Cost of Attending the United States Coast Guard Academy

I'm really interested in attending the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, but I'm a bit concerned about the cost. Does anyone know how much it actually costs to attend, including tuition, room, board, and other fees?

One of the great benefits of attending a service academy such as the United States Coast Guard Academy is that there is no cost for tuition, room, and board. In fact, cadets actually receive a modest stipend to cover the cost of uniforms, textbooks, and other necessary items.

Please note, however, that this is not "free" in the traditional sense. As a Coast Guard Academy cadet, you are an active-duty member of the U.S. military. After graduation, you are required to serve at least five years in the Coast Guard.

Therefore, while there is no financial cost upfront, you must be sure you are prepared to fulfill the service commitment that comes with attending the Coast Guard Academy. It's an excellent opportunity to serve your country while receiving an education, but it's important to fully understand the commitment.

If service after graduation isn't what you're looking for, you might consider a college with a Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program, which offers scholarships covering tuition, fees, and other educational costs in exchange for a service commitment after graduation.