United States Coast Guard Academy: 23.9% Acceptance Rate

23.9%Acceptance

1,081Students

88%Grad Rate (6-yr)

#22 in ConnecticutPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalData: 2023-24

About United States Coast Guard Academy

The Coast Guard Academy trains the next generation of maritime officers who will protect America's coasts and waterways. With just 1,081 cadets on campus in New London, this federal service academy produces graduates like Douglas Munro, the only Coast Guardsman to receive the Medal of Honor, and Thad Allen, who led the Hurricane Katrina response as Commandant. The academy accepts only 23.86% of applicants who meet its rigorous standards. Students focus on maritime safety, security, and environmental protection while preparing for careers as Coast Guard officers.

Unlike other colleges, cadets pay nothing for tuition, room, or board. The federal government covers all educational costs in exchange for a five-year service commitment after graduation. Graduates enter the workforce as commissioned officers with guaranteed employment and competitive military salaries. This makes the academy one of the best financial deals in higher education, especially for students interested in maritime careers or public service.

The student body maintains military discipline with a 98.62% retention rate. Men outnumber women 60.59% to 39.41%, reflecting the traditionally male military environment. With a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, cadets receive intensive personal attention. The Bears compete against their Naval Academy rivals while maintaining the academy's motto: Semper Paratus, meaning "Always Ready."

Academics & Faculty

The Coast Guard Academy operates as a federal service academy where every graduate earns a Bachelor of Science degree and becomes a commissioned officer. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio ensures intensive mentorship as cadets navigate rigorous coursework in engineering, science, and liberal arts. With an 87% four-year graduation rate, the academy maintains strict academic standards while providing substantial support. Core programs include marine and environmental science, reflecting the Coast Guard's environmental protection mission. Naval architecture and ocean engineering prepare future officers for maritime challenges. The curriculum blends traditional academics with leadership training and seamanship. Unlike civilian colleges, every course connects to future Coast Guard responsibilities in search and rescue, port security, and maritime law enforcement.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
Full-Time Faculty: 94.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 87.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 87.9%
Retention Rate: 98.6%
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Campus Life

The Corps of Cadets lives together in Chase Hall, with 98% of students residing on campus in this military-style dormitory. Your day starts at 0630 with formation and marches to King Hall for meals eaten family-style at assigned tables. The 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio means professors know every cadet personally and academic standards stay rigorous throughout the four-year program.

New London sits on the Thames River about two hours from both Boston and New York City. Winters here are cold and snowy, so pack that heavy coat for Connecticut's harsh coastal weather. The 103-acre campus feels more like a military base than a traditional college, with cadets wearing uniforms daily and following strict military protocols. Weekend liberty depends on your class year, with upperclassmen earning more freedom to explore downtown New London or nearby Mystic. The Academy's sailing teams dominate on the water, and cadets participate in mandatory athletics every semester. Saturday morning inspections and regimental parades define the military atmosphere that shapes every aspect of cadet life.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 1,100 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1876

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 23°–38°F
July Avg: 65°–80°F
Annual Precipitation: 48.9"
Annual Snowfall: 24.5"

Student Demographics

The Coast Guard Academy draws students from across the nation, with fewer than 5% coming from Connecticut. Men outnumber women roughly 3 to 2, reflecting the military tradition but showing growing female participation in maritime service. The student body is predominantly white at 63%, with Hispanic students making up the largest minority group at 14%. Students commit to five years of active duty after graduation. The 98.6% retention rate shows cadets rarely transfer once they experience the rigorous military training and tight-knit community of future Coast Guard officers.

Men: 60.6%
Women: 39.4%
White: 62.8%
Black: 2.9%
Hispanic: 13.6%
Asian: 5.7%
In-State Students: 5.0%

Location

New London sits on Connecticut's southeastern coast where the Thames River meets Long Island Sound. The city lies about 45 minutes from Hartford and two hours from Boston. This historic port town of 27,000 residents centers around maritime industries and military installations. The Coast Guard Academy overlooks the Thames River with views of submarine bases and shipping channels. New London's downtown features 19th-century architecture mixed with waterfront restaurants and maritime museums. The region offers classic New England coastal charm with lighthouses, beaches, and sailing opportunities minutes from campus. Winter temperatures average in the 30s while summers reach the mid-70s. Students considering colleges in Connecticut may also compare United States Coast Guard Academy with similar schools in the region.

Address: New London, Connecticut 06320-4195

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at United States Coast Guard Academy?

The acceptance rate is 23.86%, making it highly selective among federal service academies. Unlike other military academies, Coast Guard Academy doesn't require a congressional nomination, but cadets must commit to five years of active duty service after graduation.

How much does United States Coast Guard Academy cost?

Tuition, room, and board are completely free as cadets receive full scholarships worth over $200,000. In exchange, graduates serve as commissioned officers in the Coast Guard for a minimum of five years after completing their four-year program.

What is the student-faculty ratio at United States Coast Guard Academy?

The student-faculty ratio is 7:1 with only 1,081 total cadets enrolled. This makes it the smallest of the five federal service academies, allowing for intensive officer training and close mentorship in maritime operations.

What is the graduation rate at United States Coast Guard Academy?

The six-year graduation rate is 87.90% with an exceptional retention rate of 98.62%. The rigorous military structure and commitment required help maintain high completion rates among cadets training for Coast Guard leadership roles.

Where is United States Coast Guard Academy located?

The academy sits on the Thames River in New London, Connecticut, with housing capacity for 1,100 cadets. The waterfront location provides direct access for maritime training essential to Coast Guard operations in search and rescue, port security, and environmental protection.

Does United States Coast Guard Academy have gender diversity?

The student body is 60.59% male and 39.41% female, reflecting strong female representation in military leadership training. Notable alumna Sandra Stosz became the first woman to serve as superintendent of any federal service academy, breaking barriers in military education.