US Coast Guard Academy
USCGA Mission
"To graduate young men and women with sound bodies, stout hearts and alert minds, with a liking for the sea and its lore, with that high sense of honor, loyalty and obedience which goes with trained initiative and leadership; well grounded in seamanship, the sciences and amenities, and strong in the resolve to be worthy of the traditions of commissioned officers in the United States Coast Guard in the service of their country and humanity."
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The US Coast Guard Academy is located in New London, Connecticut. It provides a prestigious four year education to elite students committed to their future. USCGA proudly educates a multi-mission, maritime military force. Although one of the smallest service academies, it does lag behind in any regard.
Every student is carefully selected based not only on academics but their physical fitness, character, leadership, athletic abilities, and community experiences. Those awarded admission receive an exceptional education with tuition, room and board, and all other expenses FULLY paid. This means you can receive a college degree for absolutely FREE!!
Every student is carefully selected based not only on academics but their physical fitness, character, leadership, athletic abilities, and community experiences. Those awarded admission receive an exceptional education with tuition, room and board, and all other expenses FULLY paid. This means you can receive a college degree for absolutely FREE!!
What's the catch?
As we all know, nothing in this world comes free. A Coast Guard Academy education is among the best you can receive. With full expenses paid, the US military requires a five year active duty and three year reserve commitment to the United States Coast Guard upon graduation. Graduates earn a Bachelor of Science and enter the military as a commissioned officer formally called an ensign. Entering the Coast Guard as an officer means better pay and benefits.
Is it really that competitive?
Below are some statistics of USCGA Applicants.
Class of 2017
Class of 2017
- 1,992 completed the application process
- 328 appointments were offered
- 231 cadets were sworn in
- 47% in the top 10% of high school class
- 80% in the top 25% of high school class
- 94% in the top 50% of high school class
- 89% earned a varsity letter in high school
- 70% were team captains in high school
- 36% have a parent who has served in the military
- 33% attended AIM
- 21% attended the CGA Scholars (prep) program
- 80% intend a technical major
- 221/300 was the average applicant PFE score
- 22% were band or performing arts members
- Standardized Test Scores:
- Median SAT: Math 660, Critical Reading 620, Writing 610
- Median ACT: Math 28, English 27, Writing 26, Composition 28
How do I prepare to get into the USCGA?
Take Advanced Courses
As you can see, the academics alone make for a competitive admission process. To be as prepared as possible, students should take an advanced curriculum starting in middle school and extending through high school. USCGA recommends:
Be Well Rounded
USCGA considers athletic achievement and extracurricular activities, in addition to academics.
Meet Basic Requirements
West point has other requirements that applicants must meet including the following:
Note: Unlike other service academies, the USCGA does NOT require any nominations.
These are just a few requirements and recommendations. You will need to visit the US Coast Guard Academy website, as provided at the bottom of this page.
As you can see, the academics alone make for a competitive admission process. To be as prepared as possible, students should take an advanced curriculum starting in middle school and extending through high school. USCGA recommends:
- 4 years of English
- 4 years of mathematics
- 3 years of laboratory science
- Honors, advanced placement, and international baccalaureate courses
Be Well Rounded
USCGA considers athletic achievement and extracurricular activities, in addition to academics.
- Student government
- Clubs
- Community service
- Leadership experiences
- Varsity sports
Meet Basic Requirements
West point has other requirements that applicants must meet including the following:
- Age 17-22
- US Citizen of sound moral character
- Unmarried
- Not pregnant and no obligation to provide support to a dependent
Note: Unlike other service academies, the USCGA does NOT require any nominations.
These are just a few requirements and recommendations. You will need to visit the US Coast Guard Academy website, as provided at the bottom of this page.
How do I apply?
The process to apply is detailed. To learn about the admission process and to ensure you don't miss anything, click here.
When should I apply?
When preparing to apply for the USCGA, it's never too early to start. To learn more about essential dates, visit this link.
Frequently Asked Questions
Follow this link for FAQ for USCGA.
For more information about the US Coast Guard Academy, visit www.uscga.edu.
For more information about the US Coast Guard Academy, visit www.uscga.edu.
All information on this page retrieved from www.uscgga.edu