Thoughts on VMI -- Worth The Price of Out-of-State Tuition?

I am from CA, my DS is a MSIII at A&M, was accepted to a number of other SMC's but only two offered actual scholarships to out-of-state cadets/students and boy, I have to say...it makes a huge difference when you consider all the additional expenses. My DS receives an "in-state" scholarship at A&M along with some other small awards and I am paying less for college than I did for private high school. I can not stress how this is an investment in their future, not just a potential military career. There are so many factors that derail a cadet from reaching that commission, all are no negative..some are the young man/woman changing their mind. Also, I have some solid PLC knowledge and if your kid wants to go Marines, like others have said, they can enroll in PLC from any university. Matter of fact....for some, it's a far better deal than managing 4 plus years in a Corps of Cadets. Feel free to PM me if you want more PLC or other info...Just from one parent to another, if you can spend a far more reasonable amount on tuition, get the swim team exposure, participate in PLC at the same time, and secure that commission upon graduating, imagine how far ahead of the game you'll be! Good luck. Disclaimer - this is not meant to be negative towards any SMC...it's a function of finances and the individuals goal (PLC).
 
84E19271-B7B8-4CF2-9AFA-7EBE226A4C0C.jpeg Is it worth it? ... this is a VMI ceremony at a Class Reunion “Homecoming”. The “young ones” climb to the top of the sentinel box to lead their Class cheer “the Old Yell” performed I believe since the late 1800s. (George C. Marshall performed the Old Yell.). For the more experienced alumni, they bring out the air stairs to facilitate their access to the top of the box. You will notice the Class for this gentleman is the Class of 1942 ... I have seen this ... brings tears to my eyes every time ... what a great tradition
 
Falcon A said:
View attachment 1382 Is it worth it? ... this is a VMI ceremony at a Class Reunion “Homecoming”. The “young ones” climb to the top of the sentinel box to lead their Class cheer “the Old Yell” performed I believe since the late 1800s. (George C. Marshall performed the Old Yell.). For the more experienced alumni, they bring out the air stairs to facilitate their access to the top of the box. You will notice the Class for this gentleman is the Class of 1942 ... I have seen this ... brings tears to my eyes every time ... what a great tradition
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Looking at this picture is bringing tears to my eyes. Am 100% convinced that VMI is a great, if not the best, fit for DS. Fingers crossed that we can get the finances worked out. Thanks for sharing.
 
SGTLee said:
I am from CA, my DS is a MSIII at A&M, was accepted to a number of other SMC's but only two offered actual scholarships to out-of-state cadets/students and boy, I have to say...it makes a huge difference when you consider all the additional expenses. My DS receives an "in-state" scholarship at A&M along with some other small awards and I am paying less for college than I did for private high school. I can not stress how this is an investment in their future, not just a potential military career. There are so many factors that derail a cadet from reaching that commission, all are no negative..some are the young man/woman changing their mind. Also, I have some solid PLC knowledge and if your kid wants to go Marines, like others have said, they can enroll in PLC from any university. Matter of fact....for some, it's a far better deal than managing 4 plus years in a Corps of Cadets. Feel free to PM me if you want more PLC or other info...Just from one parent to another, if you can spend a far more reasonable amount on tuition, get the swim team exposure, participate in PLC at the same time, and secure that commission upon graduating, imagine how far ahead of the game you'll be! Good luck. Disclaimer - this is not meant to be negative towards any SMC...it's a function of finances and the individuals goal (PLC).
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Same story with us. Well said.
 
Falcon A said:
View attachment 1382 Is it worth it? ... this is a VMI ceremony at a Class Reunion “Homecoming”. The “young ones” climb to the top of the sentinel box to lead their Class cheer “the Old Yell” performed I believe since the late 1800s. (George C. Marshall performed the Old Yell.). For the more experienced alumni, they bring out the air stairs to facilitate their access to the top of the box. You will notice the Class for this gentleman is the Class of 1942 ... I have seen this ... brings tears to my eyes every time ... what a great tradition
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Wish there was a love button for this. Gives me goosebumps and brings tears to my eyes.
 
should be pointed out that VMI and The Citadel while expensive are pretty much comparable to the OOS costs at most public colleges; in fact they are actually a bargain because the costs are all inclusive compared to civilian colleges that don't advertise some expenses like meal plans or the cost of maintaining an off campus apartment. Any Tom, Dick or Harry can take the cheap route and go to Joe Blow U. but it takes a special person to take the road less traveled and IMHO its worth it.
 
