Located in Lexington, the Virginia Military Institute offers programs in liberal arts, science and engineering. The college claims to build "leaders in all walks of life," and places 98 percent of its graduates in employment, commissioned service or graduate study. With a 12-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, cadets are able to receive a student-centered education. The Institute also boasts a robust athletic program.
Virginia Tech Corps is a senior residential program founded in 1872. Located in Southwest Virginia, the Corps is part of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University -- an institution serving over 20,000 undergraduates. More than 850 students participate in the Corps program, which first enrolled women in 1973. The Corps of Cadets offers two academic tracks: the civilian and military tracks. The civilian track does not mandate ROTC participation, and therefore, does not require students to enter military service. Students in the military track must enroll in one of the four ROTC programs: Army, Air Force, Marines and Navy. Graduates advance to a career and a commission in the Armed Forces.
The only women's military program in the nation, the Institute emphasizes leadership in military and civilian life for graduates. In fact, the Washington Monthly ranked Mary Baldwin College as eighth in the nation in "service to society." Admission to the college is competitive, and cadets are held to high standards. Mary Baldwin houses five academic schools and two pre-professional programs.
Post-secondary programs at military schools are for students seeking a pre-college experience. Most programs reinforce essential academic and SAT/ACT skills and may also strengthen the high school transcript. At least five military schools in Virginia offer a post-high school year. Only two, Massanutten Military Academy and Randolph-Macon Academy, are co-educational.