington, Virginia |
| Founded | 1839 |
| Total students | 1,700 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 9:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 58% |
| Graduation rate | 76% |
| Average starting salary | $58,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $21,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $47,000 |
| Room & board | $11,500 |
| Average financial aid | $18,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 65% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1080-1260 |
| ACT range | 22-28 |
| Average GPA | 3.60 |
| Regular deadline | March 1 |
Top Programs
- Civil Engineering
- International Studies
- Electrical & Computer Engineering
- Economics & Business
- Biology
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.