In this article, we’ll give you a list of colleges on military bases in USA and some rad examples of each. The United States has a long-standing tradition of offering military education to those who want to serve their country. These military schools and academies come in different flavors, each with its own unique vibe, program, and opportunities.
Are you ready? Let’s go!
List Of Colleges On Military Bases in USA
1. Federal Service Academies
These badass four-year undergraduate institutions are funded and operated by the US government. They offer a mix of intense academics, professional training, and military discipline. Graduates earn a bachelor’s degree and a commission as an officer in one of the branches of the US armed forces.
- United States Military Academy (USMA): AKA West Point, this legendary academy in West Point, New York, trains cadets for careers in the US Army, federal agencies, and civilian sectors. Their motto? “Duty, Honor, Country.”
- United States Naval Academy (USNA): Known as Annapolis, this institution in Annapolis, Maryland, prepares midshipmen for careers in the US Navy, Marine Corps, and beyond. Their motto? “Ex Scientia Tridens” or “From Knowledge, Sea Power.”
- United States Air Force Academy (USAFA): Located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, this academy sets cadets up for success in the US Air Force, Space Force, and other paths. Their motto? “Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence in All We Do.”
- United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA): Situated in New London, Connecticut, this small but mighty academy trains cadets for service in the US Coast Guard and more. Their motto? “Scientiae Cedit Mare” or “The Sea Yields to Knowledge.”
- United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA): The only service academy not under the Department of Defense, this academy in Kings Point, New York, readies midshipmen for the US Merchant Marine and other military branches. Their motto? “Acta Non Verba” or “Deeds Not Words.”
2. Senior Military Colleges
These four-year institutions don’t receive government funding but have a rich military heritage. They offer civilian academic programs coupled with military training and discipline. Graduates have the option to commission as officers or explore alternative career paths.
- Norwich University: Established in 1819, this private military college in Northfield, Vermont, offers both civilian and military programs. Their motto? “I Will Try.”
- The Citadel: Founded in 1842, this public military college in Charleston, South Carolina, offers both civilian and military programs, including online options. Their motto? “Duty – Honor – Respect.”
- Texas A&M University: Established in 1876, this public university in College Station, Texas, is the largest military program hub in the country. They offer civilian and military programs, including online options. Their motto? “Aggies Do Not Lie, Cheat, or Steal Nor Tolerate Those Who Do.”
- University of North Georgia: Founded in 1873, this public university in Dahlonega, Georgia, is the sole military program provider in the state. They offer civilian and military programs, including online options. Their motto? “Truth and Wisdom.”
- Virginia Military Institute (VMI): Established in 1839, this public military college in Lexington, Virginia, focuses solely on military programs with a liberal arts and sciences approach. Their motto? “In Peace a Glorious Asset, In War a Tower of Strength.”
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech): Founded in 1872, this public university in Blacksburg, Virginia, has a kickass military program alongside its civilian options, including online programs. Their motto? “Ut Prosim” or “That I May Serve.”
3. State-Supported Maritime Colleges and Universities
These state-funded institutions specialize in maritime education, preparing students for careers in the US Merchant Marine and other military or federal agencies. Graduates earn a bachelor’s degree and licenses from the US Coast Guard and/or the US Merchant Marine.
- California State University Maritime Academy: Part of the California State University system, this academy in Vallejo, California, offers civilian and military programs, including online options.
- Great Lakes Maritime Academy: As part of Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City, Michigan, this academy focuses exclusively on military programs.
- Maine Maritime Academy: Located in Castine, Maine, this independent public college offers both civilian and military programs, including online options.
- Massachusetts Maritime Academy: In Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, this independent public college rocks both civilian and military programs, including online options.
- State University of New York Maritime College: As part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, this college in Throggs Neck, New York, offers both civilian and military programs, including online options.
- Texas A&M Maritime Academy: Part of the Texas A&M University System, this academy in Galveston, Texas, offers both civilian and military programs, including online options.
