U.S. Military Academy

Updated August 5, 2020 | Infoplease Staff

Established in 1802 by an act of Congress, the U.S. Military Academy is located in West Point, N.Y. To gain admission a candidate must first secure a nomination from a member of Congress or the Department of the Army.

Any number of applicants can meet the requirements for a nomination in these categories. Appointments (offers of admission), however, can only be made to a much smaller number, about 1,150 to 1,200 each year. Candidates may be nominated for vacancies during the year preceding the day of admission, which occurs in late June or early July. The best time to apply is during the spring of the junior year in high school.

Candidates must be citizens of the U.S. at time of enrollment (except foreign students admitted by agreement between the U.S. and another country), not married, pregnant, nor have a legal obligation to support a child or children, be at least 17 but not yet 23 years old on July 1 of the year admitted.

Entrance requirements and procedures for appointment are described in the Admissions Bulletin and the Admissions Prospectus, available without charge from Admissions, U.S. Military Academy, West Point, N.Y. 10996-1797. Phone: 914-938-4041.

Cadets are members of the U.S. Army. As such they receive annual salaries of more than $6,500. This pay covers the cost of their uniforms, textbooks, a personal computer, and living incidentals. There is no tuition and room and board are provided. Upon successful completion of the four-year course, the graduate receives the degree of bachelor of science and is commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army with a requirement to serve as an officer on active duty for a minimum of five years.