SACSCOC: Student Achievement

Colleges and institutions accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) are required to identify, evaluate, and publish goals and outcomes for student achievement appropriate to the institution’s mission based on the Principles of Accreditation. These measures must be disclosed on the institution’s website during the Fifth Year Interim Report and Decennial reaffirmation. The details and information provided below represents VMI’s commitment to this standard. 

VMI Student Achievement

VMI is a unique undergraduate educational environment where cadets earn their degrees while participating in military trainings and obligations. Our Mission Statement demonstrates our commitment to developing citizen-soldiers from their experiences in VMI’s curricular and co-curricular activities. We have outlined three metrics that align with our mission statement, which are Graduation Rate, Retention Rate, and Commissioning Rate. Metrics are monitored using a three-level system:

• Threshold: Minimum level to maintain
• Target: Benchmark that should be met or surpassed
• Current Rate: Current performance level for each metric during academic year 2021 - 2022

All metrics are monitored and reviewed annually by the Academic Program Review Committee. Each metric is presented along with a brief description and details about the three-level system. Comparative data were collected from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia’s (SCHEV) website for Graduation and Retention Rates. The comparison group is identified as peer and consists of the 14 other four-year VA public institutions. All data for the peer group are based on the currently available information on the SCHEV website, and the year referenced in the tables and charts represent the start of the fall semester for that academic year.

Please note: The data in the charts below is also available to download: VMI Student Achievement Statistics.

Graduation Rate

The graduation rate is based on those cadets who were enrolled as first-time, full-time cadets and completed their degree requirements within 150% of the 4-year time frame. The rates in the graph are presented by the entering cohort rate.

Threshold:  67% |  Target:  71%  |  Current Rate (AY 2022 – 2023):  77%

Retention Rate

The retention rate is based on those cadets who remain at the Institute from their Fourth to Third class year. For reference, Fourth class cadets are first-year students, while Third class cadets are second-year students at the Institute.

Threshold:  76% |  Target:  80%  |  Current Rate (AY 2022 – 2023):  84%

Commissioning Rate

The commissioning rate is based on those cadets who commission into military service following graduation. Cadets commission based on their participation in the military branch activities offered at VMI during their cadetship (i.e., ROTC, training, etc.).

Threshold:  20% |  Target:  70%  |  Current Rate (AY 2022 – 2023):  52%