Service Academy Nomination
The deadline to apply for my nomination is October 13, 2024.
As your senator I am honored to select outstanding New York residents for nomination to the following service academies: the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, and the U.S. Naval Academy. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require congressional nominations.
Students who are selected receive a free undergraduate degree from one of the most prestigious colleges in the nation – service academies are tuition-free and include full room and board. After graduation, students receive a commission as an officer. Please note that by accepting an appointment to a service academy you will be committed to at least five years of service after graduation.
I encourage you to also seek nomination from Senator Schumer, your congressmember in the House of Representatives, or other possible nomination sources, such as the Office of the President and Vice President, and the Secretary of the Army, Navy, or Air Force. If you receive a nomination from one of these other sources, please let my office know immediately.
If you have any questions about the nomination process please contact my New York City office at (212) 688-6262 or by email to nominations@gillibrand.senate.gov.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in technology or cybersecurity, you might be interested in learning about the Department of Defense (DoD) Cyber Scholarship Program. This is separate from the U.S. service academy nomination process. Click here to learn more.
Eligibility
To be considered for a nomination, you must be:
- Age: at least 17 years old, but not yet 23 (25 for the Merchant Marine Academy) by July 1st of the year of admission.
- Citizenship: a U.S. citizen, and a permanent resident of New York State.
- Marital Status: unmarried, not pregnant, and have no legal obligation to support children or other dependents.
Before Applying
Army: (845) 938-4011
www.westpoint.edu
Navy: (410) 293-1000
www.usna.edu
Air Force: (719) 333-2520
www.usafa.af.mil
Merchant Marines: (516) 726-5800
www.usmma.edu
Coast Guard: (860) 444-8444
www.uscga.edu
The Selection Process
Interviews by my Academy Selection Committee will be conducted in November or December. Candidates will be informed whether or not they will be receiving a nomination by phone.
FAQs
1. What is a federal service academy?
The service academies are four-year colleges that are sponsored by the United States government. Upon graduation, each student receives a Bachelor’s Degree, a commission as an officer, and a guaranteed job. Students have a five- year obligation after graduation to serve in the Armed Forces, Coast Guard, or maritime commerce industry.
2. How much does it cost?
The service academies are tuition-free and include full room and board. Additionally, every student receives a monthly stipend.
3. How many service academies are there?
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Great Neck, NY – 5 miles from Queens, 15 miles from the Bronx
U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY – 51 miles
U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, CT- 1 miles
U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD – 227 miles
U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO- 1,785 miles
4. Why should I go?
This is an opportunity to receive a free undergraduate degree from some of the most prestigious colleges in the nation. The academies produce a disproportionate number of Rhodes Scholars, business leaders and CEOs, general and admirals, and political leaders. Presidents Grant, Eisenhower, and Carter were all graduates of the service academies.
5. What do I have to do to get in?
A student interested in the service academies must meet certain academic and physical standards to be eligible for admission. The student needs to be medically qualified for military service. One must also receive a nomination from a congressional office.
6. How does the nomination process work?
Every member of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate can award ten nominations to each of the service academies. Every office has its own process, so contact your Congressperson and Senators.
7. When do I apply?
Students must apply both to the academy and to their congressional delegation. Students should begin their applications no later than September of their senior year. Those who apply in their junior year may be selected to attend summer leadership sessions hosted by the academies. Students have expressed great satisfaction with the summer programs and report that the programs have heightened their interest in attending the academies.
8. What if my grades are not competitive?
Students who demonstrate leadership potential, but who lack the current academic capacity to handle the rigors of the academy, may be selected to attend a one-year preparatory program at no cost. Moreover, the academies are particularly eager to receive applications from NYC students, as both urban and minority candidates are underrepresented as officers in the United States military, and it is important that our nation’s leadership reflect the diversity of its people.