Air War College
Maxwell AFB, AL
"The premier war college: forging architects of victory through intellectual rigor and creativity"
The Verdict
Located at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama, the Air War College is the U.S. Air Force's senior school for professional military education. Since its founding in 1946 by the Army Air Forces, AWC has served as the intellectual center for developing strategic leaders who understand the decisive application of air, space, and cyberspace power.
The institution's mission centers on "forging architects of victory through intellectual rigor and creativity." As one of six war colleges within the Department of Defense's Joint Professional Military Education Phase II program, AWC prepares senior officers to think strategically about national security challenges.
Campus & Cadet Life
About
The Air War College at Maxwell AFB is the U.S. Air Force's senior professional military education school, founded 1946. For senior officers — not open to civilians.
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
Part of Maxwell AFB
Enrollment
245
Academics & Outcomes
Hall of Fame
General David W. Allvin
23rd Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force (2023-2025)
General Norton A. Schwartz
19th Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force (2008-2012)
General Kevin P. Chilton
NASA astronaut and Commander, U.S. Strategic Command (2007-2011)
General B. Chance Saltzman
2nd Chief of Space Operations, U.S. Space Force
General Daniel 'Chappie' James Jr.
First African American four-star general in U.S. military history
General Wayne A. Downing
Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command (1993-1996)
Athletics & Physical Training
Facilities
Maxwell AFB Fitness Center with gymnasium and aerobic rooms, weight room and cardiovascular equipment, basketball and volleyball courts, racquetball and wallyball courts, four-field softball complex, seven soccer fields, four tennis courts, and women's dedicated workout room.
Related Schools
Marion Military Institute
Marion, AL
Marion Military Institute is a public military junior college in Marion, Alabama — the nation's oldest, founded 1842. Total cost about $18,200/year in-state (2026-27).
Southern Preparatory Academy
Camp Hill, AL
Southern Preparatory Academy is a military boarding and day school in Camp Hill, Alabama for grades 7-12, founded 1898. Boarding $25,500, day $6,700 (2026-27).
Admiral Farragut Academy
St. Petersburg, FL
Admiral Farragut Academy, founded 1933, is a coed naval prep school in St. Petersburg. Grades K-12, boarding 8-12; boarding $62,000 (2025-26). Two alumni walked on the Moon.
Florida Preparatory Academy
Melbourne, FL
Florida Preparatory Academy (formerly Florida Air Academy) is a coed boarding and day school in Melbourne, FL. Day grades 6-12, boarding 9-12; boarding $47,800 (2026-27).
Georgia Military College
Milledgeville, GA
Georgia Military College is a public military junior college in Milledgeville, GA, founded 1879. Its Corps of Cadets offers 2-year degrees and Army Early Commissioning.
Riverside Preparatory Academy
Gainesville, GA
Riverside Preparatory Academy is an all-boys military boarding and day school in Gainesville, Georgia, for grades 6-12. Founded 1907; boarding tuition $61,200 (2026-27).
Guides & Resources
Alabama's CHOOSE Act ESA: $7,000 Toward Military School
Alabama's CHOOSE Act ESA provides $7,000 per student toward private school tuition, including military school. Eligibility, deadlines, and how to apply.
Career Paths After Military School: Most Grads Go Civilian
70-80% of military school graduates go on to civilian colleges and careers—in business, law, medicine, and tech—and employers value the discipline they bring.
How to Prepare for Military School: The New Cadet's Guide
How to prepare for military school: an 8-week running plan, strength benchmarks, shoe-shine skills, and how to find your group fast—written for cadets, not parents.
The 10 Best Military Schools in America (2026)
Culver Academies leads our 2026 top 10 of America's best military schools — plus best-value, free, boys, girls, and college-prep picks, with verified tuition.
Do Military School Credits Transfer? What to Verify
Credits from regionally accredited military schools transfer to any high school or college. Learn which accreditation to verify and 5 questions to ask first.
Military Schools for Troubled Teens: What Actually Works
The honest answer: most military schools won't take an unwilling teen. What works — free Youth Challenge academies in nearly 30 states, and when you need therapeutic care.