Are there any military junior colleges in Virginia? I'm a Virginia resident, and I'm interested in attending a military junior college before potentially commissioning. What options do I have in my state, and what should I know about them?
The state of Virginia is home to one military junior college, the Valley Forge Military Academy and College. While technically located in Pennsylvania, it's a viable option for Virginia residents due to its geographic proximity. As a military junior college, it can offer a path to an early commission through the Army's Early Commissioning Program.
Here's some information on Valley Forge Military Academy and College:
Valley Forge offers both high school (boarding school) and two-year associate degree programs. It incorporates military values and training into its framework - this includes character development, academics, physical and mental toughness, and leadership.
The Early Commissioning Program (ECP) in particular is an Army program that allows students to commission as officers after just two years of college, which can be quite appealing if you're eager to get started in your military career.
That said, while attending a military junior college can be a good start, it's important to understand that you will still need to complete a Bachelor's degree within six years of commissioning, according to the Army’s requirement. This could be done through another military institution, such as the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), or a civilian college with an ROTC program.
Remember to carefully research and understand the benefits and commitments that come with a military college education and the Early Commissioning Program. If possible, visit the campus and speak with current cadets or alumni to get a more nuanced perspective.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.