I've heard the term 'military school' thrown around in discussions about college but I'm not sure exactly what it entails? Are they different from service academies or are they the same thing? Any clarifications are welcome.
In the context of higher education, the term "military schools" generally refers to post-secondary institutions that combine academic education with military training. They are designed to prepare students for service in the armed forces, civil service, and/or corporate leadership. Military schools are often confused with service academies, but they are not the same. There are few key differences between the two. The most significant being that graduation from a service academy leads directly to active-duty service in the military, whereas graduation from a military college does not necessarily have to. The United States has five federal service academies - the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. These institutions provide full scholarships in exchange for a service commitment after graduation.
On the other hand, military colleges and universities, such as The Citadel, Norwich University, and Virginia Military Institute, offer a military-style campus and program of study but do not require service after graduation. Like any other college, students at military colleges pay tuition (though many receive ROTC scholarships), and they have a choice about whether to serve in the military after graduation. Furthermore, unlike at service academies, students at military colleges can major in any field of study offered by the college, not just those related to military science or national security.
Keep in mind that military-style training varies across these institutions. Aspects of military life, like wearing uniforms, maintaining strict personal appearance standards, and participating in drills, might be incorporated into daily life.
The right choice depends on your career aspirations and personal preferences. Some students find the discipline of military schools suits them, even if they don't plan on serving in the military. Others are committed to service and see the academies or ROTC as a means to that end. Ultimately, it's important to research each option thoroughly to understand what you might be signing up for.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.