United States Coast Guard Academy
New London, CT
"Scientiæ Cedit Mare"
At a Glance
Service
U.S. Coast Guard
Acceptance
24%
Enrollment
1,081
Founded
1876
The Verdict
The United States Coast Guard Academy stands unique among America's five federal service academies—it is the only one that selects cadets through a direct application process without requiring a congressional nomination. Overlooking the Thames River in New London, Connecticut, this intimate 103-acre campus produces officers for the nation's oldest continuous seagoing service.
The Academy's maritime focus, combined with its legendary Swab Summer, prepares cadets for careers protecting America's coasts, waterways, and national interests worldwide. With a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio and the motto "Scientiæ Cedit Mare" (The Sea Yields to Knowledge), USCGA develops leaders who master both the science of maritime operations and the art of leadership.
Campus & Cadet Life
About
The United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) is the service academy of the United States Coast Guard in New London, Connecticut. It provides a top-tier education for future Coast Guard officers, emphasizing leadership, character, and professional development.
Admissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
highly selective
Key Requirements
- Direct application—NO congressional nomination required (unique among service academies)
- High school diploma with strong college preparatory curriculum
- SAT or ACT scores (test-optional but recommended)
- Three letters of recommendation (math teacher, English teacher, guidance counselor)
- Personal essay and application review
- Physical fitness assessment (CFA)
- DoDMERB medical examination required before appointment
- Must be U.S. citizen, unmarried, age 17-22 by July 1 of entry year
- TIP: Attend AIM (Academy Introduction Mission)—a one-week summer program for rising seniors. About 600 students are selected from 2,000+ applicants. AIM participants get a realistic preview of cadet life and significantly improve their admission chances.
Admitted Student Profile
24%
Acceptance Rate
3.79
Avg GPA
1300
Avg SAT
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
103 acres
Housing
Barracks
Enrollment
1,081
Student:Teacher
7:1
Barracks Life
Housing Type
barracks
Daily Schedule
Cadet life begins with the infamous Swab Summer—seven demanding weeks that transform civilians into Coast Guard cadets. Rising at 0530 for Reveille and morning calisthenics, Swabs endure a structured day of military training, physical conditioning, seamanship instruction, drill practice, and character development. The day concludes at 2200 with Taps. Highlights include a week aboard the USCGC Eagle, America's Tall Ship, learning traditional seamanship. Swab Summer culminates in Sea Trials—a grueling 12-13 hour endurance test simulating shipwreck survival, beginning at 0330 with alarms and red emergency lighting. During the academic year, cadets follow a regimented schedule balancing rigorous academics, military duties, athletics, and professional development.
Discipline Model
The Honor Concept governs all aspects of cadet life: 'Cadets of the United States Coast Guard Academy are honest, will not lie, steal or cheat, nor attempt to do so. They are accountable, will meet all of their obligations in a timely manner and take responsibility for their actions.' This is reinforced by the Coast Guard's core values of Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty. The class system (4/c through 1/c) structures cadet leadership development, with rising 2nd Class cadets serving as Swab Summer cadre after training at Cape May. Violations can result in disciplinary action or dismissal.
Academics & Outcomes
College Matriculation
N/A (4-year degree-granting institution)
Where Graduates Go
N/A (this IS a service academy)
Hall of Fame
G. William Miller
65th U.S. Secretary of the Treasury (1979-1981), Chairman of the Federal Reserve
Admiral Thad W. Allen
23rd Commandant of the Coast Guard, led federal response to Hurricanes Katrina/Rita and Deepwater Horizon oil spill
Admiral Robert J. Papp Jr.
