U.S. Military Academy at West Point Cadets U.S. Military Academy at West Point Cadets

ACHIEVE EXCELLENCE. MAKE HISTORY

Pursue a bachelor’s degree and earn your commission as an Officer by attending the country’s most prestigious military service college.

Cadets celebrate during the annual branch night ceremony Cadets celebrate during the annual branch night ceremony

Gain the Advantage With a Full-Tuition Scholarship

One of the biggest reasons to pursue Officership through USMA at West Point is free tuition, including an annual stipend of more than $10,000. The fully-funded four-year education stands out amongst top non-military universities, and is worth more than $225,000. In exchange, USMA cadets commit to a secure career after graduation as an Army Officer.

Getting a college degree in a military environment allows the cadets to graduate as Army Officers who meet the highest mental, physical, and military standards. USMA at West Point creates the leaders of tomorrow through world-class leadership skills training; physical, ethical, and moral development, and top-tier science, engineering, and math education.

USMA at West Point Develops Exceptional Officers

Classes and field activities at West Point hold Cadets to the highest standards. It’s part of the academy’s mission to educate, train, inspire, and instill the values of duty, honor, and country.

Freshman Year: Learn About the Military

Transition from civilian life to military life with Cadet Basic Training, Introduction to Warfighting, and academic courses including English, math, military science, and more.

Sophomore Year: Train in the Field

Start putting what you’ve learned to the test with Field Training, Fundamentals of Army Operations, and courses in foreign language, physics, American politics, and more.

Junior Year: Commit to Army Service

Commit to service as an Army Officer after graduation. You’ll begin to get leadership experience by serving as a squad leader for Cadet Basic Training, taking courses in international relations, platoon operations, and more.

Senior Year: Apply for Jobs

Prepare for leadership roles by applying for jobs in Army branches. You’ll also be training cadets, taking courses in leadership development, military history, and more.

Graduate shakes hands with Secretary of Defense, Lloyd J. Austin III at Graduation Ceremony Graduate shakes hands with Secretary of Defense, Lloyd J. Austin III at Graduation Ceremony

Your Army Commitment After Graduation

In your junior year at USMA at West Point, you commit to serve as an Officer in the Army after graduation. Your commitment will be at least five years of Active Duty and three years in Army Reserve Component, for a total of eight years. However, if you leave USMA before your junior year, you don’t have a service commitment.

Cadets marching on bridge over reflecting water Cadets marching on bridge over reflecting water

What to Know Before Applying

The following are requirements for candidates applying to USMA at West Point:

  • Be between 17 and 22 years old on July 1 of the year admitted
  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • You cannot be married
  • You cannot be pregnant or with any legal obligation to support a child or children
  • You have to receive a nomination from a U.S. Congressman or have a service-connected nomination
  • You must have competitive scores on either college entrance exam (ACT or SAT)

Cadets throw hats in the air on football field Cadets throw hats in the air on football field

How to Apply

Since you need to request a nomination from a U.S. Congressman or Senator, it’s important to contact these officials as early as possible since this process can take time.
 
It's ideal to apply during the spring of your junior year in high school. If you are a senior in high school, in college, or already in the Army, apply as soon as possible.

Common Questions About USMA at West Point

How challenging is USMA at West Point?

It is very physically and mentally challenging because it’s meant to help you reach your highest potential as a future Army Officer and leader. If athletic challenges excite you and you’re willing to face your weaknesses and grow, you’ll face fear and conquer it at West Point.

What rank would I graduate with from USMA at West Point?

If you complete all undergraduate degree requirements, you are commissioned as an Army Officer and receive the gold bar of a second lieutenant.

What is life like at West Point, outside of the classroom?

While you’ll be busier at USMA than your typical college, you’ll have holiday vacations and free weekends. Plus, onsite you’ll choose from hundreds of competitive or intramural sports to participate in, and you’ll have the option to join an extracurricular club—or start your own based on your interests.

What internships and study abroad opportunities would I have at USMA?

There are cost-free summer internships at public and private sector organizations for important real-world experience, as well as several immersion semester-abroad programs to strengthen your foreign relation skills and practice a foreign language.

What is the history of USMA at West Point?

Founded in 1802, the United States Military Academy at West Point is the oldest military academy in the nation. It dates back to the Revolutionary War.

Where is West Point?

