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Public, 4-year

United States Coast Guard Academy

New London, Connecticut · www.uscga.edu

中文

Acceptance rate

22.4%

2025

Peer median 80.5%

Undergraduates

1,108

Student-faculty ratio 7:1

Peer median 14 : 1

Graduation rate

82.8%

4-year; 6-year rate 86.5%

Peer median 26.9%

“Peers” are all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

The United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), located in New London, Connecticut, is a premier institution dedicated to the education and training of future leaders in the U.S. Coast Guard. Established in 1876, the academy has a strong tradition of excellence and offers a rigorous academic program that emphasizes engineering, science, and the liberal arts. Students, known as cadets, benefit from a unique combination of military discipline and academic rigor, preparing them for a variety of roles within the Coast Guard. The academy’s motto, "Scientiæ, Virtuti, et Patriae" (For Knowledge, for Duty, and for Country), reflects its commitment to instilling a sense of duty and service in its graduates.

The campus, nestled along the picturesque Thames River, provides a conducive environment for both academic and extracurricular activities. The facilities include state-of-the-art laboratories, athletic fields, and a maritime training center, offering cadets ample opportunities to engage in sports and physical training, which are integral to their development. The USCGA has a strong emphasis on leadership, with numerous programs designed to cultivate teamwork and personal growth. The academy boasts a distinguished faculty, many of whom have extensive experience in the Coast Guard or related fields. Graduates from the USCGA are highly sought after and are well-prepared for successful careers in various fields, contributing to the safety and security of the nation.

Analysis of Key Educational Metrics at the United States Coast Guard Academy

The United States Coast Guard Academy presents a variety of intriguing educational metrics that reflect its commitment to academic excellence and student support. One of the most notable observations is the impressive graduation rates. For instance, in 2022, the on-time graduation rate reached approximately 89%, showcasing the Academy's effectiveness in helping students complete their degrees within the standard time frame. This is a significant indicator of the institution's academic rigor and the support systems in place to guide students through their educational journey.

Another critical metric is the retention rate, which remained remarkably high, peaking at 100% in 2021. This figure underscores the Academy's ability to create a conducive environment for students, encouraging them to continue their studies without interruption. Such retention rates are often linked to effective mentorship programs and a strong sense of community among students.

Additionally, the gender ratio among undergraduate students has shown a gradual shift over the years. In 2023, male students constituted about 59% of the undergraduate population, while female students represented around 41%. This gradual increase in female representation reflects broader societal changes and the institution's efforts to promote diversity within its ranks.

Lastly, the student-to-faculty ratio has remained stable at 7:1 over recent years. This ratio is crucial as it implies smaller class sizes, allowing for more personalized attention and interaction between students and faculty, which can enhance the overall educational experience.

In summary, the United States Coast Guard Academy excels in graduation and retention rates while also making strides in gender diversity among its student body. The stable student-to-faculty ratio further supports a rich academic environment conducive to learning and personal development.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Small city
Nearest major city
Hartford, about 40 mi
Nearest international airport
Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD), about 40 mi
New London, Connecticut
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Rear Admiral Gregory Rothrock (Superintendent)
Phone
8604448444
City
New London, Connecticut
Address
15 Mohegan Avenue, New London, CT 06320

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 80.5% · all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2025

Men
20.1%
Women
28.6%

In 2020: men 17.3%, women 28.7%.

Data insights

Analysis of Admission Trends at the United States Coast Guard Academy

The admission data from the United States Coast Guard Academy provides valuable insights into the changing landscape of college admissions over the years. Notably, the admission rates for both male and female applicants have fluctuated, reflecting broader trends in higher education competitiveness.
In 2010, the admission rate for males was approximately 22.2%, while for females, it was about 34%. Fast forward to 2023, and these figures have shifted to around 19.4% for males and a notable increase to approximately 35.1% for females. This indicates a gradual tightening of admissions for male applicants, possibly influenced by an increase in the quality and number of applications, while female applicants appear to benefit from a marginally higher acceptance rate over time.
The total enrollment also reveals a consistent pattern, with the academy admitting between 225 and 294 students annually. The number of denied applicants, however, remains significantly higher, often exceeding 1,500, showcasing the competitive nature of the admissions process.
Additionally, the number of deferrals highlights the academy's flexibility in accommodating qualified candidates who may need to postpone their entry. The slight fluctuations in deferral numbers each year suggest that the institution is responsive to students' needs, which is an encouraging sign for prospective candidates.
Overall, these trends underline the importance of resilience and preparedness for applicants, as the admission process becomes increasingly selective. The continuous growth in female enrollment rates also reflects a positive movement towards gender equity in traditionally male-dominated fields within the military and maritime sectors.

