Understanding Your Options
Private Boarding Schools
Georgia has two private military prep schools, both all-boys. Riverside Prep in Gainesville offers boarding and day options for grades 6-12, founded in 1907 with Army JROTC and a 5:1 student-teacher ratio; boarding tuition is $61,200 (2026-27), day tuition $20,600. Benedictine Military School in Savannah is a Catholic day school for grades 9-12 with Army JROTC, founded in 1902; tuition is $18,550 (2026-27).
Youth Challenge Programs
Georgia operates two Youth Challenge programs. Fort Stewart YCA (est. 1993) is the original, offering academic tracks plus vocational certifications in culinary arts, clinical medical assistance, automotive, and construction trades. Fort Eisenhower YCA (est. 2000) near Augusta provides the same 22-week model. Both are free residential programs for at-risk youth ages 16-18.
Admissions & Residency Rules
Geographic Requirements
Private schools (Riverside Prep, Benedictine) accept students statewide and nationally. University of North Georgia and Georgia Military College accept students from any state, with in-state tuition for Georgia residents. Challenge academies serve eligible Georgia youth statewide.
Georgia's Military Education Legacy
Georgia has 6 military institutions: a Senior Military College (University of North Georgia), a public junior military college (Georgia Military College), two all-boys private prep schools, and two free Youth Challenge academies. From the free 22-week Challenge programs to boarding at Riverside Prep ($61,200 for 2026-27), the Peach State covers every level and price point of military education.
Senior Military Colleges
University of North Georgia - Located in Dahlonega in the North Georgia mountains (about an hour north of Atlanta), UNG is one of six federally designated Senior Military Colleges. The Corps of Cadets provides a full military experience—uniforms, barracks life, military training—within a comprehensive state university. Army ROTC commissioning available. In-state cost of attendance is $20,870 (2026-27), with tuition alone at $5,285.
Junior Military Colleges
Georgia Military College - Founded in 1879 in Milledgeville (about 90 minutes southeast of Atlanta, 30 minutes from Macon), GMC offers a unique blend of military structure and accessible higher education. The main campus provides a full military junior college experience with boarding. GMC's Early Commissioning Program produces officers with 2-year degrees, and the Corps of Cadets all-in rate — tuition, room, board, books, and fees — is $13,292 (2026-27). The institution also operates prep school programs for younger students.
Private Military Schools for Boys
Georgia offers two military schools for boys—both all-boys institutions serving students who thrive in structured environments:
Riverside Prep - A boarding and day school in Gainesville (about an hour northeast of Atlanta) serving grades 6-12. Founded in 1907, Riverside emphasizes character development and college preparation, with an Army JROTC program, a 5:1 student-teacher ratio, and a $40 million endowment. Boarding tuition is $61,200 (2026-27); day tuition is $20,600.
Benedictine Military School - A Catholic day school in Savannah for grades 9-12. Founded in 1902 by Benedictine monks, it combines faith-based education with Army JROTC and strong athletics. Day only, no boarding. Tuition is $18,550 (2026-27), with a $16,525 rate for active Catholic families.
Challenge Academies
Georgia operates two free Youth Challenge programs:
Georgia Youth Challenge Academy - Fort Stewart - The original Georgia program, established in 1993. Located in Hinesville in coastal Georgia (about 40 miles from Savannah, 5 hours from Atlanta), this free 22-week residential program serves at-risk youth ages 16-18. Cadets can earn a high school diploma, recover credits, or take college classes, plus vocational certifications in culinary arts, clinical medical assistance, automotive, and construction trades. Classes start in January and July.
Fort Eisenhower Youth Challenge Academy - Established in 2000 near Augusta (formerly Fort Gordon). Same 22-week model with high school diploma programs through partnership with Foothills Regional High School. Classes start April and October.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Senior Military College in Georgia?
The University of North Georgia (UNG) in Dahlonega is Georgia's Senior Military College—one of only six in the nation. The Corps of Cadets offers a full military experience within a state university, with Army ROTC commissioning opportunities.
What is Georgia Military College?
Georgia Military College (GMC) in Milledgeville is a public junior military college offering 2-year degrees with a military environment. It also has a prep school program. GMC has produced numerous military officers through its Early Commissioning Program.
Are there any free military schools in Georgia?
Yes — Georgia has two free Youth Challenge programs: Fort Stewart YCA (the original, with vocational certification tracks) and Fort Eisenhower YCA near Augusta. Both are free 22-week residential programs for at-risk youth ages 16-18. Georgia Military College and UNG are public institutions with affordable tuition for Georgia residents.
Which military schools in Georgia are for boys?
Riverside Prep in Gainesville and Benedictine Military School in Savannah are both all-boys. Riverside offers boarding and day for grades 6-12; Benedictine is day only, grades 9-12. Georgia Military College, UNG, and the Challenge programs are coed.
Can I get a military commission through Georgia schools?
Yes. University of North Georgia offers Army ROTC commissioning. Georgia Military College has an Early Commissioning Program for 2-year degrees with military obligations. Both produce active duty officers.