conrack said:
should be pointed out that VMI and The Citadel while expensive are pretty much comparable to the OOS costs at most public colleges; in fact they are actually a bargain because the costs are all inclusive compared to civilian colleges that don't advertise some expenses like meal plans or the cost of maintaining an off campus apartment. Any Tom, Dick or Harry can take the cheap route and go to Joe Blow U. but it takes a special person to take the road less traveled and IMHO its worth it.
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Not entirely true.....SMC's such as UNG and with some exceptions, Texas A&M (both public universities with outstanding reputations), offer in-state tuition to members of the Corps of Cadets. Texas A&M does have some requirements to qualify for in-state but I believe both run around the low 20's "all in" and compared to $44-50K at others.....that's a significant difference to a family going in with no ROTC scholarship. Nothing cheap about a degree and commissioning through either of those fine universities.
 
Just to add my two cents from a Cadet perspective, as I had to make a decision about how much debt I wanted to go into to come to VMI as an out of state cadet. I do think many aspects of VMI are “priceless.” The alumni connections for example can be worth so much money. However, I knew how much my parents would be able to help, and since I was dead set on commissioning, I knew how much money I’d be making. I did some rough math on what my debt would be like. It wasn’t atrocious. There would have been a number where nothing was worth that much debt. Although I am not someone who is intrinsically motivated by money, it is important to make sure you’re coming out financially stable. I’d recommend making a similar assessment. It really comes down to how much it’s worth to you. For me it was worth a lot. Even with another (more affordable) SMC acceptance, I decided the price was worth it. Luck would have it I picked up a 3yr scholarship, but I didn’t make my decision based on that unknown.
 
Thanks everyone for all the great info. DS received the call this morning that he was awarded an NROTC-MO scholarship to VMI! They just delivered it to the house, before which time I honestly did not believe it was happening. He is beyond thrilled!
 
marinemom114 said:
Thanks everyone for all the great info. DS received the call this morning that he was awarded an NROTC-MO scholarship to VMI! They just delivered it to the house, before which time I honestly did not believe it was happening. He is beyond thrilled!
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YAY! Congratulations. Nothing like being a Marine Officer.
 
marinemom114 said:
Thanks everyone for all the great info. DS received the call this morning that he was awarded an NROTC-MO scholarship to VMI! They just delivered it to the house, before which time I honestly did not believe it was happening. He is beyond thrilled!
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I can't post the link . . . forum rules . . . but look for the VMI Rat Mass 2019+3 Parent Page on Facebook . . . lots of good info there . . . you will have to prove you are a new VMI Rat Parent . . . good camaraderie with other new VMI Rat parents . . . Welcome to an extraordinary family . . . Rah Virginia Mil!
 
New@This said:
I would like to hear the response to this as well. DS applied to The Citadel, VMI and Norwich and was accepted to all 3. He has a great financial aid package from Norwich but haven't heard from the other 2 yet. In the end, I think it will come down to cost.
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We are in the same boat. Kid has NROTC to the same three universities and my preference was for VMI or the Citadel but Norwich has the best financial package.
 
Walman888 said:
DD got both 3 yr AFROTC and a 4 yr AROTC scholarship. Accepted to VMI the Citadel, and Norwich. Norwich , by far is the better option financially. Citadel is 2nd, VMI 3rd In dealing with staff at all 3 institutions, Norwich proved to be most efficient and the friendliest. In addition to the above they were most forthcoming with details in regards to finance. I believe that USMCGrunt is correct in that the degree itself is what matters most. Not where you got it. We won't go into debt or saddle our DD with it immediately upon entering the career world. Please understand, not taking a shot at VMI or the Citadel, but this has been our experience so far. We will visit all in the middle of March and update findings. More than anything, best of luck to all of the candidates.
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We told our kid we would take out loans if he wanted to go to particular school and he said that he's leaning towards Norwich because he doesn't want us or him to have debt when there's a university that is offering a generous financial package that will cover room/board. He said that the end goal is the same no matter where he ends up. It's cold up there in Vermont!
 
Norwich has offered a very generous financial package to DS as well. DS visited Norwich last month (during one of the storms they had) and absolutely loved the campus. Wants to go Coast Guard so if USCGA doesn't work out then I think that is where he will go. Also accepted to VMI and Citadel. VMI didn't have as generous of a package and still waiting on Citadel financial aid. So far, Norwich is the most affordable option over even the in state colleges and universities.

