United States Military Academy
West Point, NY
"Duty • Honor • Country"
The Verdict
The United States Military Academy at West Point stands as the nation's premier institution for developing Army officers and leaders of character. Founded in 1802 on the strategic bluffs overlooking the Hudson River, West Point has produced presidents, generals, astronauts, and countless leaders who have shaped American history.
With its rigorous four-year program integrating academics, military training, and physical development, the Academy transforms civilians into commissioned officers prepared to serve the nation. The Corps of Cadets lives by the timeless motto "Duty, Honor, Country."
Campus & Cadet Life
About
The United States Military Academy at West Point educates and commissions officers for the U.S. Army. Founded 1802; tuition-free with a five-year service obligation.
Tuition & Costs
2025-2026 RatesEndowment
$518.2 million
*Tuition-free with 5-year active duty Army service obligation; full scholarship valued at ~$400K
View official tuition pageAdmissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
highly selective
Key Requirements
- Congressional nomination from U.S. Representative, Senator, or Vice President
- U.S. citizenship required
- Age 17-23 on July 1 of year of admission
- Unmarried with no legal obligation to support dependents
- SAT or ACT scores (CLT accepted beginning February 2026)
- Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA) with six timed components
- Medical qualification through DoDMERB
- Demonstrated leadership potential and extracurricular involvement
Admitted Student Profile
14%
Acceptance Rate
3.90
Avg GPA
1320
Avg SAT
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
16,080 acres
Housing
Barracks
Enrollment
4,508
Student:Teacher
7:1
Barracks Life
Housing Type
barracks
Daily Schedule
Cadets follow a highly structured daily schedule. Physical readiness training begins around 6:00 AM with calisthenics, aerobic, and anaerobic workouts. Breakfast is mandatory at 6:55-7:30 AM, eaten family-style in the mess hall. Morning classes run from 7:35-11:45 AM, followed by lunch at 12:05-12:40 PM. Afternoons include Commandant/Dean time, additional classes, military training, and mandatory athletics. Every cadet participates in intercollegiate varsity, intramural, or club sports. Evening includes dinner, then study/free time from 7:30-11:30 PM (mandatory study for plebes until 8:30 PM). Taps sounds at 11:30 PM signaling the end of the day.
Discipline Model
The West Point Honor Code states: 'A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do.' This code is administered by the cadets themselves through the 80-member Cadet Honor Committee, which investigates alleged violations and supervises hearings. Violations may result in separation from the Academy, graduation postponement, or mandatory Honor Mentorship Program. The discipline system also includes the Standards of Cadet Conduct for non-honor violations, with consequences ranging from disciplinary marches to restriction to campus to expulsion for severe infractions.
Academics & Outcomes
College Matriculation
N/A (4-year degree-granting institution)
Where Graduates Go
N/A (this IS a service academy)
Hall of Fame
Ulysses S. Grant
18th President of the United States and Commanding General during the Civil War
Dwight D. Eisenhower
34th President of the United States and Supreme Allied Commander in World War II
Douglas MacArthur
Five-star General, Medal of Honor recipient, Supreme Commander Allied Powers Japan
George S. Patton
Four-star General who commanded the Third Army in World War II
Norman Schwarzkopf
Four-star General who led coalition forces in Operation Desert Storm
Buzz Aldrin
NASA astronaut and second person to walk on the Moon (Apollo 11)
Michael Collins
NASA astronaut and command module pilot for Apollo 11
David Petraeus
Four-star General, former CIA Director, led forces in Iraq and Afghanistan
Mike Krzyzewski
Hall of Fame basketball coach with five NCAA championships at Duke University
Alexander Haig
Secretary of State, White House Chief of Staff, Supreme Allied Commander Europe
Athletics & Physical Training
Varsity Sports
Mandatory PT
Every cadet takes the Army Fitness Test (AFT) twice per year. Physical readiness training (PRT) occurs daily during Cadet Basic Training and throughout the academic year. All cadets must participate in competitive athletics every semester - either varsity intercollegiate, club, or intramural sports. The Physical Program develops strength, endurance, mobility, agility, speed, power, balance, and coordination as one of the four pillars cadets must achieve to become Army officers.
Facilities
West Point offers over 500,000 square feet of world-class fitness facilities. Key venues include Michie Stadium (football) with FieldTurf surface and state-of-the-art video board, Gillis Field House, Shea Stadium, Johnson Stadium at Doubleday Field, Clinton Field, Malek Courts, Lichtenberg Tennis Center, Gross Sports Center (gymnastics and basketball), and Arvin Gymnasium (wrestling). The academy features 22 athletic fields and complexes across the 16,000-acre campus.
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
85%
Graduation Rate
96%
Retention Rate
(1st to 2nd year)
78% / 22%
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:
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Guides & Resources
The Service Academy & ROTC Roadmap
A West Point or Naval Academy education is worth over $400,000. How to win an appointment or ROTC scholarship—nominations, DoDMERB exams, and timelines.
Free Military Schools: 4 Tuition-Free Options
Yes — four options charge no tuition: public military academies, charter schools, service academies, and Youth Challenge. Private boarding runs $25,500-$67,000.
Cadet Life: Daily Schedule, Dorms & Roommates
What cadets actually do all day at military boarding school — the 6 AM to 10 PM schedule, room inspections, TAC officers, phone rules, and roommate life.
Military School ROI: Scholarships & Academy Appointments
Boarding tuition runs $30,000-$60,000 a year, but a service academy appointment is worth over $400,000. How to weigh military school's return on investment.
Military Schools and ADHD: How Structure Helps
Military schools help many students with ADHD through a fixed daily schedule, 12:1 or smaller classes, and required physical activity — and where the limits are.
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.