School and Program Rankings

U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking

Undergraduate Rankings · 2027 edition

Business School#176▼26

Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition

Test Scores

2025 admitted students, 25th–75th percentile · 56% submitted SAT, 27% submitted ACT · SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted

SAT total1240–1400Peer median 1100
ACT composite27–32
SAT Reading
620–700
600700800
SAT Math
620–700
600700800
ACT composite
27–32
253036

Data insights

Trends in Admissions Data at the United States Coast Guard Academy

The admission statistics for the United States Coast Guard Academy over the years reveal notable trends in the academic preparedness of incoming students as measured by standardized test scores. The data indicates that the average SAT reading and math scores for admitted students have shown a general upward trend, particularly peaking in 2019, where the scores reached a range from 615 to 700. This may reflect the Academy's increasing selectivity and an overall improvement in the academic performance of applicants.

Moreover, the percentage of applicants submitting SAT scores has varied significantly, with some years witnessing participation rates as high as 90%. This fluctuation could be indicative of changing perceptions about standardized testing among prospective students, especially in the context of a broader national conversation about the relevance of these scores in college admissions.

It is also important to note that the numbers of applicants submitting ACT scores have not been as consistently tracked in the dataset, which might suggest a lesser emphasis on the ACT compared to the SAT within this specific institution. As universities and colleges across the U.S. have begun to adopt test-optional policies in recent years, the Coast Guard Academy's data might serve as a useful case study for understanding how these trends affect admissions dynamics and applicant profiles.

Overall, the data reflects the Academy's commitment to maintaining high academic standards while adapting to the evolving landscape of college admissions, which has been influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing discussions about equity in testing.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 2 in 10

1,943 applicants in 2025, 22.4% admitted

436 admitted 1,507 not admitted Yield 66.1%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Bachelor's2666 international (2.3%)
Top 9 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Political Science and Government, General
50
Business Administration and Management, General
40
Civil Engineering, General
37
Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
34
Oceanography, Chemical and Physical
29
Mechanical Engineering
22
Operations Research
20
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance
17
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
17

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from the United States Coast Guard Academy

The graduation data from the United States Coast Guard Academy for 2023 presents some noteworthy trends, particularly in the realm of undergraduate degrees. The Business Administration and Management program stands out with the highest number of graduates at 45, indicating a strong interest and possibly a greater demand for skills in this area. This trend aligns with the broader labor market where business acumen is increasingly valued across various sectors.

Political Science and Government also shows a significant number of graduates, with 37 students completing their bachelor's degrees. This reflects a growing interest in public service and governance, potentially fueled by recent political events that have heightened awareness of civic engagement among young people.

In engineering disciplines, Mechanical Engineering has 35 graduates, while Electrical and Electronics Engineering follows with 18. The data indicates a robust pipeline of engineering talent, which is essential for addressing contemporary challenges such as climate change and technological advancement. However, it's notable that there are no international students graduating from these engineering programs, suggesting a potential area for growth in attracting global talent.

The absence of master's and doctorate graduates in most categories may point towards a focused undergraduate program designed to prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce or advanced training. This aligns with the Coast Guard's mission of ensuring safety and security, where practical skills and readiness are paramount.

