About the United States Coast Guard Academy

The Coast Guard Academy offers an integrated life experience that emphasizes academics, physical fitness, character and leadership, in order to graduate officers of the highest caliber.

Graduates go directly to positions of leadership in “The Shield of Freedom,” one of the most admired organizations in the world. The Academy also features an impressive teacher-student ratio and picturesque waterfront campus that instills a traditional small college feel.

Fast Facts

• Smallest of the five U.S. federal military academies
• Four-year Bachelor of Science degree program
• Founded in 1876 aboard the schooner Dobbin
• Highly selective
• No tuition
• No congressional nomination necessary
• Holistic education includes academics, physical fitness, character and leadership
• Multiple roles of multi-mission, maritime Coast Guard accommodate diverse interests

Corps of Cadets (Student Body)

• 963 cadets enrolled
• 43 states and 9 foreign nations represented
• 100% of students housed on campus
• 23 varsity athletic teams (20 Division III, 3 Division I)
• 27% of cadets are women
• 15% of cadets are minorities
• 1 faculty member for every 8 students
• 19 cadets in an average class
• 2 graduates are NASA astronauts
• 80% of graduates go to graduate school (most paid by the Coast Guard)
• 85% of graduates choose to serve beyond their 5-year commitment

Class of 2012

• 2,806 applicants
• 412 appointments offered
• 295 cadets sworn in
• 32% in top 5% of high school class
• 52% in top 10% of high school class
• 89% in top 25% of high school class
• 100% in top 50% of high school class
• 79% earned a varsity letter in high school
• 50% were team captains in high school
• 29% were in a band or orchestra
• 28% were officers in student government
• 45% attended AIM
• 75% intend a technical major
• 25% intend a major in Government or Management

Standardized Test Scores

• Median SAT: 639 Math, 617 Verbal, 1256 Combined
• Median ACT: 28 Math, 28 English