Spread the Knowledge. Share:
If you're interested in serving your country and getting a college degree, the U.S. military academies are well worth checking out.
The five United States military academies prepare students to become officers while providing them with a free undergraduate degree—in exchange for military service. The admissions process to these academies is extensive and very competitive.
The Five Official U.S. Military Academies
Although there are many military-style schools, there are only five official officer training academies operated by the U.S. Armed Forces.
- 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
What's the "Hitch"?
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.
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.
Think Twice Before You Apply
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.
Academy programs are highly challenging on many levels: academic, physical, emotional, and mental. Time management is a significant issue. Not all students thrive.
FAQs
Tips for Applying to Military Academies
How hard is it to get into the U.S. Military Academy? ›
For every 100 applicants, only 12 are admitted. This means the school is extremely selective. Meeting their GPA requirements and SAT/ACT requirements is very important to getting past their first round of filters and proving your academic preparation.
What percent of applicants get accepted to the United States Military Academy? ›
West Point admissions is extremely selective with an acceptance rate of 12%.
Why do people go to military academies? ›
Each of our military schools provides a unique learning environment that facilitates development and growth based on the age and experiences of the individual student. Time management, self-discipline, and motivation help each student identify clear goals for their growth and development.
Why might military service academies be a good choice for some students? ›
These options — service academies, senior military colleges and maritime academies — offer world-class education and a deeper understanding of military culture. In addition, these schools grant full tuition in exchange for a period of service commitment.
What is the most prestigious US military academy? ›
West Point consistently ranks as a top academic institution, known for its rigorous academic programs and a strong emphasis on leadership development. It boasts an impressive 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and mentorship for all cadets.
Which military academy pays the most? ›
For example, here are the median early-career (six years after graduation) salaries for graduates of each academy, as reported by PayScale:
- U.S. Naval Academy $90,800.
- U.S. Military Academy $88,700.
- Merchant Marine Academy $87,600.
- Air Force Academy $85,400.
- Coast Guard Academy $83,800.
You'll need to be at the top of your class if you're applying to West Point, with nearly straight A's. Year over year, the average GPA for West Point appointees is 3.9. Over 75% of West Point cadets received a GPA of 3.75 or higher during high school.
Why is West Point so hard to get into? ›
West Point and other service academies have uniquely selective admissions processes. In addition to maintaining the academic criteria of a highly selective traditional university, they test students' physical fitness and their commitment to serve in the military.
How prestigious are the military academies? ›
Upon applying, students will choose between the five army branches: military, navy, air force, coast guard, and merchant marine. They'll graduate with a Bachelor of Science (BS). These schools, while extremely rigorous, are quite prestigious.
Military junior colleges are the easiest to get into. Your academics don't need to be as good as for senior military colleges. But, make sure you meet the minimum GPA and test scores and can pass your fitness and health tests. If you are applying to Early Commision Programs, you might need to have stronger academics.
Is Rotc better than academy? ›
Service academies require commitments to a curriculum that has little to no flexibility over your first two years. There is rigor in math, science and engineering. ROTC requires courses in Military Science, but you may choose any major you like and choose a college with a curriculum that is to your liking.
What are the disadvantages of military school? ›
Explore how military school might not always be beneficial to every troubled youth.
- Might increase risk factors for those with mental illness.
- Counseling support isn't specialized for some troubled students.
- Daily schedule might be too stressful.
- Strict discipline removes personal expression.
The United States Naval Academy (Annapolis) is a prestigious military academy located in Annapolis, Maryland, United States. It was established by George Bancroft in 1845 and is considered one of the most difficult military academies to gain admission to.
Is a military academy better than a university? ›
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. Academy programs are highly challenging on many levels: academic, physical, emotional, and mental.
Why is it so hard to get into military academy? ›
It takes a specific type of student. Military service academies only admit students that proactively seek out the opportunity and surpass their peers. They have to be this strict because the tuition is “free”. Your student pays for it with effort and agrees to serve their country upon graduation.
What GPA is required for Army academy? ›
Admission Selectivity
It's important that you meet their GPA requirements to get through the first round of consideration. Last year, only 1,501 out of the 12,559 who applied were admitted. United States Military Academy typically accepts and attracts "A/A+" average high school students with an average GPA around 4.0.
How much do you get paid in the military academy? ›
Each cadet, regardless of prior service or class, receives base pay according to current military pay tables (currently $1,087.80). In January of 2019, cadets may see an increase in their base pay if there is an approved pay raise across the military.
