Senior Military Colleges (SMCs)
Four-year colleges with optional or required military programs, including the six Senior Military Colleges of the U.S. that award commissions through ROTC.
6 institutions listed
Senior Military Colleges by State
Browse Senior Military Colleges (6 programs)
Norwich University
Northfield, VT
Norwich University, founded in 1819, is the oldest private military college in the United States and is recognized as the birthplace of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). It is a private university located in Northfield, Vermont, offering a broad-based education with a focus on leadership development and military training.
Texas A&M University (Corps of Cadets)
College Station, TX
The Texas A&M Corps of Cadets is a student military organization with a mission to develop well-educated leaders of character. The experience is rooted in the values of honor, integrity, discipline, and selfless service, preparing cadets for future global leadership challenges. Notably, Corps membership carries no military obligation—cadets may pursue commissioning or graduate with leadership credentials for civilian careers.
The Citadel
Charleston, SC
The Citadel is a landmark senior military college in Charleston, South Carolina, established in 1842. It is renowned for its rigorous Corps of Cadets program, which develops principled leaders for both military and civilian careers.
University of North Georgia
Dahlonega, GA
The University of North Georgia is a public, state-designated military college, and is one of six senior military colleges in the United States. As part of the University System of Georgia, it offers a wide range of academic programs across its multiple campuses while maintaining a strong military tradition through its Corps of Cadets.
Virginia Military Institute (VMI)
Lexington, VA
Virginia Military Institute (VMI) is a public senior military college in Lexington, Virginia, founded in 1839. It is the oldest public senior military college in the United States and offers undergraduate degrees in 14 disciplines in engineering, science, and the liberal arts.
Virginia Tech (Corps of Cadets)
Blacksburg, VA
The Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets is a world-class leader development program that builds, educates, trains, and inspires cadets to be leaders of character. Anchored in the university’s core values, cadets are prepared for a lifetime of leadership, service, and impact across the military, public service, and private sectors.
Recommended Guides
Military Schools for Boys
A complete list of all-boys military schools in the United States, including private boarding academies, day schools, and elementary options.
Military Schools for Girls
Options for girls seeking military-style education, from the nation's only all-female cadet program to coed academies with strong traditions of female leadership.
The Cadet Life Handbook: From Reveille to Roommates
The definitive guide to daily life at military boarding school. From the 6 AM wake-up to living with a roommate from a different world—everything parents and students need to know.