Overall, the data reflects a diverse range of interests among graduates and highlights areas that may require strategic focus to enhance international representation and advanced degree offerings in the future.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Engineeringhas 130 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnder
Civil Engineering, General.-
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.-
Mechanical Engineering.-
Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.-
Operations Research.-
Social sciencehas 50 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnder
Political Science and Government, General.-
Businesshas 40 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnder
Business Administration and Management, General.-
Physical scienceshas 29 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnder
Oceanography, Chemical and Physical.-
Computer and information sciencehas 17 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnder
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance.-

Students

1,108 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 63:37 · Freshman retention 98.6%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,108)

White
707 · 63.8%
Hispanic
150 · 13.5%
Two or more races
110 · 9.9%
Asian
49 · 4.4%
Black
34 · 3.1%
International
32 · 2.9%
Unknown
18 · 1.6%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
0.6%
18–19
41.2%
20–21
44.4%
22–24
10.8%
25 and over
0.0%

Data insights

Student Demographics at the United States Coast Guard Academy in 2023

The 2023 student demographics at the United States Coast Guard Academy reveal a diverse and evolving population. The data indicates that there are 289 incoming freshmen and 748 continuing undergraduate students. The gender distribution shows that male students form a significant majority, accounting for approximately 56.7% of the freshmen and 59.5% of the continuing students, while female students represent about 43.3% of the freshmen and 40.5% of the continuing students.

This gender ratio indicates a relatively balanced environment for female students, especially in a historically male-dominated field like military and maritime studies. The presence of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds among students is also noteworthy. However, specific breakdowns of the underrepresented groups such as White, Asian, Latinx, Pacific Islander, Black, and international students are not fully detailed in this dataset.

Understanding these demographics is crucial as they reflect broader societal trends in education and diversity within military academies. As institutions like the Coast Guard Academy strive to create inclusive environments, the increasing representation of female students and students from various backgrounds suggests positive progress. This aligns with national efforts to promote diversity and equity in higher education, particularly in fields related to defense and security.

Overall, the 2023 data provides insightful glimpses into the Academy's ongoing commitment to fostering a diverse educational community while preparing future leaders for service in the Coast Guard.

Analysis of Age Composition at the United States Coast Guard Academy

The age distribution data from the United States Coast Guard Academy reveals interesting insights into the demographics of its student body. A clear majority of undergraduates are concentrated in the 18-19 and 20-21 age groups, accounting for 235 male undergraduates and 191 female undergraduates in the 18-19 bracket, and 290 male undergraduates and 186 female undergraduates in the 20-21 bracket. This indicates a significant trend where younger students make up the bulk of the academy's enrollment, reflecting the institution's appeal to recent high school graduates.

In contrast, the number of students aged 22-24 drops significantly, with only 61 male and 37 female undergraduates. This decline may suggest that students tend to graduate within the traditional age range or that there are fewer transfers or second-career individuals entering the academy at this age. The cohort aged 25-29 is almost negligible, with just three male undergraduates and no female representation, further emphasizing the predominance of younger students.

This demographic trend aligns with broader patterns observed in military academies, where younger individuals are often more likely to enlist and pursue a military education. As the U.S. Coast Guard Academy prepares its students for future leadership roles, understanding this age composition is crucial for tailoring support services and retention strategies. Additionally, this data could inform recruitment efforts, as targeting younger demographics appears to be effective in attracting students to the academy. Overall, the age composition reflects the institution's focus on cultivating a new generation of leaders ready to serve in the Coast Guard.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates2.9%

32 in 2025 · 2.4% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 2.4%2017: 2.4%2018: 2.7%2019: 2.9%2020: 2.6%2021: 2.7%2022: 2.6%2023: 2.5%2024: 2.8%2025: 2.9%
2016Peer median 1.4%2025

Data insights

Analysis of International Student Enrollment at the United States Coast Guard Academy

The data on international student enrollment at the United States Coast Guard Academy reveals a gradual increase in the number of international undergraduates over the years, albeit at a modest rate. From 2004 to 2023, the percentage of international undergraduates has risen from 1.53% to 2.51%. This increase, though small, reflects a growing recognition of the importance of international perspectives in military and maritime education, which is critical in today’s globalized world.

The number of international students rose from 15 in 2004 to 26 in 2023. This steady climb suggests that the academy is becoming increasingly attractive to international students, possibly due to its unique focus on maritime security and its reputation as a leading institution for training future leaders in the Coast Guard.

