The Montgomery GI Bill, on the other hand, pays a monthly stipend based on the type of education or training a veteran is receiving and the number of courses taken. Acceptance Rate: 55.9% After your commitment, you will be able to join the workforce within your branch of the U.S. military or follow your career path out of the service. Economics and political science are possibilities. *This regulation supersedes AR 150-1, dated 5 March 2019. Average yearly tuition: $6,480 per year. Description: The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) is one of the cheapest military colleges on the list for affordability. Timeline outlining the history of service academies. If youre interested, head over to The Air Force is responsible for the safety of our nation and its interests around the world. United States National Mine Health and Safety Academy, founded 1971. Want to learn how to earn a Service Academy appointment? The academy was first established on April 1, 1954, the youngest of all five service academies. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, was founded in 1845 as the Naval School through the efforts of then Secretary of the Navy George Bancroft. Born in San Francisco, CA and raised in Las Vegas, NV, she graduated from the University of South Florida with a Major in biological health sciences. It currently enrolls nearly 1,700 cadets who may pursue civilian careers or accept an officers commission in any of the U.S. military branches. Also, compared to the other federal academies, the USMMA offers the most career options. Military academies can still consider race in admissions, but the rest of the nation's colleges and universities cannot, court rules. Additionally, school-sponsored study-abroad trips allow students to focus on maritime security and policy with first-hand exposure across the globe. In addition, you will need to verify that you meet certain criteria, such as being an unmarried US citizen with no dependents. If youre up for more academic challenges, the United States Merchant Marine Academy may be a great fit for you. Service Commitment: At least 5 years once earning their commission. If youre up for the challenge, military universities can provide an incredible education that opens up many opportunities. - 14, Posthumous Graduation and Commission of United States Military Academy Cadets (para 5 - 5). (The Coast Guard does not require nominations.). Graduates are given the rank of second lieutenant in the Army. The school was founded on October 10, 1845. Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado On average, about one third of the graduating class each year will actively sail on their Coast Guard license as either Unlimited Third Mates or Third Assistant Engineers in the United States Merchant Marine, about one third will go to work in the civilian maritime industry ashore, and the remaining one third will enter active duty military service. High school students must understand that this is not a traditional college application or a traditional college experience. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, was founded in 1876. Acceptance Rate: 41% Location: Kings Point, New York Acceptance rate (fall 2020): 16% Federal agency affiliation: U.S. Admissions are entirely merit-based. Some schools will ask students to pay for other expenses, while most will pay for it. Georgia is the only state in the country with both a military junior college and a senior military college. *** The Merchant Marine Academy has a close relationship with the U.S. Armed Forces, as noted on its website, but is not part of the Department of Defense. These cadre members are responsible for the training and development of the cadets under their command. Naval Academy (like West Point) is on a former fort at the confluence of the Severn River and the Chesapeake Bay. Students will have a choice between eight challenging majors. Location: Wayne, Pennslyvania The U.S. military service academies are tuition-free, four-year degree-granting institutions operated by the military departments. Some academies have extensive foreign language programs. Telephone: 860-444-8270 Each student who graduates from the school will earn Bachelor of Science degrees and are commissioned as second lieutenants in the United States Army., To learn more about the academy, head over to Enrollment is a bit less than 1,100 cadets, 38% of whom are women and more than a third of whom are part of minority groups. The National Fire Academy, also known as "NFA", founded in 1976. As junior officers, they are responsible for the safety and security of those under their command. At either type of school, youll be able to choose a major and work toward your career goals. Although all schools have very different curriculum and career outcomes, they have important similarities. All Rights Reserved. The U.S. Air Force Academy is in Colorado Springs, Colorado. 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. Location: Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts Location: New London, Connecticut Enrollment: 1,071 (all undergraduate) Nomination Requirement: None. According to data from the National Center for Admissions Statistics, when attending the US Naval Academy, approximately 30 percent of cadets graduate with some form of engineering degree. Some of the potential career paths available to ensigns include leadership positions within military departments such as intelligence, aviation, and logistics. Fortunately, there are many ways to prepare for a career in the Armed Forces, and attending a military college is among the best choices. Our goal is to give all students the tools they need to pursue their chosen path. Related Article Joining The Military After College: How To Do It The Right Way, Founded: 1929 All applicants, except for the United States Coast Guard Academy, are required to obtain a nomination to the academies. www.usmma.edu. The median early career salary among the Forbes top 25 is $77,980 at Johns Hopkins University. Copyright 2007- 2023. All Rights Reserved. The USMA is often referred to as West Point. U.S. Military Academies. This time period is particularly revealing because it reflects earnings by academy graduates after many of them have ended active duty and entered the civilian workforce. This military academy focuses on preparing future Coast Guard officers in nine major fields of study. Location:New London, Conn. Admiral Farragut Academy: A private co-ed boarding school for grades 6 to 12. With experience and further training, Ensigns can eventually rise to the rank of Captain or even Admiral, leading military operations and managing large-scale Naval units. You may even receive a monthly stipend. The students have the responsibility of preparing the ship for sailing to foreign ports in the Caribbean. A unique aspect of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy is that tuition is free and students also earn a small paycheck for their commitment. Description: The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) resides on one of the prettiest campuses in the country. To learn more, head over to According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, military pay varies based on your rank and how long youve been in the service. www.usna.edu. Kings Point, NY 11024 Supreme Court guts affirmative action, effectively ending race-conscious admissions. They also have the option of serving five years of active duty in one of the armed forces. How do those salaries compare to the top 25 colleges and universities on Forbes 2022 list? o Updates references (app A). Text#Hello to 33-55-77 to chat with one of our advisors. Students are known as Midshipmen, who receive training in maritime law and marine engineering. Take the first step toward a military education by checking out the options for armed forces colleges. Less than 10% receive admission. A main campus serves approximately 250 full-time resident ROTC Cadets. Which Colleges Are Doing The Most For Students With The Least? New Mexico Military Institute follows the motto of Duty, Honor, and Achievement. It even competes in several Division I athletics. 