Limited enrolment in the on-campus and graduate programs is maintained through a competition of eligible applicants. Education is free for most on-campus undergraduates because of commitments of military service following graduation; these Officer Cadets also receive an additional monthly salary. Through the distance education programs, RMC prides itself in offering flexible schedules for students with career and family commitments, accessible courses and degrees, and academic credit for appropriate military and professional experience.

Serving Canada and Canadians since 1876, RMC has placed its graduates not only in military service, but also in government, business and the professions. Almost without exception, the ex-cadets of RMC are found in positions of leadership and responsibility.

Internationally recognized, research at RMC is focused on areas of direct and indirect benefit to the Department of National Defence, with emphasis on the humanities, engineering (computer and electrical, mechanical and aerospace, ammunition, chemical and civil), environmental sciences, physics, space, chemistry, international and cyber security, governance and the economics of defence.