The U.S. Armed Forces run five military service academies, offering an excellent 4-year college education. Graduates earn a Bachelor of Science degree and become officers, like second lieutenants or ensigns, in their respective military branch.
The costs of tuition, fees, textbooks, room and board, as well as medical and dental care are covered in full. Students also receive a small monthly stipend. In exchange, they commit to a service obligation of at least five years.
Securing admission to the academies is highly competitive, hinging on various factors such as high school GPA, ACT/SAT scores, leadership background, involvement in sports, extracurricular engagements, and community service. Furthermore, a letter of recommendation from a member of Congress is a mandatory component of the application process.
The service academies include:
- U.S. Military Academy (USMA) in West Point, New York (1-800-822-8762)
- U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) in Annapolis, Maryland (1-800-638-9156)
- U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) in Colorado Springs, Colorado (1-800-443-9266)
- U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) in New London, Connecticut (1-800-883-8724)
- U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in Kings Point, New York (1-866-546-4778)
