United States Air Force Academy
USAF Academy, CO
"Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence in All We Do"
The Verdict
The United States Air Force Academy educates and commissions officers for both the Air Force and Space Force, and is the primary academy source of Space Force officers. Set against the Rocky Mountains at 7,258 feet elevation, the Academy's 18,500-acre campus features aerospace research facilities including wind tunnels, rocket test cells, and flight simulators.
The iconic 17-spired Cadet Chapel has become a symbol of modern American architecture, while the rigorous four-year program transforms civilians into commissioned officers prepared to defend the nation in air, space, and cyberspace.
Campus & Cadet Life
About
The U.S. Air Force Academy is a tuition-free four-year service academy on 18,500 acres in Colorado Springs, commissioning Air Force and Space Force officers.
Tuition & Costs
2025-2026 RatesEndowment
$98.937 million
*Tuition-free with 5-year active duty service obligation; full scholarship valued at ~$400K
Admissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
highly selective
Key Requirements
- Congressional nomination or other qualifying nomination source
- U.S. citizenship
- Age between 17 and 23 on July 1 of entry year
- Unmarried with no dependents
- Pass a Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA)
- Pass a medical examination through DoDMERB
- Strong academic record with emphasis on math and science
- Demonstrated leadership experience and extracurricular involvement
Admitted Student Profile
14%
Acceptance Rate
3.87
Avg GPA
1350
Avg SAT
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
18,500 acres
Housing
Barracks
Enrollment
4,124
Student:Teacher
7:1
Barracks Life
Housing Type
barracks
Daily Schedule
The cadet experience begins with six weeks of Basic Cadet Training (BCT), divided between 'On the Hill' in the Cadet Area and field training in Jack's Valley. During the academic year, days begin at 5:15 a.m. and continue until taps at 11:00 p.m. Each day includes military training, academic classes, mandatory athletics, study time, and meals. Cadets form up on the Terrazzo for morning formation before marching to Mitchell Hall for breakfast. Room inspections, physical training, and professional military education are integrated throughout the schedule.
Discipline Model
The Honor Code states: 'We will not lie, steal, or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who does.' Adopted by the Class of 1959, this code creates an atmosphere of trust essential for military service. Cadets take the Honor Oath during the Acceptance Day Parade, pledging to live by these principles. Cadets are expected to report themselves for any violations and confront peers they believe may have violated the code.
Academics & Outcomes
College Matriculation
N/A (4-year degree-granting institution)
Where Graduates Go
N/A (this IS a service academy)
Hall of Fame
Karol Joseph "Bo" Bobko
First USAFA graduate to travel in space; flew on three Space Shuttle missions
Gregg Popovich
NBA's longest-tenured active coach; five-time NBA champion as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs
Richard Stephen Ritchie
Vietnam War ace with five aerial victories; Air Force Cross recipient
Paul Joseph Selva
Four-star general; served as tenth Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
David D. Thompson
First Vice Chief of Space Operations for the United States Space Force
Bradley C. Hosmer
Top graduate of first Academy class; first USAFA Rhodes Scholar; first graduate to serve as Superintendent
Raja Chari
NASA astronaut, Air Force brigadier general, and test pilot with over 2,000 flying hours
Grady Booch
Pioneer of software engineering; co-creator of the Unified Modeling Language (UML)
Athletics & Physical Training
Varsity Sports
Mandatory PT
Every cadet is required to participate in athletics, either on a Division I intercollegiate team or intramural sports. Intramural competition pits cadet squadrons against one another in sports including basketball, cross-country, flag football, ice hockey, rugby, boxing, soccer, and volleyball. Cadets are also enrolled in physical education classes and tested on their physical fitness each semester. During BCT, cadets must pass the Physical Fitness Test (pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups, standing long jump, 600-yard run) and a 1.5-mile aerobic run.
Facilities
Falcon Stadium, built in 1962 at 6,621 feet elevation, is the second-highest Division I-A stadium in the nation and serves as home for football games and graduation ceremonies. The Cadet Fieldhouse houses Clune Arena for basketball, an ice hockey rink, and an indoor track. The Cadet Gymnasium and numerous outdoor athletic fields support intercollegiate, intramural, and physical education programs. The Aeronautics Research Center contains wind tunnels, engine test cells, and flight simulators for aerospace education.
External Ratings
We don't collect or moderate reviews. Links point to trusted third-party sources.
Federal Outcomes Data
U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard
88%
Graduation Rate
96%
Retention Rate
(1st to 2nd year)
71% / 29%
Male / Female
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2026-01)
View on College ScorecardOfficial Federal Data Sources
Verify information directly from U.S. Department of Education databases:
Photo Gallery
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