About the Academy
Our Academy Is Unique:

The U.S. Coast Guard Academy is unique among the service academies in that we educate the leaders of a humanitarian force. The United States Coast Guard is the oldest life-saving service in the world. As a commissioned officer in the Coast Guard, you will be leading a force of men and women who are continually called on to serve their community, country and fellow citizens.

Our mission goes well beyond academics. It is:

"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.

"At our beautiful campus on the Thames River in New London, CT, the academy provides a four-year Bachelor of Science program with a full scholarship for each individual. We annually commission approximately 175 ensigns during graduation exercises in May. Following graduation, newly commissioned ensigns report for duty aboard cutters home ported nationwide. Graduates of the academy are obligated to serve five years.

Learning to live and lead with integrity...

Academy Overview:

Founded in 1876, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut is a professional college educating future United States Coast Guard officers. It is a fully resident military cadet campus and the smallest United States federal service academy.

The Academy provides a four-year Bachelor of Science degree program, with the curriculum heavily oriented toward math, science, and engineering. Like the other U.S. federal service academies, our students receive a full scholarship and our graduates serve in the military for at least five years after graduation. However, unlike the other service academies, there are no congressional appointments — admission is based solely on nationwide competition.

The Coast Guard Academy has a proud tradition as one of the most selective colleges in America. Students come to the Academy to be challenged academically, physically, and professionally. By providing excellent academic programs, a structured military regimen, and competitive athletics, the Academy graduates competent and professional military leaders who serve their country and humanity with honor as Coast Guard officers.


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