What is the pay structure for cadets at the Coast Guard Academy?

I'm curious about how pay works for students at the Coast Guard Academy. Do cadets earn a salary while studying, and how does it compare to other military academies? Any insights would be appreciated!

Cadets at the United States Coast Guard Academy, like those at other military service academies, do receive a monthly stipend while they are enrolled in the academy. As of my knowledge through 2024, the stipend starts at around $1,150 per month. However, a significant portion of this stipend is automatically allocated to cover various expenses such as uniforms, textbooks, and a laptop, especially in the first year.

By the time a cadet graduates, they will receive a stipend closer to the base pay of an Ensign (an O-1 grade officer), as they're nearing commissioning into active duty. On graduation, they receive a Bachelor of Science degree and start their military career as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Coast Guard.

Comparatively speaking, the pay structure at the Coast Guard Academy is very similar to that at other military service academies like the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Air Force Academy. Cadets or midshipmen at these academies also receive a similar monthly stipend, bear in mind that the exact amounts may vary year by year and academy by academy.

Further, it's important to point out that while at the academy, cadets' tuition and room & board are covered in full by the U.S. Coast Guard (it's essentially a full scholarship). Besides, they receive medical and dental care at no additional cost. Upon graduation, they are obligated to serve at least five years in the U.S. Coast Guard. If they pursue training in specialized fields like aviation or nautical engineering, their service commitment may be extended.