• One of the smallest of the five U.S. federal military academies
• Four-year Bachelor of Science degree program
• Founded in 1876 aboard the schooner Dobbin 
• Highly selective
• No tuition
• No congressional nomination necessary
• Holistic education includes academics, physical fitness, character and leadership
• Multiple roles of multi-mission, maritime Coast Guard accommodate diverse interests
• Two graduates are NASA astronauts
• 80% of graduates go to graduate school (most paid for by the Coast Guard)
• 85% of graduates choose to serve beyond their five-year commitment

Key Stats (as of September, 2012) 

Corps of Cadets 

• 978 cadets enrolled
• 44 states and 15 foreign nations represented
• 100% of students housed on campus
• 23 varsity athletic teams (20 division III, 3 division I)
• 36% of cadets are women
• 35% of cadets are minorities
• 1 faculty member for every 8 students
• 19 cadets in an average class

Class of 2016 

• 1,982 completed the application process
• 315 appointments were offered
• 253 cadets were sworn in
• 45% in the top 10% of high school class
• 83% in the top 25% of high school class
• 98% in the top 50% of high school class
• 87% earned a varsity letter in high school
• 69% were team captains in high school
• 35% have a parent who has served in the military
• 33% attended AIM
• 20% attended the CGA Scholars (prep) program
• 79% intend a technical major
• 215/300 is the average applicant PFE score
• 28% were band or chorus member
• Standardized Test Scores:
• Median SAT: Math 640, Critical Reading 600, Writing 590
• Median ACT: Math 28, English 27, Writing 26, Composition 27