United States Military Academy (USMA)

The United States Military Academy at West Point, the nation's first military academy, prepares students to serve as officers in the U.S. Army. Cadets who successfully complete the rigorous academic, military, and physical programs earn a bachelor's degree and are commissioned as second lieutenants. Students attend USMA to "receive the best leadership training" possible and laud the institution for "[striving] to develop cadets' leadership and character, which sets it apart from most...universities." Enrollees are given "opportunities to challenge yourself" through opportunities like training at the Airborne School and AirAssault, where cadets learn how to parachute out of planes and rappel from helicopters. Additionally, they benefit from "countless academic enrichment activities," including study abroad programs, internships, and the Service Academy Exchange Program (SAEP), where participants spend a semester at one of USMA's sister federal service agencies: the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, or the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. While "freshman and sophomore classes are already picked for you," upper-level students can choose courses based on their major. "This is nice because...you don't have to worry about a class filling up." Professors receive almost unanimous praise for their accessibility and devotion to students: "I've had teachers give me their cellphone numbers on the first day and actually help at all hours of the night. I've had teachers reply to emails at 4 a.m. about a problem." The "academics at USMA are very challenging," but professors "bend over backwards to accommodate" cadets' busy schedules and "always will go the extra mile to help you succeed if you're willing to ask." In addition to receiving a prestigious education, students resoundingly agree that one of the best things about attending USMA is the "guaranteed job after graduation (commissioning as a 2LT in the US Army)."

The student body at USMA is “geographically unique.” In order to gain admission, applicants “must be nominated by a congressman or senator, resulting in cadets from all across America as well as a small number of international cadets.” Cadets express great admiration for their peers, with one praising their “integrity, smarts, athleticism, and drive to succeed.” Another says, “I am surrounded by a large number of motivated, caring, capable, and skilled friends. People here care about the academics…but more importantly, care about each other and the real reason we are here at West Point.” One cadet claims that USMA attracts “some of the best, most intelligent, and uniquely remarkable students America has to offer.” Additionally, cadets “form special bonds with their peers as they go through rigorous military training with their units…the camaraderie is unparalleled at other institutions.”

“Life is extremely busy” at West Point. “School and athletics take up most of the time.” On weekdays, “classes start at 7:30 a.m. and continue until the last class concludes at 4 p.m.” After classes, “everyone participates in some kind of physical training or event. Athletics go “until around 6:00 p.m.” Then, “the evenings are taken up by dinner or studying” or commitments like club meetings and religious gatherings. Everyone agrees: “We are very busy here, all day, every day.” When cadets need a break, they often lift weights, run, or rock climb; working out “is a huge part of West Point culture.” On weekends, there are many options for fun, “everything from trips for clubs and sports to inspections, parades, and football games.” Cadets of legal age “enjoy frequenting the on-campus bar in the evening and taking [a] pass on the weekends to study outside of the school or visit with friends in the city.” While cadets acknowledge that maintaining such a hectic schedule “is challenging,” it “teaches you the valuable life skills of time management and work ethic.”

West Point’s specialized courses and its wide range of majors are “good preparation for a both a military and civilian career in the future. “People just trust you more because they understand that the type of people West Point produces are top-notch,” says one. Almost all West Point graduates become commissioned officers in the U.S. Army, starting off as a 2nd Lieutenant and possibly working their way up to a Colonel, though a small number can “cross-commission” and go to another branch of the military. During their second summer, all undergo cadet field training at a nearby camp, where they may serve as instructors the following summer. Of the United States Military Academy alumni visiting PayScale.com, 65 percent report that they derive a high level of meaning from their jobs.