Virginia Military Institute

The Virginia Military Institute (VMI) is a public senior military college located in Lexington, Virginia. Founded in 1839, it is the oldest state-supported military college in the United States and one of the nation's six senior military colleges. VMI educates cadets through a rigorous military, academic, and physical program that emphasizes honor, integrity, and leadership in a disciplined, residential barracks environment. Cadets wear uniforms and live under a military-style system throughout their four-year undergraduate experience. VMI offers bachelor's degrees in engineering, science, liberal arts, and social sciences, and all cadets are required to participate in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). Graduates may commission into the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force, although commissioning is not mandatory. The Institute is known for its distinctive "Rat Line" first-year training system, its strict Honor Code, and a strong alumni network commonly referred to as the "VMI Ring."