About

About Virginia Military Institute

military collegeall corps of cadetspublic liberal artsengineering focusedsmall class sizes

Virginia Military Institute is a public liberal arts college in Lexington, VA, known for its military college, all corps of cadets, and public liberal arts. With an acceptance rate of 71%, VMI is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 358 students each year. VMI is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1105–1300, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. VMI offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $11,967 per year; the sticker price of $61,836 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Virginia Military Institute acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

71%
Overall Accept Rate
1203
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1105 – 1300 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Virginia Military Institute

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
VMI's application asks why you want to submit to the Rat Line, the grueling first-year experience that defines cadet life. Be direct and specific about your personal motivation for choosing this demanding military environment, not just a general interest in the military or leadership.
Application Strategy
VMI requires a physical fitness assessment as part of its admissions process, so start training early for push-ups, sit-ups, and the mile run to hit competitive benchmarks before you submit your application.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Virginia Military Institute actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$62k/yr$12.7k
30k-48k~$62k/yr$9.2k
48k-75k~$62k/yr$12.2k
75k-110k~$62k/yr$13.4k
110k+~$62k/yr$23.4k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

82%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$64k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
11:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
1,830
Undergrad Enrollment
Virginia Military Institute Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch