Female Representation in Military Colleges?

Hi all, I'm a junior girl thinking about attending a military college after high school, and I've been wondering about the representation of women in these colleges. Is there typically a decent number of other girls? Any first-hand experiences would be super helpful!

Generally, the percentage of female students attending military colleges and academies varies between institutions but is on the rise overall. The presence of women can range anywhere from 15% to over 50% depending on the school and the program.

For example, the United States Military Academy (also known as West Point), saw the largest class of female cadets in its history in 2020, with women representing about 24% of the class. Similarly, the Air Force Academy and the Naval Academy have seen increasing percentages of female cadets, with about 27% and 26% respectively.

On the other hand, institutions like the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) or The Citadel have a smaller percentage of women, typically around 10-15%. However, even at these institutions, the presence of women is growing gradually.

While a military college experience might be different for everyone, many female cadets have reported a positive and empowering environment. They mention that everyone, regardless of gender, is held to the same standards, which promotes unity and mutual respect.

It's important to remember that these numbers are constantly changing. Increasing female representation is a priority for many military academies, and they have been making active strides to recruit more women. As an individual looking to join such an institution, your choice should not solely rely on the percentage of female representation, but should also consider the culture, values, and programs of the college, among other factors - wanting to be around other women makes sense, but there is more than one way to find community at a military college.

Best of luck with your future endeavors!