Military Academies

Overview of Military Academies

The five federal undergraduate service academies do not charge students for tuition, textbooks, uniforms or room and board. Each academy provides extensive fitness and leadership training, which are combined with a rigorous curriculum that includes courses in the humanities and sciences. Academy graduates typically receive a military commission for a junior officer position immediately upon graduation, though alumni of the Merchant Marine Academy frequently find leadership roles at nonmilitary federal agencies.

Attending a military academy is not like regular college. Academy students do not have the freedom their college peers take for granted, there is not much downtime, and time away from campus is extremely limited.

The Five Military Academies

• U.S. Military Academy (Army), West Point, New York

• U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland

• U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado

• U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, New York

• U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut

Applying to the Military Academies

Except for the Coast Guard Academy, the military academies use a rigorous two-step application process.

• Prequalification. Applicants must be qualified before submitting an application. This includes physical and medical exams, and an interview. If qualified, students should then complete an online preliminary application in their junior year.

• Nomination. Applicants must apply for and obtain a nomination from their Congressional Representative or Senator. These applications will, in many cases, be accompanied by face-to-face interviews with the congressperson or their staff. A congressperson can submit up to ten nominees, but commonly only one or two are admitted.

The Coast Guard Academy uses an application process similar to most colleges. Their application is available online.

Tips for Applying to Military Academies

• You should have a strong GPA and test scores. You should also show strong commitment to athletic and extracurricular activities, leadership, and community involvement. Participation in high school ROTC is a plus.

• Show your interest early in high school, especially to your congressional rep. Get noticed by volunteering in the rep's local office, writing letters, and arranging for a meeting.

• You can apply to more than one academy at one time.

• You must be a U.S. citizen.

• Joining the ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) in college is an alternative route. You can attend a regular college at a low or no cost while participating, and serve your military time after you graduate.
  

The five federal undergraduate service academies do not charge students for tuition, textbooks, uniforms or room and board. Each academy provides extensive fitness and leadership training, which are combined with a rigorous curriculum that includes courses in the humanities and sciences. Academy graduates typically receive a military commission for a junior officer position immediately upon graduation, though alumni of the Merchant Marine Academy frequently find leadership roles at nonmilitary federal agencies.

Attending a military academy is not like regular college. Academy students do not have the freedom their college peers take for granted, there is not much downtime, and time away from campus is extremely limited.

Duty Commitments

Upon graduation, cadets become second lieutenants or ensigns and must serve a minimum term of duty, usually five years plus another three years in the Reserves. If the student's chosen occupation requires particularly extensive training, the tour of duty may be longer.

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