United States Coast Guard Academy

United States Coast Guard Academy was founded in 1876. The Academy is located in New London, Connecticut. The roots of the Coast Guard were established by one of the founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton. He first proposed the Revenue Marine as a part of the military service. Today, the Coast Guard is a vital component of the U.S. military.

The Academy has an acceptance rate of 20.1% and a graduation rate of 80.9%. The average first year student retention rate is 97%.

The Coast Guard Academy has five departments (engineering, humanities, management, mathematics, and science). Further, there are nine majors including cyber systems, management, marine & environmental sciences, and more. All Coast Guard cadets study math, science, and engineering, even if they choose to major in a different field.

As a part of their education, all students are required to volunteer at least 12 hours of their time each year to community organizations such as schools and nonprofit organizations. That said, many cadets volunteer more hours than is required.

There are also honor and professional societies students can join while they are enrolled at the Academy. Additionally, there are music and drama clubs, sports and recreation opportunities, diversity organizations, academic organizations, and professional organizations. All cadets are expected to participate in a sport while they are enrolled.

The total student body is 1,049. Students represent six countries and all 50 states. Students have an average GPA of 3.81, an average SAT score of 1,310, and an average ACT score of 29.

The Coast Guard Academy strives to help students accomplish their goals. “Live the life you’re meant to live. Be the leader you’re meant to be. Make the difference you’re meant to make.”

2.9% of the student body are international students, 33% are of minority backgrounds, and 38% are women. The student to faculty ratio is just 7 to 1.

The application deadline is January 15th. It is free to apply. Like the other military academies, all applicants must be a U.S. citizen, be of strong moral character, have no financial debt, have no dependents, be unmarried, and be between 17 and 23 years of age on the last Monday in June prior to entering the Academy. Further, students must be a high school graduate or have earned their GED. Students must also pass a medical exam once they are offered admission. Applicants may also be asked for an interview.

The compensation of graduates is above the average of graduates of both public and private universities. This compensation continues through retirement. There are many opportunities for career progression in the military. Progression is based on time in service, cost of living adjustments, and, of course, promotion. All branches of the military utilize the same pay structure.