Getting Started

Unlike applications to other U.S. service academies, admission to the Coast Guard Academy is driven strictly by merit. Congressional nominations are not required or considered, so we are free to choose the absolute best applicants for our service.

And unlike traditional colleges, as part of your Coast Guard application, you’ll be required to complete both a Physical Fitness Exam as well as a thorough Medical Exam.ADMISSIONS RESOURCESGETTING STARTED

Request Information
You’ll first want to create a login for your personalized student portal, the Bears Den, which will facilitate communication and access to information about the Academy experience.

Check your Eligibility to Apply
An eligible applicant to the Academy is:
• A U.S. citizen or sponsored international, of sound moral character
• Unmarried with no dependents or financial debt
• A high school graduate, 17-22 years of age
• An individual who submitted standardized test scores taken without special accommodations

Careers and Outcomes

Graduate from the Coast Guard Academy and go directly to an exciting and rewarding career as a Coast Guard officer – leading people and managing resources.

Roles and Missions of the U.S. Coast Guard

The Coast Guard is unique among America’s military services. We are military – but we are also humanitarians. Built on a heritage of lifesaving, we protect those on the sea, we protect the nation against threats delivered by sea, and we protect the sea itself.