United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA)

Cadets at the highly selective United States Coast Guard Academy take pride in being "pushed to [the] limits" to "reach farther, expand their horizons, and to develop outside the classroom as much as inside of it." With a specific mission to prepare future leaders of the U.S. Coast Guard, attending the academy is more than just an education; it's a lifestyle choice. The academy's "regimented environment" is "highly demanding, immensely rewarding, professionally oriented, and the best choice to make the best friends you are ever going to have." One cadet reports that the USCGA provides "a standard to live up to and hold myself to, even when I am away from here." Cadets agree that the academy is "academically, emotionally, and physically'' challenging. While USCGA is best known for its robust engineering and maritime sciences programs, there are nine majors to choose from, and all students take liberal arts classes as part of the "challenging but rewarding" core curriculum. An electrical engineering student particularly appreciates the dedicated instructors: "The most surprising and excellent trait that all teachers have is that they are always willing to help outside of the classrooms. Always." Another cadet says, "The best part about my school is the summer training programs." Summer adventures include sailing "across the Atlantic Ocean," stopping "in London, Iceland, and Nova Scotia," which are "absolutely amazing." Upon graduation, cadets enjoy one of the truly unique perks of USCGA: a "guaranteed job upon graduation."

Simply put, USCGA attracts “highly motivated” young adults “with a strong desire to serve in the Coast Guard.” Cadets can rely on their shipmates to be “hardworking, smart, motivated, and in great shape.” Cadets are “very close with each other” because they share similar career goals and “all wear the same uniforms, take the same classes, and are going through the same experiences,” and “for the most part, everyone has a group of friends that they fit in quite well with.” One student adds, “The academy fosters camaraderie amongst the Corps of Cadets that can’t be found anywhere else…The Coast Guard Academy is truly unique in its ability to provide an environment where classmates become shipmates, friends, and eventually family.” As one cadet humorously explains, “A typical student here is just like a typical student anywhere else but works harder, follows stricter rules, is in better shape, and is owned by the federal government.”

"Life at USCGA is unique." Cadets are expected to participate in intercollegiate or intramural sports, as "physical fitness, teamwork, and competition" are highly valued. Among these sports offerings are men's and women's rugby, rifle and pistol clubs, archery, scuba diving, fencing, and ice hockey. In addition to sports, there are various activities available for cadets, including cheer squad, dance and drill teams, yearbook, and a blog club. Students describe life at USCGA as "orderly and predictable," but it can be challenging to find time for activities "outside of their military, athletic, and academic obligations." While "students aren't allowed off campus during the week," except for academy-sanctioned activities, "most try and get away for the weekend" to "explore New England, New York City, and the downtown New London area." One cadet notes that "underage students tend to go to the movies or the local mall. Of-age students usually spend their time off drinking at the bars downtown." Outdoor enthusiasts "go to the beach, [or] head up to Vermont for some hiking or skiing...There is a lot to do if you look for it." Life at USCGA can be "very challenging and demanding at times, but the goal of becoming an officer makes it worth it."

The Academy opens doors and equips cadets with the skills and résumés they need to get upper echelon jobs. All cadets become commissioned officers (ensigns) in the U.S. Coast Guard once they graduate and serve a five-year commitment to the military. Ensigns can work in many capacities—aboard ships or aircraft, at sector offices in ports around the country, on an ice breaker in Antarctica, or even defending cyberspace. “I will have a guaranteed job once I graduate. And I am now a part of the military family that takes care of its own,” says a student. Students are eager to begin their “very noble career,” and many go on past their five years to become lifetime military officers. The majority of alums opt to pursue graduate degrees, which are paid for in return for further service obligations. Access to a range of careers certainly pays off: Payscale.com reports that an impressive 73 percent of Academy graduates find a high level of meaning in their jobs and a median starting salary of $88,000.