US Coast Guard Academy

A Multi-Mission Force

The U.S. Coast Guard Academy is proud to educate leaders of a multi-mission, maritime military force. As a commissioned officer in the Coast Guard, you will be leading a team of men and women who are continually called on to serve their community, country and fellow citizens.While the United States Coast Guard is notable as the oldest life-saving service in the world, its roles include more than just Maritime Safety and Security. The Coast Guard is also called upon for critical service in protection of natural resources, maritime mobility (management of maritime traffic, commerce and navigation) and national defense.


At our beautiful campus on the Thames River in New London, Connecticut, the Academy provides a four-year Bachelor of Science degree program with a full scholarship for each individual. Each year, approximately 200 ensigns (or junior officers) are commissioned during graduation exercises in May.Following graduation, newly commissioned ensigns report for duty aboard cutters and at sector offices in ports nationwide. Graduates of the academy are obligated to serve five years in the U.S. Coast Guard, though many choose to stay and make a rewarding, life-long career of their maritime military service.

Academy at a Glance
Fast Facts One of the 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
Two graduates are NASA astronauts
80% of graduates go to graduate school (most paid for by the Coast Guard)
85% of graduates choose to serve beyond their five-year commitment
Key Stats (as of September, 2013)
Corps of Cadets
902 cadets enrolled
45 states and 16 foreign nations represented
100% of students housed on campus
23 varsity athletic teams (Division III)
34% of cadets are women
28% of cadets are minorities
1 faculty member for every 7 students
17 cadets in an average class
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

Admission to The Academy
The Coast Guard Academy is ranked among the nation’s elite undergraduate colleges. This is reflected in our highly selective admission process, which annually identifies the best 300 candidates from a nationwide pool of approximately 5,000 applicants.

What distinguishes those who are accepted?

Proven academic accomplishment, particularly in math and the sciences
Skill as an athlete
A record of service to the community
Motivation to embrace leadership development
An unwavering desire to serve their country and humanity
Translated from Latin, the Academy motto Scientiæ Cedit Mare means "the sea yields to knowledge." These words are an acknowledgement that Coast Guard officers must earn the privilege to lead. If you believe you possess the qualities of mind, body, and character to earn that privilege, we invite you to apply for admission to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.

If you are interested to attend the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, please visit our website at: http://www.cga.edu/admissions/, or contact Alphard Romero, Academy Admissions Representative (Maryland, Virginia, DC) at albem89@comcast.net or 301-675-7594.