Admissions & Residency Rules
Geographic Requirements
USAFA accepts students from all 50 states with Congressional nominations. Colorado Military Academy is open to Colorado students.
Colorado's Aerospace Military Education Hub
Colorado Springs is the epicenter of U.S. military aerospace—home to the Air Force Academy, Space Force headquarters, and the Civil Air Patrol's national headquarters. This creates a unique environment for military education focused on air, space, and cyberspace.
United States Air Force Academy
The Air Force Academy is one of the nation's five federal service academies:
- Founded: 1954
- Type: 4-year undergraduate college (bachelor's degree)
- Cost: Free tuition, room, and board (5-year service commitment after graduation)
- Commissioning: Air Force and Space Force officers
- Acceptance Rate: ~11% (Congressional nomination required)
- Campus: 18,500 acres at 7,258 ft elevation
The Academy also operates the USAFA Preparatory School—a 10-month program for candidates who need academic or physical preparation before full appointment.
Colorado Military Academy
Colorado Military Academy is Colorado's only K-12 military-style school:
- Grades: K-12 (continuous)
- Type: Public charter (day school only)
- Program: Civil Air Patrol (not traditional JROTC)
- Cost: Free (open enrollment, lottery when oversubscribed)
- Location: Adjacent to Peterson Space Force Base
CMA's use of Civil Air Patrol rather than JROTC is distinctive—CAP cadets may have opportunities for flight training, aerospace education, and search-and-rescue activities through the Air Force auxiliary program.
No Boarding Schools in Colorado
Colorado has no private military boarding schools. Families seeking boarding options typically consider:
- New Mexico Military Institute - State-supported boarding school in Roswell (~5 hours from Denver), very affordable
- Marine Military Academy - All-boys boarding in Texas
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get into the Air Force Academy?
Admission to USAFA requires a Congressional nomination (or other qualifying source like Vice Presidential or military-connected nominations), strong academics (average GPA 3.87), leadership experience, and physical fitness. Applicants must be 17-23, unmarried, and U.S. citizens. The acceptance rate is highly selective at around 11%.
Is Colorado Military Academy free?
Yes. Colorado Military Academy is a tuition-free public charter school open to any Colorado resident. Enrollment is through a lottery when oversubscribed.
Does Colorado Military Academy have boarding?
No. Colorado Military Academy is a day school only—students commute daily. There are no military boarding schools in Colorado. Families seeking boarding should consider New Mexico Military Institute (5 hours from Denver) or schools in Texas.
What is Civil Air Patrol?
Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. Unlike traditional JROTC, CAP focuses on aerospace education, emergency services (search and rescue), and cadet programs. Colorado Military Academy uses CAP instead of JROTC, which gives cadets unique opportunities including potential flight training.
Does USAFA commission Space Force officers?
Yes. Since the Space Force was established in 2019, USAFA has been the primary source of Space Force (Guardian) officers. Cadets can commission into either the Air Force or Space Force upon graduation.