However, it is noteworthy that the overall percentage of international students remains relatively low. This could indicate barriers such as financial constraints, immigration regulations, or limited outreach to potential international applicants. Additionally, the lack of data on graduate international student enrollment suggests that there may be further opportunities for growth in this area.

In light of recent global events, including heightened maritime security concerns and the need for international cooperation in defense, the importance of attracting a diverse student body cannot be overstated. The Coast Guard Academy might consider enhancing its recruitment strategies to appeal to a broader range of international students, fostering an inclusive environment that benefits all cadets. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the value of diverse perspectives in military education becomes paramount.

Cost

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$129M

Government grants and contracts
$125M96.5%
Gifts and private grants
$3.0M2.4%
Investment return
$24K0.0%
Other
$1.4M1.1%

Expenses$135M

Instruction
$47.5M35.1%
Student services
$39.4M29.1%
Academic support
$18.6M13.7%
Institutional support
$18.1M13.3%
Hospitals
$7.3M5.4%
Research
$4.6M3.4%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

All faculty
$73,961peers $72,709
Professor
$95,543peers $91,112
Associate professor
$74,127peers $77,091
Assistant professor
$63,739peers $65,783

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · New England Women's & Men's Athletic Conference

New England Women's & Men's Athletic Conference: football, basketball, baseball, cross country

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some prominent colleges and universities near the United States Coast Guard Academy:

  1. Yale University - Ranked 5th in the 2024 US News rankings, Yale is an Ivy League institution known for its strong emphasis on research and a diverse range of academic programs.

  2. Brown University - With a rank of 9, Brown is another Ivy League school recognized for its flexible curriculum and vibrant campus life, providing students the freedom to explore their interests.

  3. Wesleyan University - Ranked 11th, Wesleyan is a prestigious liberal arts college that emphasizes a unique blend of liberal arts education and a strong commitment to social justice.

  4. College of the Holy Cross - This college is ranked 27th and is known for its rigorous academic programs and commitment to the liberal arts, along with a strong focus on service and community engagement.

  5. Trinity College - Ranked 39th, Trinity College offers a liberal arts education with a strong emphasis on experiential learning and a vibrant campus community.

  6. Connecticut College - With a rank of 46, this liberal arts college is known for its commitment to interdisciplinary education and a supportive academic environment.

These institutions not only provide excellent educational opportunities but also enrich the cultural and intellectual landscape of the region surrounding the United States Coast Guard Academy.

Data insights

Safety and Discipline at the United States Coast Guard Academy

The data from the United States Coast Guard Academy reveals an impressive record of safety and discipline over the years from 2013 to 2023. Notably, there have been no recorded incidents of any serious crimes, including gun arrests, drug-related offenses, alcohol-related arrests, or domestic violence. This consistent absence of crime indicates a well-maintained environment conducive to learning, personal growth, and community well-being.

The lack of incidents can be attributed to several factors, including the rigorous selection process for admission, strict disciplinary policies, and a strong emphasis on character development within the academy's curriculum. The Coast Guard Academy fosters a culture of respect, responsibility, and accountability among its cadets, which is essential in a military training environment.

Moreover, the broader context of crime rates in educational institutions highlights the significance of these findings. Many colleges and universities face challenges regarding campus safety, with various incidents reported yearly. In contrast, the Coast Guard Academy’s exemplary record serves as a model for other institutions striving to create safe and supportive environments for their students.

As we consider the implications of these statistics, it is crucial to remember that safety is not merely the absence of crime; it involves fostering an environment where students feel secure and supported. The Coast Guard Academy’s achievement in maintaining zero crime incidents over a decade is commendable and reflects positively on its leadership and community values.

For more information on calculating crime rates, you can visit this link: Crime Rate Calculation.

Notable Alumni

All 24

Notable alumni of United States Coast Guard Academy include Daniel C. Burbank (Coast Guard captain and NASA astronaut), Don "The Dragon" Wilson (Kickboxer and actor, 11-time world champion) and Bruce E. Melnick (Retired NASA astronaut and Coast Guard officer).

See all 24 notable alumni of United States Coast Guard Academy →

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.