July 14, 2016

Founded in 1876, the United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) is the military academy of the United States Coast Guard. Located in New London, Connecticut, it is the smallest of the five federal service academies. The academy provides education to future Coast Guard officers in one of eight major fields of study. The academy is regularly cited as being one of the most difficult American institutions of higher education in which to gain entrance. Each year more than 2000 students apply and appointments are offered until the number accepting appointments to the incoming class numbers approximately 240. Unlike the other service academies, admission to the academy does not require a congressional nomination.