The Coast Guard has 11 important missions that all support our role of protecting the Nation from threats on the sea, protecting people who use the sea, and protecting the sea itself. These missions include port security, law enforcement, search and rescue, environmental protection, national defense and many others – something to interest every young person seeking a rewarding career and opportunity to serve. For more information about the Coast Guard, please visit www.uscg.mil.

Located on the banks of the Thames River in New London, Connecticut, the Coast Guard Academy is the smallest of the federal military service academies. We offer highly motivated young men and women a unique leader development experience that combines academics, athletics, and professional development. Our small size allows us to offer small classes and accessible faculty, all of whom have advising responsibilities. Graduates receive both a bachelor of science degree in one of our eight majors and a commission as an officer in the United States Coast Guard…and a guaranteed job with great benefits. In addition, about 80 percent of our graduates continue on to earn masters degrees paid for by the Coast Guard.

If you are interested in more than just a great education – if you want to challenge yourself to test your mettle – to develop your character and continue growing as a leader; if you want to be part of something bigger than yourself; if you have a desire to serve your nation and humanity, then maybe the Coast Guard Academy is the right place for you. We are very selective, highly competitive and are looking for the very best – young men and women who have demonstrated they have what it takes to develop into commissioned officers and leaders of character – and who share our commitment to our core values of honor, respect and devotion to duty.

Our leadership and professional development program sets us apart from most institutions of higher learning; if the idea of sailing onboard the 300-foot barque Eagle or our new Leadership 44 yawls as part of your classroom experience sounds exciting, we may be the place for you.

Our exceptional academic program is among the nation’s best as reflected in the national rankings. In 2010, U. S. News and World Report ranked the Coast Guard Academy the number one baccalaureate college in the Northeast, and Forbes ranked us in the top ten best Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) schools for women. With a cadet corps comprised of approximately 30 percent women, we are very proud of this achievement.

Our Division III athletic program is an important part of the academy experience. The emphasis is on character development and teamwork. Approximately 70 percent of our cadets, both male and female, participate in intercollegiate sports, but for the others, we offer intramural and club sports – so there is truly something for everyone.

I graduated from the Coast Guard Academy in 1982 as a member of the third class to admit women. I know what it’s like to be a young cadet, possibly leaving home for the first time and embarking on the experience of a lifetime. As Superintendent, I am committed to the safety, well-being, professional development and education of all the young men and women who enter our gates as cadets entrusted to my care. The faculty and staff here are committed to providing a positive, inclusive, empowering and inspiring learning environment that values each individual and allows our Academy and the Coast Guard to benefit from the talents, abilities and viewpoints of a cadet corps drawn from the richness of American society.

I challenge you to consider the Coast Guard Academy; if you think you have what it takes to become a leader of character in selfless service to our nation, we welcome your application.

Semper Paratus – Always Ready!

Rear Admiral Sandra Stosz
Superintendent, United States Coast Guard Academy
USCGA ‘82