United States Coast Guard Academy Campus

2025 admissions data

United States Coast Guard Academy Acceptance Rate

How Hard Is It to Get In?

A straight answer: 24.3% acceptance rate.

This means for every 100 applicants, only 24 actually get in. No guessing. United States Coast Guard Academy is a 4YEAR institution located in New London, CT — competition varies by program, but this is the official average.

The United States Coast Guard Academy, a unique hybrid institution, caters to self-disciplined students driven by a passion for service. If you excel in rigorous STEM disciplines, thrive in a structured environment, and are committed to a military career, this may be a perfect fit. However, if you're seeking flexibility, a traditional college experience, or a non-military career path, you might find this academy limiting. Unlike standard universities, where flexibility reigns, the Academy's commitment to service and military training means a structured schedule, leaving little room for a carefree college life. Students must be prepared for a lifestyle that prioritizes duty over personal freedom, a trade-off that might not resonate with everyone. For those willing to embrace the challenge, the opportunity to graduate without debt alongside the commitment to serve makes it worthwhile.

Who Actually Gets In? (Men vs Women)

Quick breakdown so you get the real picture:

Men

20.3%

Acceptance Rate

Women

34.4%

Acceptance Rate

If you think one gender has an edge — the data tells what’s up.

Applications vs Admits: The Funnel That Matters

This is where the reality hits:

Applied

1,789

Admitted

435

🎓

Yield Rate: N/A

This shows how many admitted students choose United States Coast Guard Academy. High yield = high confidence. Low yield = students had better options.

What Scores Do You Need?

If you're applying without knowing what scores to aim for… that’s how rejection letters happen.

SAT Score Range

Math600–690

Reading610–690

ACT Score Range

English26–33

Math24–28

Aim for the 75th percentile if you want peace of mind.

How to Interpret the United States Coast Guard Academy Acceptance Rate the Right Way

Searching for the United States Coast Guard Academy acceptance rate is often the first step students take when researching admissions. While the number itself is easy to find, interpreting it correctly takes a bit more nuance. Acceptance rates are averages, and averages rarely tell personal stories.

At United States Coast Guard Academy, an acceptance rate of 24.3% reflects a wide mix of applicants—some highly prepared, some just beginning to explore college options. This makes the number useful for context, but unreliable as a predictor of individual outcomes.

What Drives Acceptance Rates at Universities Like United States Coast Guard Academy

One major factor behind acceptance rates is applicant volume. When more students apply without fully meeting academic expectations, acceptance rates tend to rise. That doesn’t necessarily mean the university is lowering standards—it often means the applicant pool is broader.

At the same time, program-level demand plays a big role. Certain majors at United States Coast Guard Academy may be far more competitive than others, which means students applying to those programs experience a different admissions reality than the overall acceptance rate suggests.

Why Students Misjudge Their Chances

Many students assume a higher acceptance rate means admissions are straightforward. In reality, admissions decisions are contextual. Coursework rigor, academic consistency, and clarity of goals often matter more than the headline acceptance rate.

The smartest way to use the acceptance rate at United States Coast Guard Academy is as a planning signal. It helps students understand competitiveness at a high level, but real admissions outcomes depend on how well an applicant’s profile aligns with the university’s priorities.

Admissions Insight

One of the lesser-discussed aspects of attending the United States Coast Guard Academy is the intense workload students face. With a curriculum that integrates both rigorous academic demands and a military structure, cadets are pushed to their limits. This unique burden shapes student outcomes significantly. On average, cadets balance a core curriculum of 26 courses alongside specialized major requirements. This creates a demanding academic environment that requires exceptional time management and discipline. As such, it isn’t uncommon for students to feel the weight of this dual responsibility—rigorous academics coupled with military obligations can lead to increased stress and burnout. The high-stakes nature of their education might challenge students who blossom in less pressured settings. Furthermore, the military aspect means that extracurricular activities and leisure time are more restricted than at conventional colleges. The Academy's structure fosters camaraderie and a strong sense of duty but comes at the expense of typical college social experiences. Cadets often sacrifice personal time to meet the rigorous standards expected of them, which can hinder their social development. Support systems are crucial here; cadets often rely on peer networks for emotional and academic backing.

Holistic Admissions? Or Score-Centric?

Some colleges love essays and activities. Some love high numbers.

Application Fee: N/A

Fee Waiver Available: No

Application Portal: www.uscga.edu/apply/

Your Chances of Getting Into United States Coast Guard Academy

Let’s keep it real:

✅ Great scores + strong extracurriculars → Solid chance
🔶 Good scores + average profile → Toss-up
❌ Below 25th percentile → You’re relying on miracles

If you’re international, competition goes up a notch. If you're applying to CS, Business, or Engineering → multiply difficulty by 2.

What's my real shot?

Acceptance Odds Estimator

Estimate your admission probability at United States Coast Guard Academy based on your unique profile.

GPA

Test Score (SAT/ACT)

Extracurriculars

Pro Tip: Many more factors influence admission. For a deeper analysis that includes major, essays, and personal context — use Orbit's values-based matching.

Try Right Fit Matcher

Deciding Whether United States Coast Guard Academy Is the Right Fit for You

Admissions research often starts with curiosity but ends with uncertainty. After reviewing acceptance data, many students are left wondering what to do next. Should they apply? Adjust expectations? Rebalance their list?

The answer depends on context. For applicants whose academic preparation aligns well with typical admitted students, United States Coast Guard Academy may represent a realistic and strategic choice. For others, it may require stronger positioning or serve as a more ambitious option.

How Strong Applicants Approach This Decision

Strong applicants don’t rely on a single metric. They consider how their coursework, interests, and goals match the university’s offerings. They also recognize that admissions decisions are influenced by demand patterns, not just qualifications.

Seen this way, admissions data becomes a guide for strategy. It helps students decide where to invest time, how to present their strengths, and how to build a balanced application list that reflects both ambition and realism.

Should You Apply to United States Coast Guard Academy?

If 24.3% feels scary — that’s the point. High stakes → high payoff.

Will I be a standout here?
Do I like the vibe?
Can I afford it? (Check scholarship opportunities)
Is this my best-fit major here?

Explore United States Coast Guard Academy

Jump to related stats for this same university.

Admissions Overview

Requirements, deadlines & funnel

ACT Scores

Percentiles, ranges, and what’s competitive

FAQs About United States Coast Guard Academy Acceptance Rate

What is the acceptance rate at USCGA?

The United States Coast Guard Academy has an acceptance rate that typically ranges from 10% to 20%. This indicates a highly competitive selection process for admission.

Do I need a congressional nomination to apply?

No, students applying to the Coast Guard Academy do not require a congressional nomination, which is a requirement at some other federal service academies.

What majors are offered at the Coast Guard Academy?

The Coast Guard Academy offers nine major programs including engineering, naval architecture, computer science, and management, catering to various academic interests within a STEM-heavy curriculum.

What is the service commitment after graduation?

Graduates of the United States Coast Guard Academy are commissioned as ensigns and are obligated to serve five years of active duty in the U.S. Coast Guard.

Is the Coast Guard Academy test-optional?

The test policy for the Coast Guard Academy is currently unknown, so students should check the latest admissions guidelines for updates.

Final Verdict: Don’t Play It Casual

United States Coast Guard Academy isn’t a lottery — but it sure feels like one if you apply blind.

Know where you stand. Play strengths. Show why you belong.

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