Is Military School Right for You?

Thinking about a structured, discipline-focused education? Military schools in the U.S. offer a unique blend of academic rigor, leadership training, and personal development — preparing students not only for college but for life with strong values, confidence, and direction.

This site is a good starting point: So Your Child Wants to Join the Military | Resources for Parents. It addresses numerous questions, including those frequently posed by well-intentioned counselors who aim to guide students solely towards college pathways.

What options are available for students interested in Military Academies? Comparing Enlisting and Officer Training Paths. Career Opportunities. Advantages. And more... the choices are numerous, but we will focus on a few here.

Federal Military Academies

These academies are extremely selective and aim to prepare future military leaders. Admission requirements include a challenging physical evaluation, proof of leadership skills, and strong academic performance. Students should begin preparing for the application process by their sophomore year to obtain a recommendation from their senator or congressional representative. The application officially opens for juniors in February of their junior year. Successful candidates are considered to represent the nation's best. Graduates become professional, full-time service members upon graduation. Throughout their four years, students engage in athletics, often competing against college conferences, alongside their military leadership training. Notably, the cost of attendance is covered for four years in exchange for a four-year service commitment. 

Air Force Academy — the Air Force Academy commissions cadets into both the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Space Force.

Coast Guard Academy

Naval Academy — the Naval Academy commissions midshipmen into both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps. 

West Point Military Academy — trains leaders for the U.S. Army

Merchant Marine Academy — graduates merchant marine officers

ROTC — for students who want a part-time commitment while mainly pursuing their college education, the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) offers a suitable option. Besides taking military leadership courses, students may also receive partial tuition scholarships in exchange for equivalent military service. 

Senior Military Colleges — while traditionally all-male, many of these institutions now admit female students. Some of the colleges have also expanded beyond strictly military programs, providing students the option to join ROTC. 

• Norwich University (Northfield, Vermont; four-year private university)

• The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina (Charleston, South Carolina; four-year public college)

• Texas A&M University (College Station, Texas; four-year public university)

• University of North Georgia (Dahlonega, Georgia; four-year public university)

• Virginia Military Institute (Lexington, Virginia; four-year public college)

• Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Blacksburg, Virginia; four-year public university)

Public maritime colleges and universities also exist. Unlike traditional colleges offering maritime studies, maritime academies specifically concentrate on merchant marine operations. These academies train students to become intermodal transportation officers in the Merchant Marine Armed Forces.

Military Enlisted Service

Beyond those applying to military academies, it's important to remember that young individuals can enlist as early as 17 years old. This path requires potential enlistees to achieve qualifying scores on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), an aptitude test. These scores determine placement in a suitable service branch and military occupational specialty (job placement) after basic training. With American military bases around the globe, serving in the armed forces can offer travel and cultural experiences that might not be accessible to families with limited financial means. This aspect of military service appeals to students seeking adventure, challenges, and change. For many low-income families, the military presents an appealing financial opportunity to rise out of poverty. Enlistment contracts can be fulfilled through full-time active duty service or part-time reserve service, such as the United States Army Reserves

or United States National Guard.

As many initial enlisted service contracts are generally 6-8 years, numerous service members opt to continue their education after returning from initial duty. Educational benefits, like the GI Bill, can help mitigate the rising costs of education, making higher education feasible after military service. Recognizing this significant need, many universities have allocated resources to support these students. Programs for veterans, such as those at Syracuse University (Veterans and Syracuse) and University of Chicago, offer veterans high-quality educational opportunities that complement their military occupational skills.

Enlistment Options

U.S. Army	Standard enlistment Delayed Entry Program (DEP) in which you enlist now and delay starting your training for up to 365 days Delayed Training Program (DTP) lets you delay your basic training for up to 365 days if you enlist in the Army Reserve for qualified applicants, the U.S. Army offers a two-year enlistment option in addition to your training time
U.S. Navy	Standard enlistment Delayed Entry Program (DEP) in which you enlist now and delay starting your training for up to 365 days
U.S. Air Force	Standard enlistment Delayed Entry Program (DEP) in which you enlist now and delay starting your training for up to 365 days
U.S. Marine Corps	Standard enlistment Delayed Entry Program (DEP) in which you enlist now and delay starting your training for up to 365 days For qualified applicants, the National Call To Service program offers a two-year enlistment option
National Guard	Standard enlistment Delayed Entry Program (DEP) in which you enlist now and delay starting your training for up to 365 days College First Enlistment Program in which you can complete up to two years of full-time schooling, with no federal mobilization/deployment Split-option enlistment — As a junior in high school, you can enlist in the Army National Guard and not interrupt your high school education. You start by attending basic training the summer after your junior year. You will return home in time for your senior year in the fall.
U.S. Coast Guard	Standard enlistment Delayed Entry Program (DEP) in which you enlist now and delay starting your training for up to 365 days