121 Blake Road After completing a two-year program, students have the opportunity of receiving a transfer scholarship to a four-year degree provided at the states senior military college the University of North Georgia (UNG). Located in West Point, NY, West Point, or USMA, is the oldest Military Academy in our country, having been established by Ulysses S. Grant in 1802 as an Army training facility. Some military roles are entitled to additional compensation. VMI is unique in that unlike other senior military colleges, it only enrolls cadets. On top of that, 86 percent of students who take college classes do so successfully. The alumni include Captain Richard Phillips. Merchant Marine Academy class profile. In addition, cadets or midshipmen at these academies also receive extensive physical and leadership training and extracurricular activities and sports opportunities. To foster your leadership skills and responsibilities, it is recommended that you participate in some extra-curricular activities during high school. VRMAC follows the traditional military school format in-line with Army traditions. Application Stats: About 16,265 applications of which 8% were accepted and of those 86% enrolled (2020, August 29). You will also receive extensive physical training throughout your time at an academy, including rigorous exercise regimens and military drills. Framed by the Hudson Highlands and poised above the Hudson River, the academy currently occupies about 16,000 acres (6,000 hectares) in Orange county, New York, 50 miles (80 km) north of New York City. All cadets and midshipmen receive taxable pay at a rate of 35% of an O-1 under 2 years of service (which can be used to pay for textbooks and uniforms), free room and board, and pay no tuition or fees, with the exception of USMMA who receive taxable pay at US$1,217.10 a month only during their required 300+ days at sea during their 4-year studies. Location: Roswell, New Mexico Founded: 1842 The share of cadets at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., who identify with a racial or ethnic minority group ramped up from 20 percent in 2000, according to federal education data, to . The USMMA is known for its rigorous academic program, USMMA requires more credit hours for a baccalaureate degree than any other Federal Service Academy, according to their site. The Merchant Marine Academy is smaller than other Academies, with a total of 1000 midshipmen across all four years. Its one of the largest uniformed bodies in the United States with 2,300 members. and U.S.. AR 150-1 12 January 2021: UNCLASSIFIED: i : Headquarters Department of the Army : Washington, DC Decapeptide-12 Review (2023): Does It Really Work? It bases its four pillars of excellence on military training, academics, athletics, and character development. Its campus was originally a military strategic point dating back to the American Revolutionary War. Average yearly tuition: $14,918 per year (in-state), $38,174 per year (out of state). Graduates are commissioned usually as either ensigns in the Navy or second lieutenants in the Marine Corps, with a minimum five-year service obligation. Army: 17 - 35 Coast Guard: 17 - 31 Marine Corps: 17 - 28 Navy: 17 - 39 Space Force: 17 - 39 The age limits are different if you join as an officer or join the Guard or Reserve. Additionally, students may consider the Service Academy Program (SAP) which prepares students that wish to attend one of the major service academies in the United States. Founded: 1842 The Best Military Colleges by Doug Wintemute Updated September 8, 2022 Federal Military Academies Senior Military Colleges Junior Military Colleges Maritime Colleges College-Prep Military Schools Resources for Military Studentst FAQs Are you ready to discover your college program? What size school do you want? The U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy and Merchant Marine Academy offer a tuition-free educationbut getting in takes hard work and patience. Undergraduates who attend the college will experience a historic campus called the Yard. According to their site, 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. Acceptance Rate: 10.7% Section 19 of the Act intends to help service members and their spouses easily obtain professional licenses when they Information about each military service academy is found on their respective websites. Mass Maritime is the second oldest state maritime academy in the nation. The five military academies Military academy eligibility requirements The military academy application process When will I know if I've been accepted to a military academy? Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) You can review each military academy to see which one is a good fit for your future goals. Additional questions should be directed to the contact addresses below: United States Military Academy Cadets are officers-in-training that work toward a Bachelor of Science in 45 majors. ATTN: Public Affairs Office While they are often referred to as military academies, only the Military Academy, Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy are operated by the Department of Defense. The student profiles of admitted students are very impressive in terms of standardized test scores, high school grades, extracurricular achievements and national recognitions. Admissions criteria include: High school academic performance Standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) The Naval Academy commissions midshipmen into both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps. Why do people go to military academies? Army officers must be committed to the service of the country and their fellow soldiers, and live by the militarys core values of integrity, honor, courage, and selfless service. All five of the undergraduate military academies have selective admissions, and all require at least five years of service upon graduation. If you want to learn more about the military and its different branches, check out our resources below. To pursue this type of education, start early and present the strongest application that you can. Chicago Military Academy: A public co-ed day school serving grades 9 to 12. The academies are a major officer commissioning source, along with the Reserve Officer Training Corps and Officer Candidate School. Graduates are commissioned as second lieutenants in the Army and serve for five years on active duty. Virginia Military Institute currently offers 15 disciplines in engineering, science, and liberal arts. Whether you are protecting our coasts from environmental threats or working to keep our waterways safe, you will have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others. Absolutely! Midshipmen must receive a nomination from a member of Congress and commit to service after graduation, like West Point and USAFA. The Naval Academy offers a range of majors, albeit smaller than at most universities. Graduates of the U.S. Upon graduation and the receipt of a Bachelor of Science degree, the cadets and midshipmen commission as second lieutenants or ensigns and must serve a minimum term of duty, usually five years plus another three years in the reserves. 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.