U.S. Coast Guard Academy News Weather Horoscopes E-mail Visit our sponsors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., was founded in 1876. It is the only one of the four armed forces service academies that offers appointments based solely on the basis of an annual nationwide competition, with no congressional appointments or geographical quotas. Competition is open to all unmarried U.S. citizens with no dependents who have reached their 17th but not their 22nd birthday by July 1 of the entering year.
Cadets receive a full scholarship including room and board.
Upon graduation, there is a five-year commitment to serve as a commissioned Coast Guard officer, the first two years of which are on a Coast Guard cutter.