Located in Annapolis, Maryland, the United States Naval Academy was founded in 1845 by George Bancroft, then secretary of the Navy. The U.S. Naval Academy is the official undergraduate college of naval service, and strives to provide students with moral, physical, academic and professional educations during the four years of time they spend as undergraduates.
The United States Military Academy, located in West Point, New York, has been selected by "Forbes" as the Best Public College or University in America for undergraduate education. With almost 4,400 cadets enrolled as undergraduates, the U.S. Military Academy prides itself on being a premier development institution. Upon graduation, cadets are automatically given a ranking of second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, and must serve a minimum of five years of active duty.
Located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the U.S. Air Force Academy enrolls 4,400 cadets and more than 300 Air Force support personnel. The school, set up much like a civilian university, offers a four-year program to undergraduate cadets. Upon graduation, each cadet becomes a second lieutenant in the Air Force and earns a a bachelor of science degree from the academy.
The Citadel is referred to as "The Military College of South Carolina." Founded in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1842, The Citadel has a rich history as well as a strong educational reputation. The school has an undergraduate student body of 2,000 students, with another 1,000 attending The Citadel Graduate College. The Citadel offers five different academic schools ranging from business, education and engineering to humanities and social sciences and science and mathematics.