DS has calculated out how much he would owe if he doesn't ever get an ROTC scholarship. He also knows what he will be making if he commissions. There is definitely a line he won't cross but he hasn't reached that point yet. He is busy applying for local scholarships. He said they are a breeze compared to the SA and MOC nomination applications.
 
ChoirDude said:
Walman888 said:
DD got both 3 yr AFROTC and a 4 yr AROTC scholarship. Accepted to VMI the Citadel, and Norwich. Norwich , by far is the better option financially. Citadel is 2nd, VMI 3rd In dealing with staff at all 3 institutions, Norwich proved to be most efficient and the friendliest. In addition to the above they were most forthcoming with details in regards to finance. I believe that USMCGrunt is correct in that the degree itself is what matters most. Not where you got it. We won't go into debt or saddle our DD with it immediately upon entering the career world. Please understand, not taking a shot at VMI or the Citadel, but this has been our experience so far. We will visit all in the middle of March and update findings. More than anything, best of luck to all of the candidates.
Click to expand...

We told our kid we would take out loans if he wanted to go to particular school and he said that he's leaning towards Norwich because he doesn't want us or him to have debt when there's a university that is offering a generous financial package that will cover room/board. He said that the end goal is the same no matter where he ends up. It's cold up there in Vermont!
Click to expand...
Just visited Norwich last week. It was fantastic. DD loved it. So, Norwich it is.
 
Walman888 said:
ChoirDude said:
Walman888 said:
DD got both 3 yr AFROTC and a 4 yr AROTC scholarship. Accepted to VMI the Citadel, and Norwich. Norwich , by far is the better option financially. Citadel is 2nd, VMI 3rd In dealing with staff at all 3 institutions, Norwich proved to be most efficient and the friendliest. In addition to the above they were most forthcoming with details in regards to finance. I believe that USMCGrunt is correct in that the degree itself is what matters most. Not where you got it. We won't go into debt or saddle our DD with it immediately upon entering the career world. Please understand, not taking a shot at VMI or the Citadel, but this has been our experience so far. We will visit all in the middle of March and update findings. More than anything, best of luck to all of the candidates.
Click to expand...

We told our kid we would take out loans if he wanted to go to particular school and he said that he's leaning towards Norwich because he doesn't want us or him to have debt when there's a university that is offering a generous financial package that will cover room/board. He said that the end goal is the same no matter where he ends up. It's cold up there in Vermont!
Click to expand...
Just visited Norwich last week. It was fantastic. DD loved it. So, Norwich it is.
Click to expand...

We have not visited yet. Can you share what your visit was like? We are in Texas and Vermont feels like a world away.
 
ChoirDude said:
Walman888 said:
ChoirDude said:
Walman888 said:
DD got both 3 yr AFROTC and a 4 yr AROTC scholarship. Accepted to VMI the Citadel, and Norwich. Norwich , by far is the better option financially. Citadel is 2nd, VMI 3rd In dealing with staff at all 3 institutions, Norwich proved to be most efficient and the friendliest. In addition to the above they were most forthcoming with details in regards to finance. I believe that USMCGrunt is correct in that the degree itself is what matters most. Not where you got it. We won't go into debt or saddle our DD with it immediately upon entering the career world. Please understand, not taking a shot at VMI or the Citadel, but this has been our experience so far. We will visit all in the middle of March and update findings. More than anything, best of luck to all of the candidates.
Click to expand...

We told our kid we would take out loans if he wanted to go to particular school and he said that he's leaning towards Norwich because he doesn't want us or him to have debt when there's a university that is offering a generous financial package that will cover room/board. He said that the end goal is the same no matter where he ends up. It's cold up there in Vermont!
Click to expand...
Just visited Norwich last week. It was fantastic. DD loved it. So, Norwich it is.
Click to expand...

We have not visited yet. Can you share what your visit was like? We are in Texas and Vermont feels like a world away.
Click to expand...
I will reply in a couple of hours. On the go right now. But it was all positive.
 
ChoirDude said:
Walman888 said:
ChoirDude said:
Walman888 said:
DD got both 3 yr AFROTC and a 4 yr AROTC scholarship. Accepted to VMI the Citadel, and Norwich. Norwich , by far is the better option financially. Citadel is 2nd, VMI 3rd In dealing with staff at all 3 institutions, Norwich proved to be most efficient and the friendliest. In addition to the above they were most forthcoming with details in regards to finance. I believe that USMCGrunt is correct in that the degree itself is what matters most. Not where you got it. We won't go into debt or saddle our DD with it immediately upon entering the career world. Please understand, not taking a shot at VMI or the Citadel, but this has been our experience so far. We will visit all in the middle of March and update findings. More than anything, best of luck to all of the candidates.
Click to expand...

