Finding a Military College Close to Home

Hi everyone! So, I'm from Portsmouth, VA. I'm interested in going to a military college, but I'm not sure about how far away I'd have to go. Are there any military colleges near Portsmouth? I'm really hoping there's something close so I don't have to be far from home. Thanks for any advice.

Hey! Good to hear about your interest in military colleges, and it's completely understandable that you'd want to stay close to home. Luckily, you've got a couple of sound choices right in your neighborhood.

The Virginia Military Institute (VMI) in Lexington, VA, is one of the most respected military colleges in the nation. It's a public, coeducational, liberal arts college and it offers degrees in 14 disciplines in engineering, the sciences, and the humanities. While Lexington might not be next door, it's still in Virginia which should make it a manageable distance from Portsmouth.

Also, check out the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets in Blacksburg, VA. It's not a pure military school, but the Corps of Cadets is a rigorous, regimented program that is designed to develop leaders grounded in service, loyalty, integrity and honor. Blacksburg is a bit farther away, but again still in your home state.

Of course, the closest military institution to Portsmouth would be the U.S. Naval Academy, located in Annapolis, MD. The USNA one of the federal service academies, and it's only about a 4-hour drive from Portsmouth. Just bear in mind that admission to the USNA is highly competitive, so it's important to begin preparing early if you're considering this route.

Whichever school you choose, remember that military colleges often have a highly structured campus environment, so make sure to familiarize yourself with what to expect before you make your decision. Best of luck with your research!