Virginia Military Institute combines structured military education with strong post-graduation outcomes. Graduates earn $15,606 beyond expectations while maintaining debt levels comparable to peer institutions. The unique military environment produces leaders prepared for diverse career paths with demonstrated earning power.
With top-tier performance, driven by strong earnings relative to educational costs
Around the national average performance on cost measures
Modestly below average enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students compared to similar institutions
Well above average performance in converting educational opportunity into earnings growth
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisVMI generates exceptional return on educational investment through strong earnings outcomes achieved with moderate debt levels. Graduates earn $77,369 ten years after enrollment, ranking at the 92nd percentile nationally and $30,695 above the peer median of $46,674.
The institution delivers $15,606 in earnings beyond expectations, placing VMI at the 91.6th percentile for earnings uplift relative to student demographics and program mix. Earnings range from $52,604 at the 25th percentile to $90,374 at the 75th percentile, reflecting career diversity across liberal arts and technical fields.
Students seeking structured military education with strong post-graduation earnings outcomes. Well-suited for those who thrive in disciplined environments and value leadership development alongside academic rigor.
Virginia Military Institute's unique culture combines traditional liberal arts education with military training, creating graduates prepared for both civilian careers and military service.
Virginia Military Institute admits approximately 81.7% of applicants, meaning roughly 4 in 5 applicants receive offers of admission. This places VMI in the Open Access category for admission selectivity, with acceptance rates above 75%.
However, the institution's unique military environment and Honor Code create natural self-selection among applicants, as students must commit to the regimental lifestyle and military training requirements. The peer median admission rate of 84.2% indicates VMI is slightly more selective than typical institutions serving similar student populations.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Virginia Military Institute's published cost of attendance reaches $33,738 annually, including $20,484 in-state tuition, $10,990 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face $51,186 in tuition, bringing total costs to $64,440.
However, the average student pays $18,849 after financial aid, representing savings of $14,889 from the sticker price. VMI's net price falls $5,547 below the peer median of $24,396, indicating favorable affordability compared to similar institutions.
The military college structure includes room and board costs that reflect regimental living requirements, though these contribute to the comprehensive educational experience. Financial aid targeting reduces net costs significantly for lower-income students, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $3,152 annually.
The cost structure reflects VMI's public institution status with Virginia residency providing substantial tuition advantages. Students should factor in unique expenses related to military uniforms and equipment not captured in standard cost figures, though these are typically modest additions to overall college costs.
Mechanical Engineering.
23 graduates
Civil Engineering, General.
50 graduates
Applied Economics.
50 graduates
International Relations and Affairs.
50 graduates
American History (United States).
42 graduates
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
University Of Minnesota-Rochester Similar quality tier (#325 ranked) | MN | 72% | $69,020 | #325 | Compare |
Comprehensive Analysis
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This is the Virginia Military Institute hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/virginia-military-institute/analysis.
Military college with exceptional earnings outcomes
Virginia Military Institute ranks #316 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, with return performance at the 93.4th percentile leading the institution's strongest pillar. Located in Lexington, Virginia, this small public military college maintains an 81.7% admission rate while delivering exceptional earnings outcomes for graduates.
VMI enrolls 16.5% Pell-eligible students and 15.2% first-generation students, reflecting more limited access compared to typical public institutions. The institution's military structure and Honor Code create a distinctive educational environment focused on character development and leadership training.
Despite open access admission rates, VMI attracts academically strong students with SAT scores ranging from 1040-1260, placing the institution at the 93rd percentile for test score performance. This combination of accessible admission, rigorous academics, and structured military environment produces graduates earning $77,369 ten years after enrollment, ranking at the 92nd percentile nationally for median earnings.
While admission rates appear accessible, students should carefully consider whether they are prepared for the structured military college experience. The combination of open access admission with demanding institutional culture means that fit matters more than academic credentials alone.
Prospective applicants should thoroughly research VMI's military structure, Honor Code expectations, and regimental life before applying. Students who thrive in structured environments with clear expectations and leadership development opportunities will find VMI most rewarding.
Those seeking traditional college experiences may find better alignment with conventional liberal arts institutions, even those with similar admission rates.
VMI graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth from early to mid-career stages. Median earnings rise from $63,545 six years after enrollment to $78,129 at eight years and $77,369 at ten years, representing 21.8% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes reflect a ten-year cohort of 407 graduates, providing solid confidence in reported figures. Graduates earn $15,606 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing VMI at the 91.6th percentile for earnings uplift.
The earnings trajectory shows strong early-career performance that stabilizes in the mid-career period, typical of graduates entering structured career paths in military service, government, and corporate leadership roles. Earnings span from $52,604 at the 25th percentile to $90,374 at the 75th percentile, indicating variation based on career choice and geographic location.
Approximately 21.1% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, while the majority enter the workforce directly upon graduation.
VMI offers 8 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data, all showing strong performance relative to national benchmarks. American History ranks #11 nationally and #2 in Virginia, graduating 42 students with median earnings of $64,539 and an exceptional value score of 96.2.
Psychology ranks #9 nationally and #2 in Virginia, with 39 graduates earning $60,540 and achieving a value score of 97.7. International Relations ranks #15 nationally and #2 in Virginia, graduating 50 students with median earnings of $64,800.
Engineering programs include Civil Engineering, ranking #58 nationally and #2 in Virginia with 50 graduates earning $71,338, and Mechanical Engineering with 23 graduates earning $73,138. Biology ranks #1 in Virginia among general biology programs, graduating 38 students with median earnings of $63,600.
Applied Economics graduates 50 students annually with median earnings of $70,038, ranking #81 nationally in the field.
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