We told our kid we would take out loans if he wanted to go to particular school and he said that he's leaning towards Norwich because he doesn't want us or him to have debt when there's a university that is offering a generous financial package that will cover room/board. He said that the end goal is the same no matter where he ends up. It's cold up there in Vermont!
Click to expand...
Just visited Norwich last week. It was fantastic. DD loved it. So, Norwich it is.
Click to expand...

We have not visited yet. Can you share what your visit was like? We are in Texas and Vermont feels like a world away.
Click to expand...
So, Norwich. Beautiful campus, A-1 condition. Library is huge and a showpiece of the campus. The main dining facility is exceptional too. Dorms are modern, and comfortable. Athletic facilities are modern, very well maintained. All facilities are maintained with care. We spoke with the AFROTC and the AROTC reps. After both reps were finished the choice was even tougher. They do their jobs with expertise and professionalism. We chose Army simply because the scholarship was the better of the two offers. Financially Norwich was by far a better value in comparison to the Citadel and VMI. DD will major in Cyber and Norwich leads the field in that regard. There was a family and small school feel about Norwich that we and especially DD liked very much immediately.
We are in CA and Vermont IS a world away! Burlington airport is about 50 miles from Norwich and is doable. The University offered to fly DD out there at their expense for the tour initially but we had to see it for ourselves. They were great!
In short we are sold. The visit and the finances convinced us. The campus, the staff, and clientele were fantastic.

DD even bought a pair of boots.

If you have any more questions don't hesitate to PM

W
 
Walman888 said:
ChoirDude said:
Walman888 said:
ChoirDude said:
Walman888 said:
DD got both 3 yr AFROTC and a 4 yr AROTC scholarship. Accepted to VMI the Citadel, and Norwich. Norwich , by far is the better option financially. Citadel is 2nd, VMI 3rd In dealing with staff at all 3 institutions, Norwich proved to be most efficient and the friendliest. In addition to the above they were most forthcoming with details in regards to finance. I believe that USMCGrunt is correct in that the degree itself is what matters most. Not where you got it. We won't go into debt or saddle our DD with it immediately upon entering the career world. Please understand, not taking a shot at VMI or the Citadel, but this has been our experience so far. We will visit all in the middle of March and update findings. More than anything, best of luck to all of the candidates.
Click to expand...

We told our kid we would take out loans if he wanted to go to particular school and he said that he's leaning towards Norwich because he doesn't want us or him to have debt when there's a university that is offering a generous financial package that will cover room/board. He said that the end goal is the same no matter where he ends up. It's cold up there in Vermont!
Click to expand...
Just visited Norwich last week. It was fantastic. DD loved it. So, Norwich it is.
Click to expand...

We have not visited yet. Can you share what your visit was like? We are in Texas and Vermont feels like a world away.
Click to expand...
So, Norwich. Beautiful campus, A-1 condition. Library is huge and a showpiece of the campus. The main dining facility is exceptional too. Dorms are modern, and comfortable. Athletic facilities are modern, very well maintained. All facilities are maintained with care. We spoke with the AFROTC and the AROTC reps. After both reps were finished the choice was even tougher. They do their jobs with expertise and professionalism. We chose Army simply because the scholarship was the better of the two offers. Financially Norwich was by far a better value in comparison to the Citadel and VMI. DD will major in Cyber and Norwich leads the field in that regard. There was a family and small school feel about Norwich that we and especially DD liked very much immediately.
We are in CA and Vermont IS a world away! Burlington airport is about 50 miles from Norwich and is doable. The University offered to fly DD out there at their expense for the tour initially but we had to see it for ourselves. They were great!
In short we are sold. The visit and the finances convinced us. The campus, the staff, and clientele were fantastic.

DD even bought a pair of boots.

If you have any more questions don't hesitate to PM

W
Click to expand...

Thank you for the detailed information. My kid has an NROTC Scholarship Award which is slated for Norwich at this time. They have been the most responsive of the schools that he has been accepted to and they sent a rep to the school late last year to speak to all of the cadets in the NJROTC Program.
 
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