The Citadel, one of the most historic military colleges in America, is located in Charleston, South Carolina. Established in 1842, The Citadel is home to about 3,000 students who comprise what is known as the South Carolina Corps of Cadets. These students -- graduate, professional, and undergraduate -- come from 40 states and 12 countries.
Known for operating under a strict military training system and an honor code, The Citadel sends nearly a third of its graduates straight into military commissions. Offering professional training in business, education, engineering, humanities, mathematics, social science and science, The Citadel ranks highly each year in the annual "U.S. News & World Report" ratings of colleges and universities.
Cadets at VMI live within a highly regimented military system, the purpose of which is to instill character, discipline and respect for authority. A typical day at VMI includes challenges to each cadet's physical and intellectual sides, where careful attention to detail can make the difference between success and failure.
Academically, VMI offers small classes with an 11 to 1 student-teacher ratio. With
an engaging, theme-based curriculum, the VMI student has 14 majors from which to choose in the sciences, engineering and the humanities.
The three major military academies all require a personal recommendation from a U.S. lawmaker as a part of their rigorous admission requirements. Given that all three provide their students with a free college education, these academies can afford to be highly selective and rigorous.
Applicants should know, however, that while there won't be a financial cost to this path through college, there will be a significant cost in terms of time in military service immediately after graduation.
Each of these academies boasts rich history, tradition, and academic excellence.
The Coast Guard Academy is also ranked among the nation's top undergraduate colleges. The smallest of the military academies, the USCGA boasts a 1 to 8 ratio of instructors to students. That translates into a typical class size of about 20 students.
The four-year academic program prepares its students for a Bachelor of Science along with an ensign's commission in the U.S. Coast Guard.