4. Military Junior Colleges
These two-year institutions may not be government-funded but have a special relationship with the US Army. Students in these colleges can participate in the Army ROTC program, allowing them to become second lieutenants after just two years. After that, they can transfer to four-year institutions to finish their degrees.
- Georgia Military College: Located in Milledgeville, Georgia, this independent public college offers both civilian and military programs, including online options.
- Marion Military Institute: This independent public college in Marion, Alabama, focuses solely on military programs.
- New Mexico Military Institute: Situated in Roswell, New Mexico, this independent public college offers both civilian and military programs.
- Valley Forge Military Academy and College: This independent private college rocks both civilian and military programs in Wayne, Pennsylvania.
5. Private College-Prep Military Schools
These high schools aren’t government-funded, but they prioritize military preparation, rigorous academics, and physical fitness. Students can pursue a college education or commission as officers after graduation.
- Admiral Farragut Academy: Established in 1933 in St. Petersburg, Florida, this coeducational school offers both boarding and day programs, plus online degrees.
- American Military Academy: Founded in 1908 in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, this coeducational school offers both boarding and day programs.
- Army and Navy Academy: Established in 1910 in Carlsbad, California, this all-male school offers both boarding and day programs.
- Benedictine College Preparatory: Founded in 1911 in Richmond, Virginia, this all-male school offers day programs only.
- Benedictine Military School: Established in 1902 in Savannah, Georgia, this all-male school offers day programs only.
- Camden Military Academy: Founded in 1958 in Camden, South Carolina, this all-male school offers both boarding and day programs.
- Christian Brothers Academy: Established in 1859 in Albany, New York, this all-male school offers day programs only.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, the United States offers a variety of military schools and academies, each with its own pros and cons. If you’re considering a military education, take the time to research the different options available and choose the one that aligns with your goals, interests, and abilities.
Military education comes with numerous benefits, including leadership skills, discipline, patriotism, and career opportunities. However, it also comes with challenges, such as rigorous standards, strict rules, and service obligations.
Have you been to a college on a military base before? What was your experience? Do you have questions? Feel free to use the comments below. Meanwhile, if you found this article helpful, don’t forget to like and share it with your friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the names of the five federal service academies in the United States?
The five federal service academies are the United States Air Force Academy, the United States Coast Guard Academy, the United States Merchant Marine Academy, the United States Military Academy (West Point), and the United States Naval Academy.
What are the advantages of enrolling in a service academy?
Students at the service school receive a free education that includes tuition, books, uniforms, lodging and board, and a monthly stipend. In addition, they will receive extensive fitness and leadership training, as well as a guaranteed employment as a commissioned officer in the military or another federal agency following graduation.
What are the requirements for admission to service academies?
Applicants to the service academy must achieve high academic standards, such as having a high GPA, SAT or ACT scores, and enrolling in challenging math, science, and foreign language courses. They must also pass a physical fitness test and a medical exam, as well as show an aptitude for leadership through extracurricular activities, community service, or professional experience. They must also receive a nomination from a member of Congress, the vice president, or another authorized source.
What other options exist for military education students besides service academies?
Senior military colleges, which are civilian institutions that offer military training programmes and reserve officer commissions, are some alternatives to service academies; military junior colleges, which are two-year schools that participate in the Army’s
What other options exist for military education students besides service academies?
Senior military colleges, which are civilian institutions that offer military training programs and reserve officer commissions; military junior colleges, which are two-year schools that participate in the Army’s Early Commissioning Programme; and private college-prep military schools, which are high schools that emphasize military preparation and academic rigor, are some alternatives to service academies.
How many colleges are based on military bases in the United States?
The United States Military Academy, United States Merchant Marine Academy, United States Naval Academy, The United States Coast Guard Academy, The United States Air Force Academy, Texas A&M University, and Norwich University – The Military College of Vermont are the seven colleges located on military bases in the United States.
References
- A Guide to U.S. Service Academies, Military Colleges | Best Colleges | U.S. News (usnews.com)
- Military School List | Military Colleges in US (ranker.com)
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