Campus is 45 minutes from New York City. It sits along the historic Hudson River in New York state.

Talk to a Recruiter

Don’t worry, there’s no obligation if you reach out.

Thanks for reaching out,

Here's What Happens Next

  1. You'll receive an email confirming your request

  2. We'll provide additional information about next steps

  3. You'll work with us to decide whether the Army is right for you

Questions you may have right now

Who will reach out to me?

One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.

Who will reach out to me?

One of our ROTC recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.

What will you ask me?

Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

How can the Army help me pay for college?

Do I have to go to Basic Training?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

How can the Army help me pay for college?

What is the time commitment for part-time service?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

Can the Army help me pay for medical school?

Do I have to go to Basic Training?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

How do I apply for ROTC scholarships?

How do I join ROTC at the college I want to attend?

Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?

No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.

Thanks for reaching out,

Here's What Happens Next

  1. You'll receive an email confirming your request

  2. We'll provide additional information about next steps

  3. You'll work with us to decide whether the Army is right for you

Questions you may have right now

Who will reach out to me?

One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.

What will you ask me?

Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

Do I qualify to join the Army?

Can I join as an Officer?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

Do I qualify to join the Army?

Can I join as an Officer?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

What type of health care jobs are available in the Army?

Can the Army help me pay for medical school?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

Can I join ROTC at my age

Can I join as an Officer?

Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?

No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.

Thanks for reaching out, .

We admire you for considering such a big career decision at your age. Unfortunately, we're unable to directly reach out to you until you are at least sixteen years old and a junior in high school. However, the following ROTC info is something that may interest you now.

Questions you may have right now

How old do I have to be to serve in the Army full-time?

To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.

How can the Army help me pay for college?

There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you

How do I apply for ROTC Scholarships?

Army ROTC has several scholarships available for college-bound high school students. Review your options at ROTC Scholarships, or immediately apply by creating an account at my.goarmy.com to get started.

How old do I have to be to serve in the Army part-time?

To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.

What are the ways to serve part-time?

You can serve part-time as a Soldier in the Army Reserve or the Army National Guard. By serving part-time, you are able to continue your college education or work a civilian job, while earning an extra paycheck and maintaining many of the benefits of military service.

How can the Army help me pay for college?

There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.

How do I become a health care provider in the Army?

You can serve part-time or full-time as you train in our health care program. Upon graduation of the program, you will enter the Army health care team as a Commissioned Officer.

What types of medical careers are available in the Army?

There are numerous health care careers available through the Army Medical Education Deparment (AMEDD), including physicians, dentists, nurses, veterinarians, and many more. View your career options.

How can the Army help me pay for college?

There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.

What are the benefits of joining ROTC?

ROTC makes it possible to achieve your ambitions. Become a leader and serve your country in one of the nation's top leadership training programs. You can do this while maintaining your college curriculum and earning up to 100% tuition coverage. Upon graduation, you're guaranteed a career as an Army Officer.

How do I prepare to join ROTC?

When you're at least 16 years old and at least a high school junior, you can reach out to us, or even talk to your high school counselor. Together, we'll talk options and decide if ROTC is the right path for you.

Will I become an Officer if I complete ROTC?

Yes. After graduation, you are commissioned as a highly respected second lieutenant in the Army, entrusted with leading other Soldiers.

Choose the Army career path you're most interested in.

Select the school you're most interested in

This helps us connect you to the right person, but if you're not sure yet, just select undecided.
    There are no results for that search term.
    Answer True or False to the following statements based on your current situation: (optional)

    I’m a U.S. citizen or permanent and legal resident (I-551 card).

    I’m in high school, have a high school degree, or am enrolled in college.

    I have a GED.

    I don’t have any tattoos.

    I have some tattoos, with no (or subtle) placement on my hands, neck, or face.

    I don’t have any medical concerns.

    I have a minor medical condition or history.

    I don’t have any law violations.

    I have minor law violations, like speeding tickets.

    I’m ready to talk to a recruiter to learn more.

    I’m interested in the Army, but not quite ready to talk to a recruiter.

    Privacy Act Notice: The above disclosure is voluntary. All information will be used strictly for recruiting purposes. The authority for the collection of this information is Title 10, United States Code, Sections 503, 505, 508, and 12102, and EO 9397. For more information, please review our Privacy & Security Notice.