VMI, the Citadel, and SDSU

Semper Fi Aim High said:
Glad to see people finally recognizing how different the 2 schools are.
And 100% agree w USNA comments: never met a Navy grad who impressed. Unfortunately, had to report a USNA grad at flight training for cheating on the swim test. Who cares what Navy midshipmen have to say. Fly Navy? No thanks.
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Very different and very similar, I'd say. I actually think the CORPS of CADETS experience at the two schools is, despite some differences, more similar than lots of folks would like to believe.

That said, I think a lot of the other differences are explained as easily as pointing out the differences between Lexington, VA, and Charleston, SC. There's just a lot more going on/diversity of people/activities/opportunities in Charleston than there is in Lexington, and to a certain extent both institutions are reflective of that.
 
lolothekid07 said:
Hey everyone. I just needed some advice. I'm kinda being pulled in different directions as to where I'd want to attend college if I don't get accepted into the Naval Academy. The problem is, I haven't heard great things about VMI or the Citadel, and now I'm starting to look at moving to San Diego to attend their NROTC program. I do like the idea of having more freedom and a more normal college experience, but I wouldn't mind attending the other two schools if they aren't as bad as people make them out to be. What do you guys suggest?
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If the "negatives" you are talking about is in regards to the hazing allegations as reported by Washington Post, I can assure you often the things you have heard about the institute is exaggerated. There is a clear distinction between discipline and hard training in comparison to hazing. I am an incoming 3rd classmen, and whilst my ratline experienced was rough at times (old corp would probably say we have it easy 😂😅), nothing ever amounted to hazing. There is a distinct and explicit standard at VMI, that prevents such things from happening. If you need more information specifically about the Ratline, I'll be glad to answer any. Like I said, Ratline was tough, but some of my closest friends now are because of the Ratline.
 
VMI28 said:
If the "negatives" you are talking about is in regards to the hazing allegations as reported by Washington Post, I can assure you often the things you have heard about the institute is exaggerated. There is a clear distinction between discipline and hard training in comparison to hazing. I am an incoming 3rd classmen, and whilst my ratline experienced was rough at times (old corp would probably say we have it easy 😂😅), nothing ever amounted to hazing. There is a distinct and explicit standard at VMI, that prevents such things from happening. If you need more information specifically about the Ratline, I'll be glad to answer any. Like I said, Ratline was tough, but some of my closest friends now are because of the Ratline.
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As my BR stated above, don't take what you see on Business Insider or the Washington Post for face value. As an upcoming hell week corporal, the Ratline will test you. We will demand of you, but it is a professional matter. If you are truly committed to wanting to not settle for ordinary, VMI is it. Since you want to commission marines, I'd say to come here. While I can't speak directly for Marine ROTC, as I'm AFROTC, this place will give you the tools that you will need to succeed. It really is what you to do to make the most of it.
 
lolothekid07 said:
Hey everyone. I just needed some advice. I'm kinda being pulled in different directions as to where I'd want to attend college if I don't get accepted into the Naval Academy. The problem is, I haven't heard great things about VMI or the Citadel, and now I'm starting to look at moving to San Diego to attend their NROTC program. I do like the idea of having more freedom and a more normal college experience, but I wouldn't mind attending the other two schools if they aren't as bad as people make them out to be. What do you guys suggest?
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you want freedom and a more normal college experience but you want to go to USNA? Is this some kind of joke post????
 
Tac-p21 said:
@lolothekid07, I have to quantify anything USNA midshipmen say negative about VMI is suspect. I served 24 years with many different officers and enlisted, and I have never been impressed by Navy grads. To start, USNA has an “honor concept” not a code, and perhaps their Marine option grads are upset that VMI grads consistently outperform them at TBS. Maybe it’s because VMI has an endowment which is more than double USNA’s… who knows…

I’ve said this many times here, but comparing VMI to the Citadel is like comparing apples to oranges:
VMI is a VERY old-fashioned military school. VMI has 1650 cadets, no civilian students. Everyone lives in spartan barracks and there are no night or online diploma programs at VMI. Every VMI athlete on the field is a cadet.
I highly encourage you to disregard anything you hear from USNA grads or midshipmen, visit both schools and ask many questions—do your homework and research, then decide and commit.
At this point it sounds like SDSU or the Citadel might be a better fit for you. Good luck either way.
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why would a service academy need an endowment???? The usual garbage post from the resident slanderer.
 
conrack said:
why would a service academy need an endowment???? The usual garbage post from the resident slanderer.
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Kinda surprised you don't know that the USNA Foundation and Alumni Association has a large amount of assets under management, maybe $500MM or so, and they allocate a significant amount of money to the Naval Academy each year (if my memory serves me, it was $20 or $30MM last year, maybe more). That money also allows them a significant influence over Annapolis. Have you seen the new building they constructed on King George St? They have some serious cash. This is a very similar setup to the VMI foundation, where the endowment falls under a separate entity.
 
USMC Crayons said:
Kinda surprised you don't know that the USNA Foundation and Alumni Association has a large amount of assets under management, maybe $500MM or so, and they allocate a significant amount of money to the Naval Academy each year (if my memory serves me, it was $20 or $30MM last year, maybe more). That money also allows them a significant influence over Annapolis. Have you seen the new building they constructed on King George St? They have some serious cash. This is a very similar setup to the VMI foundation, where the endowment falls under a separate entity.
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The Citadel has 3 non-profit organizations that are considered “Related Organizations,” similar to those at VMI, and these have endowments of ~ $500 million as of 12/31/24. They release about 4.5% of this amount annually for the benefit of the college, mostly for financial aid.
 
VMI foundation funds room and board for ROTC scholarship recipients through its Call to Duty scholarships. If your child has an ROTC scholarship - even just a 3 year - they will probably have room and board covered for all 4 years. I am not sure the others have anything similar.
 
Mom6 said:
VMI foundation funds room and board for ROTC scholarship recipients through its Call to Duty scholarships. If your child has an ROTC scholarship - even just a 3 year - they will probably have room and board covered for all 4 years. I am not sure the others have anything similar.
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The Citadel gives the National Service Scholarship to cover room and board for ROTC scholarship recipients. If you qualify for the full Pell Grant based on your FAFSA you get full room and board. Others receive lesser amounts but everyone gets at least the room portion of room and board covered.

So, it's not quite as good as VMI's incentive, but it is very good.
 
USMC Crayons said:
Kinda surprised you don't know that the USNA Foundation and Alumni Association has a large amount of assets under management, maybe $500MM or so, and they allocate a significant amount of money to the Naval Academy each year (if my memory serves me, it was $20 or $30MM last year, maybe more). That money also allows them a significant influence over Annapolis. Have you seen the new building they constructed on King George St? They have some serious cash. This is a very similar setup to the VMI foundation, where the endowment falls under a separate entity.
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Completely agree. Endowments help alumni directly support the cadets. VMI’s over $800M in endowed funds ensures a small school like VMI has an enormous positive impact on the cadets directly.
All previous input aside, it’s great to see Navy alum understand that!
 
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