Overview
The United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) is a federal service academy located in New London, Connecticut. It is the smallest of the five U.S. service academies and the only one that admits students solely based on merit, without requiring a congressional nomination.
Founded in 1876, the Academy provides a four-year Bachelor of Science degree program that prepares young men and women for careers as commissioned officers in the United States Coast Guard. Graduates earn a commission as an Ensign and serve a minimum five-year active duty obligation.
Quick Facts
- Founded: 1876
- Location: New London, Connecticut
- Enrollment: ~1,000 cadets
- Acceptance Rate: ~17%
- Mascot: Objee the Bear
- Colors: Blue and White
- NCAA Division: III
Academic Programs
| Major | Degree | Department |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering | B.S. | Engineering |
| Electrical Engineering | B.S. | Engineering |
| Mechanical Engineering | B.S. | Engineering |
| Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering | B.S. | Engineering |
| Cyber Systems | B.S. | Engineering |
| Operations Research & Computer Analysis | B.S. | Math & Computer Science |
| Marine & Environmental Sciences | B.S. | Science |
| Government | B.S. | Humanities |
| Management | B.S. | Management |
The Cadet Experience
Military Training
Cadets develop leadership skills through a rigorous military training program, including Swab Summer, professional development, and shipboard training.
Academic Excellence
Small class sizes (average 15 students) and dedicated faculty ensure personalized attention. All majors are accredited by ABET or other professional organizations.
Athletics
Cadets participate in varsity, club, or intramural athletics. The Bears compete in 24 NCAA Division III sports.
Sea Training
Summer cruises aboard the USCGC Eagle and other vessels provide hands-on maritime experience and professional development.
USCGC Eagle
America's Tall Ship
The USCGC Eagle (WIX-327) is a 295-foot barque used for training cadets in seamanship and navigation. Built in 1936 in Germany as the Horst Wessel, she was taken as a war prize and commissioned into the Coast Guard in 1946. Eagle has trained thousands of cadets and officer candidates and serves as a goodwill ambassador around the world.