Considering Military Colleges: Any notable ones in Virginia?

I've been thinking about joining the military after high school, and I'm particularly interested in military colleges. Are there any noteworthy military colleges in Virginia? Can anyone share more about the sort of programs they offer?

Yes, Virginia boasts two of the most highly-regarded military colleges in the US: Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and the United States Naval Academy (USNA), which, while technically in Maryland, is right on the border and attracts many Virginia residents.

Virginia Military Institute, located in Lexington, Virginia, is a public military college known for its strictly regimented environment and rigorous academics. VMI offers 14 concentrations in Engineering, Liberal Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Physical Sciences. All students, known as "Cadets," are required to participate in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC), but aren't required to join the military upon graduation. Admission is quite competitive.

On the other hand, the US Naval Academy arguably offers a significantly more demanding program, as graduates are commissioned as officers in the Navy or Marine Corps. The Naval Academy offers a broad, four-year undergraduate program that results in a Bachelor of Science degree. Majors are offered across a range of fields from Aeronautical Engineering to Political Science.

Entrance into the USNA, however, is extremely competitive. In addition to meeting rigorous academic standards, you’ll need a nomination most often from a Member of Congress, plus pass a thorough medical exam and a physical fitness test. The commitment after graduation is at least 5 years of service.

Both institutions provide excellent leadership training, strong camaraderie among students, and are well-regarded by employers, so they represent excellent launchpads for a career in both the military and civilian life.