VMI permanently changed my life in a VERY positive way. The investment in a VMI education was priceless. When I say "education", I am NOT referring to the academics. While the academics were excellent, the real education for dealing with life takes place in the barracks. No other school could have offered that to me. Keep in mind, things were different "back then" (all male, Vietnam era, classes 6 days a week, etc.). I highly recommend getting the perspective of a more recent graduate to see how things are relevant to current times. Best wishes to you and your son!