United States Coast Guard Academy

The United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) in New London, Connecticut, is a prestigious federal service academy that offers a unique educational experience. It prepares future Coast Guard officers through a rigorous program that combines academics, military training, and leadership development. Graduates earn a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission as an Ensign in the U.S. Coast Guard, with a five-year active-duty service obligation.

Academics

The Academy offers ten academic majors, all leading to a Bachelor of Science degree. While emphasizing science, mathematics, and engineering, the curriculum also includes a strong liberal arts core. Notable programs include Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cyber Systems, Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, and Marine and Environmental Sciences. The teaching approach is rigorous and practical, with a low student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1, providing personalized attention.

International Students

The USCGA welcomes international students, with approximately 28 international undergraduates out of a total of 1,056 students. International applicants must contact the U.S. Defense Attaché Officer or Coast Guard Liaison Officer in their country's U.S. embassy to request an application and gain their host country's support. English proficiency must be demonstrated, often through the TOEFL exam, and applicants must also take the SAT or ACT. While the Academy encourages cultural diversity, international students typically represent a small percentage of the total student population. The Academy provides resources to support international cadets, who are subject to the same rules and pay as U.S. cadets and serve their own country for at least five years after graduation.

Campus & Location

The Academy's campus is situated in New London, Connecticut, a city with a rich maritime history. New London offers a vibrant downtown with diverse eateries and cultural attractions. Just nine miles away is Mystic, Connecticut, home to Mystic Seaport, a leading maritime museum, and Mystic Aquarium. The campus itself offers academic facilities and support services. Transportation to the Academy is accessible, with New London serving as an intermodal hub for trains, buses, taxis, and ferries. Bradley International Airport (Hartford) and T.F. Green Airport (Warwick, Rhode Island) are both about an hour away.

Career Outcomes

Upon graduation, cadets are guaranteed an exciting career as a Coast Guard officer. They receive a commission as an Ensign and embark on a five-year active-duty service obligation. The Coast Guard offers diverse career paths, including sea-going officers, pilots, cyber officers, and civil engineers, among many others. There is no need for graduates to send out resumes or go on job interviews, as an operational leadership position awaits them. The Academy's career services focus on preparing cadets for leadership roles within the U.S. Coast Guard.