Military academies are among the best colleges in the country and tuition free. In fact, almost everything, including food and room and board is free. What's surprising is that more people don't opt in for what turns out to be a guaranteed job after a free education. With unemployment hovering at 9.2 % nationally, here's a career that cannot be outsourced.
One of the finest examples of our military colleges is the Coast Guard Academy. It doesn't have the dramatic appeal of West Point or Annapolis, but will offer you an elite education and a career with the critical mission of protecting U.S. public interests in our nations ports and waterways, along our coasts, or even international waters if its required to protect our national security.
The U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut was founded in 1876 to educate United States Coast Guard officers. It has a complete residential military cadet campus but the smallest United States federal service academy when placed alongside the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
The Coast Guard Academy provides a four-year Bachelor of Science degree program, with a curriculum rich in math, science, and engineering. There is a five-year commitment to serve as a commissioned Coast Guard officer upon graduation. Approximately 80% of Academy graduates go to sea after graduation, although some go to Marine Safety Offices, Ashore Operations, or flight training.
You are eligible to apply for the Coast Guard Academy if you are:
- A U.S. citizen;
- Unmarried with no dependents or financial debt;
- 17-22 years of age on July 1 of the year of entry; and
- A high school graduate or GED recipient (or will be prior to entry).
However, unlike the other service academies, there are no congressional appointments - admission is based solely on academic competition. Also, though not required for review of your application, a qualifying medical exam must be on file before an appointment to the Academy can be offered.
The Coast Guard Academy is one of the most selective colleges in the U.S. Students come to the Academy to be challenged academically, physically, and professionally. By providing excellent academic programs, a structured military regimen, and competitive athletics, the Academy graduates competent and professional military leaders who serve as Coast Guard officers.
As part of your application to the Coast Guard Academy, one set of SAT Reasoning or ACT with Writing Test exam scores must be submitted. There is no minimum test score requirement. Successful candidates usually score at least 1100 combined Critical Reading (Verbal) and Math on the SAT, or have an ACT Composite of at least 24.
Each year, the Academy admits about 300 cadets from thousands of applicants. Each application goes through a rigorous review by the Cadet Candidate Evaluation Board. The board members pass their findings to the Director of Admissions, who makes an appointment recommendation to the Superintendent. All offers of appointment must be approved by the Superintendent.
Tuition, room, and board at the Coast Guard Academy are paid for by the government. The only caveat is that all candidates who accept an appointment to the Coast Guard Academy must pay $3,000 to purchase uniforms, a laptop computer, school supplies, and other necessary items. Other than this initial cost, there are no additional fees for Academy cadets.
All cadets receive $11,150 per year to cover the cost of uniforms, equipment, textbooks, and other personal expenses. Any funds remaining in cadets' accounts are given to them upon graduation.
The United States Coast has always been the eyes and ears of our seas. The question is not whether a young person should enroll in the Coast Guard Academy; the question is why shouldn't they? To read more about applying for a career with the U.S. Coast Guard, go here - http://www.uscga.edu/.
Barry Simmons is a freelance financial aid expert who sells his best selling book 'How To Send Your Child To College For Free Or Close To It' on his website (link: http://www.collegeisfree.com). His site also offers quite a bit of free college resource material including his humorous blog following the first year and a half of his son's experience at college. Barry now offers 4 free bonuses with the purchase of his book that can be kept even if the book is returned.
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