Age Requirements for Applying to the Coast Guard Academy

I'm curious about the age requirements for applying to the Coast Guard Academy. I know there might be some restrictions on age, and I want to make sure I qualify. Could someone clarify this for me?

The U.S. Coast Guard Academy maintains certain age restrictions for applicants. For instance, individuals must be no older than 22 years of age on July 1 of the year they would enroll at the academy. This typically aligns with the timeline for high school graduates who may take one or two gap years after high school before starting at the academy.

For example, suppose you are due to graduate high school in the year 2025: you are permitted to enroll in the academy until 1st July of the year 2027 (provided that you won't turn 23 at any point that year).

It's essential to note that these age requirements pertain only to the Coast Guard Academy, not to enlistment in Coast Guard services more broadly. If you're interested in becoming a part of the Coast Guard but are ineligible to attend the academy due to age or other factors, there may be alternative enlistment or Officer Candidate School (OCS) options available for you.

Ultimately, the best course of action would be to both understand the admission requirements of the Coast Guard Academy and if you are intent on serving, to research alternative routes into service if the academy doesn't work out.