Service Academies

The five United States Military Academies, also called Service Academies, are undergraduate colleges that provide education and training to develop future commissioned officers of the U.S. Armed Forces. All service academies are free to attend - the U.S. government covers tuition and room and board, and provides military pay and benefits. However, the honor of attending a service academy comes with the obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation.

Students should apply for academy admission in the spring semester of Junior year. The earlier students apply, the better. Students will need to write a letter to their congressional representative to request a nomination. Members of Congress determine their own application deadlines, so students are encouraged to apply early. With the exception of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, a candidate cannot be offered admission without a nomination.

To prepare for the academic curriculum at the academies, students should complete four years of English with a strong emphasis on composition, grammar, literature and speech; four years of college preparatory mathematics, two years of a world language; two years of a laboratory science, such as chemistry and physics; and one year of U.S. history, including courses in geography, government and economics. Courses in precalculus and calculus, and a basic computing course, will be helpful in preparing students for their first year.

To qualify academically, students should have an above average high school or college academic record. A complete transcript of their academic achievement will be evaluated to determine their qualifications. Students should perform well on their ACT or SAT Reasoning Test. These tests demonstrate an indication of a student's potential for academic success during their first year in college. Students must meet certain requirements specified by public law in order to be considered for admission. Students will be evaluated in three areas: academic performance, demonstrated leadership potential, and physical aptitude. Students must also meet strict medical qualification requirements. Students must be a United States citizen, at least 17 years old, and not yet 23 years of age on July 1st of their year of admission. Students must not be married, pregnant, or have a legal obligation to support a child or children. If students are naturalized citizens, they must provide documentation. Most candidates will be notified of their final status by April 15th of their senior year.

Follow the links below for more information about individual academies. Complete the application online and follow the instructions carefully.

Cadets at the United States Air Force Academy receive a world-class education that prepares them for careers as leaders working for the most advanced air and space forces in the world. As pilots and engineers, cyber specialists, and space operations officers, they’re able to make an immediate impact and shape the future of this country. Application window: March 1 - December 31.

Ranked among the nation’s most prestigious institutions of higher learning, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, is proud to educate future leaders of America’s multi-mission, maritime military force. Each year, approximately 200 graduates are commissioned as Coast Guard officers to help ensure the safety, security and stewardship of our nation’s waters. Application window: July 15 - January 15; Early Action deadline is October 15.

The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy is a federal service academy that educates leaders of exemplary character who are inspired to serve the national security, marine transportation, and economic needs of the United States as licensed Merchant Marine Officers and commissioned officers in the Armed Forces. Application window: May 1 - February 1

The U.S. Military Academy at West Point's mission is "to educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the Nation as an officer in the United States Army." Application window: Feb 1 - January 31

As the undergraduate college of our country’s naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Naval Academy students are midshipmen on active duty in the U.S. Navy. Application window: April 1 - January 31