Military colleges are schools to help train students in various branches of the military. Students will receive an academic education while preparing them for their time in the service. Below, we’ve outlined what a military college is, listed some examples, and provided some information about applying to them.
What is a Military College?
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Military colleges are educational institutions that are designed to educate current and future military members. They can be for students in JROTC or ROTC, or for students who are aiming to become an officer in their branch.
Military colleges will usually cover military training, academics, discipline, and leadership. Students will be required to wear uniforms and stick to a rigid daily schedule.
When people think of military colleges they usually think of the service academies, such as the United States Military Academy in West Point. However, there are other military colleges and schools available to students and service members including senior colleges, state-supported maritime colleges, service graduate schools, junior colleges, private secondary schools, and public secondary schools.
Service Academies in the United States
There are 5 service academies in the United States. These include:
1. United States Military Academy
- Acceptance Rate: 12%
- Enrollment: 4,393
- Location: West Point, NY
Also known as West Point, the United States Military Academy is for cadets looking to enter the Army as officers. It was founded in 1802, but was originally an Army post during the Revolutionary War. Cadets are called fourth class, third class, second class, and first class cadets, with brigades, regiments, battalions, and companies. Alumni have included Dwight D. Eisenhower, Ulysses S. Grant, Robert E. Lee, Douglas MacArthur, and Edgar Allan Poe.
2. United States Naval Academy
- Acceptance Rate: 10.8%
- Enrollment: 4,450
- Location: Annapolis, MD
The United States Naval Academy is also called the USNA. The academy was founded in 1845. Students who graduate will receive commissions as Ensigns in the Navy or second lieutenants in the Marine Corps, and they must serve for at least 5 years. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter was part of the graduating class of 1947.
3. United States Air Force Academy
- Acceptance Rate: 16.2%
- Enrollment: 4,085
- Location: USAF Academy, CO
The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) is located in El Paso County, Colorado. Founded in 1954, graduates go on to become second lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force or Space Force. Students receive specialized aviation and aerospace training during their four years at the academy. Graduates have included Rhodes Scholars, Marshall Scholars, and leading government officials.
4. United States Coast Guard Academy
- Acceptance Rate: 23.9%
- Enrollment: 1,049
- Location: New London, CT
Founded in 1876, the United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) was originally known as the Revenue Cutter Service School of Instruction. Students are known as cadets and are officers in training. The only available majors are Political Science and Government, Business Administration and Management, Oceanography, Mechanical Engineering, Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Operations Research, Civil Engineering, Computer and Information Systems Security, and Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
5. United States Merchant Marine Academy
- Acceptance Rate: 27.4%
- Enrollment: 943
- Location: Kings Point, NY
The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) was founded in 1943 and is for training midshipmen. Students will learn about marine engineering, maritime law, international law, customers, and more to prepare them for service on a ship. Graduates can go on to become officers in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Other Military Colleges and Schools in the United States
There are other military colleges and schools aside from the well known service academies in the United States. These include senior colleges, state-supported maritime colleges, service graduate schools, junior colleges, private secondary schools, and public secondary schools.
Some state-supported maritime colleges include the:
- California State University Maritime Academy
- Great Lakes Maritime Academy
- Texas A&M Maritime Academy.
A few service graduate schools are the:
- Army University, Marine Corps University
- Naval War College
- Air University, and
- Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies.
There are four junior colleges and dozens of public and private secondary schools in the United States for military members and aspiring military members.
Are There Military Colleges in Other Countries?
Yes, many other countries have their own military colleges. For example, there is the Sandhurst Royal Military Academy in the United Kingdom, the Indian Military Academy in India, and the National Defense Academy of Japan. In Canada, there is the Royal Military College of Canada.
Should You Attend a Military College?
Attending a military college is a very personal choice, and only one you can make. If you’re thinking about it though, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind, including:
- They Require a Term Commitment. All service academies in the United States require you to serve in the armed forces upon graduation for a set number of years, usually five. More may be required if you attend graduate school.
- You Have to Meet High Academic and Physical Fitness Standards. Military colleges and service academies demand the best from their students, and this includes high grades. Physical fitness is also crucial and cadets and other students will have to meet the fitness standards in order to remain at the college.
- They’re Very Competitive. Spots at military colleges are highly coveted and highly competitive. Students should have high grades, high SAT/ACT scores, extracurricular participation, and demonstrated leadership skills. Military colleges can also require medical assessments, fitness assessments, and interviews.
- Students usually need to have a nomination to apply. For example, West Point candidates have to receive either a Congressional nomination or Service-Connected nomination in order to apply and attend the school. A nomination doesn’t guarantee acceptance.
Find the Right College For You
Attending a military college can be a great way to start your military career, especially if you want to enter the armed forces as an officer. However, receiving an acceptance letter isn’t easy, and students considering one of these service academies need to plan ahead to get the nomination required to apply.
Do you think a military college or service academy is a good fit for your education, careers, and military service goals? College Raptor can help you learn more about acceptance rates, SAT/ACT scores, and more. Start here with College Match to learn more.
