U.S. Coast Guard Academy
United States Coast Guard Academy New London, CT · Public · 1,108 undergrads
- Admit rate: 22.4% (1,789 applicants)
- SAT middle 50%: 1240–1400 (ACT 27–32)
- Undergraduates: 1,108 (2.9% international)
- Graduation rate: 93% (within 6 years)
Deadlines
- Early Action: Oct. 15, 2026
- Regular Decision: Jan. 15, 2027
Editor's notes
- This is the one service academy that doesn't use congressional nominations. That removes a whole second application, but it also means your file carries everything. The essays, three letters and fitness score are the whole case.
- Apply Early Action if you can get everything in by Oct. 15. It's non-binding, decisions come by Dec. 23, and applicants not appointed can be re-reviewed with fall grades. The bigger reason is the medical clock: DoDMERB can take weeks, and the Academy won't appoint anyone without medical qualification by May 1.
- Take the interest line seriously. The handbook calls interest in the Academy and the Coast Guard an important consideration because every graduate becomes an officer. Visit if you can, talk to your admissions officer, and make your essays specific about the Coast Guard's missions, not the military in general.
Sources
- USCGA Admissions, Apply to the Coast Guard Academy (dates and steps)
- USCGA Admissions, Admission requirements
- USCGA Admissions, Getting started
- USCGA, Applicant Handbook 2025-26 (PDF)
- USCGA, Typical class profile
- USCGA Admissions, Cost and tuition
- USCGA Admissions, Coast Guard Academy Scholars Program
- USCGA Admissions, International cadet admission and tuition