24th Commandant of the United States Coast Guard (2010-2014)
Bruce E. Melnick
First Coast Guard astronaut, NASA Space Shuttle mission specialist
Daniel C. Burbank
Second Coast Guard astronaut, commander of ISS Expedition 30
Vice Admiral Vivien S. Crea
First female Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard
Rear Admiral Cari B. Thomas
Third female commander of Training Center Cape May to achieve flag rank
Don 'The Dragon' Wilson
11-time world kickboxing champion, actor, International Sports Hall of Fame inductee
Athletics & Physical Training
Varsity Sports
Mandatory PT
All cadets are required to participate in intercollegiate, club, or intramural athletics—every cadet is an athlete. Physical fitness is emphasized throughout cadet life, from Swab Summer's daily calisthenics and running to the rigorous demands of Sea Trials. Cadets complete obstacle courses, team ropes challenges, and regular physical training. The Academy competes in NCAA Division III as members of the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC), fielding 23 varsity teams.
Facilities
Roland Hall houses Alumni Gym (basketball/volleyball), Roland Pool (six-lane, 25-yard swimming facility), and the Emlen Tunnell Strength & Conditioning Center. The Dr. Hallie E. Gregory Field House provides indoor track facilities. Cadet Memorial Field, with state-of-the-art turf installed in 2004, hosts football and lacrosse. Billard Hall features a pool, wrestling room, cardio fitness room, and the Otto Graham Hall of Athletic Excellence. Jacobs Rock Sailing Center sits on the Thames River for varsity sailing. Nitchman Field complex includes baseball, softball, soccer turf, and outdoor track. Tennis courts, high-ropes course, and obstacle course are also available.
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
99%
Retention Rate
(1st to 2nd year)
61% / 39%
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:
Related Schools
Bridgeport Military Academy
Bridgeport, CT
A first responders academy preparing students for careers in police, fire, and emergency services. Upperclassmen can earn EMT certification before graduation, along with coursework in fire science and forensics.
United States Merchant Marine Academy
Kings Point, NY
The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) is a federal service academy that educates and graduates licensed Merchant Marine Officers who serve America's marine transportation and defense needs in peace and war. Midshipmen are trained in marine engineering, navigation, ship's administration, maritime law, personnel management, international law, and customs.
United States Military Academy
West Point, NY
The United States Military Academy (USMA), commonly known as West Point, is a United States service academy in West Point, New York, that educates cadets for service as commissioned officers in the United States Army.
Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Buzzards Bay, MA
Massachusetts Maritime Academy is a public university in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, that focuses on maritime-related fields. Established in 1891, it is the second-oldest state maritime academy in the United States, preparing graduates for careers in the U.S. Merchant Marine and the U.S. Armed Forces.
New York Military Academy
Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY
New York Military Academy is a private, college-preparatory boarding school that provides a structured military environment. The academy focuses on developing a cadet's mind, body, and character to build a foundation for continued education and leadership.
SUNY Maritime College
Throggs Neck, NY
The oldest maritime academy in the US, combining engineering/business degrees with regimented training.
Guides & Resources
The Service Academy & ROTC Roadmap
The complete guide to winning appointments and scholarships. Congressional nominations, DoDMERB medical exams, ROTC scholarship timelines—everything you need for the military officer path.
Free Military Schools: Your Complete Guide to No-Tuition Options
Yes, free military schools exist. Public academies, charter schools, service academies, and Youth Challenge programs offer tuition-free military education—each with different requirements and trade-offs.
Behavioral History: What Disqualifies a Student from Military School?
Will past suspensions, legal issues, or disciplinary problems prevent admission? Learn how military schools evaluate behavioral history and when issues can be overcome.
Dual Enrollment and Earning College Credit at Military School
Can military school students earn college credit before graduation? Explore AP courses, dual enrollment, and early college options at military academies.
The Parent's Emotional Journey: From Drop-Off to Thanksgiving
A roadmap for parents navigating the first semester. From the terrifying silence to the 'come get me' call to the transformed person who comes home—what to expect and how to cope.
Virginia's EISTC Program: How to Cut Military School Tuition by 65%
How Virginia families can use the Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits program to significantly reduce private military school costs through strategic charitable giving.