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U.S. Military Academy at West Point

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 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 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, chain of command, 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.