The United States Military Academy, at West Point, NY, is located on a 16,000 acre military reservation, roughly 40 miles north of New York City. In 2009, Forbes magazine ranked West Point as the best public college or university in America for undergraduate education. The Corps of Cadets totals approximately 4,400 students, who may select from 40 different academic programs, all leading to a Bachelor of Science degree. Following graduation, each member of the "Long Grey Line" receives an officer's commission in the U.S. Army and begins a 5-year enlistment. Famous West Point graduates include President Ulysses Grant and President Dwight Eisenhower.
Founded in 1845 and located in Annapolis, Maryland, the mission of the United States Naval Academy is to groom and educate future officers for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The curriculum includes a balanced blend of academics, athletics, leadership development, morals training and strict adherence to the naval code of Honor. Prospective students must possess outstanding academic achievements, high SAT test scores, and secure a nomination through their congressional representative or U.S. Senator. Following graduation, each student is commissioned as a naval officer and begins a 5-year period of active duty.
Since its founding in 1842, The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina has long been known for its stringent academic requirements and the achievements of its graduates. The Citadel is a public college, and its 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students, known collectively as the Corps of Cadets, enjoy the highest graduation rate of any college in South Carolina. Students may choose academic disciplines such as business, education, engineering, or science and mathematics. Every student lives, studies and trains in a classic military environment emphasizing leadership and strong moral character.
Located in Lexington, Virginia, Virginia Military Institute, commonly known as "VMI" was founded in 1839. A military lifestyle characterizes student life at VMI. Every Cadet wears a uniform, resides in a barracks, and dines in a mess hall. A student's schedule is highly organized, requiring every Cadet to quickly master time-management skills in order to juggle his academic, military and physical training requirements. Military instruction is provided from within the cadet regiment as well as by uniformed military personnel assigned to the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) detachments located on the campus.