Learn About the 5 United States Military Academies

Military Academies in the United States offer an excellent option for students who are interested in serving their country and receiving a quality education at no cost. Students at these institutions typically receive free tuition, room, and board as well as a small stipend for expenses. All five of the undergraduate military academies have selective admissions, and all require at least five years of service upon graduation. These schools are not for everyone, but those with a desire to serve their country will receive an excellent education for free.

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United States Air Force Academy - USAFA

Although the Air Force Academy does not have the lowest acceptance rate of the military academies, it does have the highest admissions bar. Successful applicants will need grades and standardized test scores that are well above average.

Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Enrollment: 4,338 (all undergraduate)
Nomination Requirement: From a member of Congress
Service Requirement: Five years in the Air Force
Popular Majors: Business Administration, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Behavioral Sciences, Biology
Athletics: NCAA Division I Mountain West Conference
For acceptance rates, test scores and other admissions data, see the Air Force Academy profile

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United States Coast Guard Academy - USCGA

USS Seawolf sails past the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Marion Doss / Flickr

An impressive 80% of graduates from the Coast Guard Academy go on to graduate school, often funded by the Coast Guard. Graduates of USCGA receive commissions as ensigns and work for at least five years aboard cutters or in ports.

Location: New London, Connecticut
Enrollment: 1,071 (all undergraduate)
Nomination Requirement: None. Admissions are entirely merit-based.
Service Requirement: 5 years in the Coast Guard
Popular Majors: Civil Engineering, Business Administration, Political Science, Mechanical Engineering, Oceanography, Marine Engineering
Athletics: Division III except for Division I Rifle and Pistol
For acceptance rates, test scores and other admissions data, see the Coast Guard Academy profile

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United States Merchant Marine Academy - USMMA

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Graduation.
Kevin Kane / WireImage / Getty Images

All students at USMMA train in fields related to transportation and shipping. Graduates have more options than those from other service academies. They can work five years in the U.S. maritime industry with eight years as a reserve officer in any branch of the armed forces. They also have the option of serving five years of active duty in one of the armed forces.

Location: Kings Point, New York
Enrollment: 1,015 (all undergraduate)
Nomination Requirement: From a member of Congress
Service Requirement: At least 5 years
Popular Majors: Marine Science, Naval Architecture, Systems Engineering
Athletics: Division III
For acceptance rates, test scores and other admissions data, see the Merchant Marine Academy profile

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United States Military Academy at West Point

West Point - The U.S. Military Academy. U.S. Army RDECOM / Flickr

West Point is one of the most selective of the military academies. Graduates are given the rank of second lieutenant in the Army. Two U.S. presidents and numerous successful scholars and business leaders hail from West Point.

Location: West Point, New York
Enrollment: 4,589 (all undergraduate)
Nomination Requirement: From a member of Congress
Service Requirement: 5 years in the Army; 3 years in the Reserves
Popular Majors: Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Economics, Civil Engineering, Industrial Management, Business Administration
Athletics: NCAA Division I Patriot League
For acceptance rates, test scores and other admissions data, see the West Point profile

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United States Naval Academy - Annapolis

Annapolis - United States Naval Academy. Michael Bentley / Flickr

Students at the Naval Academy are midshipmen who are on active duty in the Navy. Upon graduation, students receive commissions as ensigns in the Navy or second lieutenants in the Marines.

Location: Annapolis, Maryland
Enrollment: 4,512 (all undergraduate)
Nomination Requirement: From a member of Congress
Service Requirement: 5 years or longer
Popular Majors: Political Science, Oceanography, Economics, History, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering
Athletics: NCAA Division I Patriot League
For acceptance rates, test scores and other admissions data, see the Annapolis profile

The appeal of a free education is obviously a big draw for these five excellent institutions, but they are not for everyone. The demands of both course work and training are rigorous, and matriculation does commit you to years of service upon graduation.