eligibility is not restricted to virginia residents, although it is more difficult to gain an appointment as a non-resident, because vmi has a goal that no more than 45 percent of cadets come from outside virginia. virginia residents receive a discount in tuition, as is common at most state-sponsored schools. total tuition, room & board, and other fees for the 2008–2009 school year was approximately $17,000 for virginia residents and $34,000 for all others.