Last updated July 16, 2025

In this article

• United States Military Academy
• United States Naval Academy 
• United States Air Force Academy
• United States Coast Guard Academy
• United States Merchant Marine Academy

Are you interested in attending one of the United States’ five military academies, but are not sure which one could be a good fit for you? Get to know a bit more about each of the academies below! 

United States Military Academy

• Location: West Point, New York 
• Branch of the military: United States Army 
• Acceptance rate: 11%
• Majors offered: 36; 19 minors

Learn more about the United States Military Academy here.

United States Naval Academy 

• Location: Annapolis, Maryland
• Branch of the military: United States Navy 
• Acceptance rate: 8%
• Majors offered: 26 

Learn more about the United States Naval Academy here.

United States Air Force Academy

• Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Branches of the military: United States Air Force & United States Space Force
• Acceptance rate: 12%
• Majors offered: 32; 18 minors

Learn more about the United States Air Force Academy here.

United States Coast Guard Academy

• Location: New London, Connecticut
• Branch of the military: United States Coast Guard
• Acceptance rate: 19%
• Majors offered: 9

Learn more about the United States Coast Guard Academy here.

United States Merchant Marine Academy

• Location: Kings Point, New York
   
• Branch of the military: United States Merchant Marine
• Acceptance rate: 25%
• Majors offered: 5

Learn more about the United States Merchant Marine Academy here.

Want to learn more about the military and its different branches? Check out our resources below!

Read about:

• Enlisting in the U.S. Military
• Branches of the U.S. Military
• Frequently Asked Questions About U.S. Military Service & The GI Bill

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Last updated September 3, 2025

In this article

• What is the G.I. Bill? How does it work?
• What types of programs does the G.I. Bill cover? 
• How much money does the G.I. Bill provide for a veteran's education?

If you’re interested in both serving in the U.S. Military and receiving a college education, it’s important to know about the G.I. Bill. In this article, we answer some frequently asked questions about U.S. Military Service and the G.I. Bill. 

What is the G.I. Bill? How does it work?

The G.I. Bill, signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944, is a program that helps military veterans pay for college and job training after they finish their service. To be eligible, veterans typically need to serve at least 90 days of active duty or be discharged due to a service-related disability. The G.I. Bill covers tuition, books, and other education-related expenses, making it easier for veterans to continue their education once they’ve completed their service.

What types of programs does the G.I. Bill cover? 

The G.I. Bill covers a wide variety of educational opportunities, such as:

• College degree programs, like associate and bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and PHDs. 
• Vocational and technical training programs.
• Apprenticeship programs. 
• Certificate programs. 

How much money does the G.I. Bill provide for a veteran’s education?

The amount of tuition and fees covered by the G.I. Bill depends on the amount of time a veteran has spent in active duty or the type of educational program they’re enrolled in. Generally:

• In-state tuition and fees at public colleges and universities, trade schools, vocational schools, and certificate programs are covered. 
• Tuition and fees at a private or foreign institution will be covered up to $29,920.95 per year, as of 2025.
• Students taking more than 7 credits can receive a monthly housing allowance based on the location of their school.
• Students completing an online education can receive a housing stipend of up to $1,169 per month, as of 2025.
• Students taking more than part-time credits can receive up to $1,000 per year for books and supplies.
• Veterans may have their test fees up to $2,000 covered by the G.I. Bill for a job that requires a license or certification.

Do you have any questions about the G.I. Bill or enrolling in the U.S. Military? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated September 4, 2025

In this article

• Do your research

There are six branches of the United States Military: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force. Learning which branch may be right for you is a personal journey, but we’re here to help! In this article, we’ll guide you through researching military branches, understanding the differences between full-time and part-time commitments, and exploring the opportunities provided by the National Guard and Reserve. Here’s what to know about branches of the U.S. Military. 

Do your research

Read as much as you can, keep track of what interests you or what you are interested in experiencing, and make a list of questions you have to ask a recruiter if you decide to meet with one. 

Full-time vs. part-time commitment

Active duty is a full-time commitment equivalent to a full-time civilian job. You will live on base or in military housing. After boot camp, as a full-time member, you will be stationed at a base within the U.S. or abroad. Service commitments last two to six years and depend on the unit’s mission.

Reserve is a part-time commitment where service members can become active duty in times of war or national emergency. Since you are part-time, you can work a civilian job or take college classes simultaneously. After boot camp, you will participate in training drills one weekend a month. There is the option to switch to active duty to finish your service commitment.

National Guard is also a part-time commitment where the branches are controlled at the state level. As a service member, you can work in a civilian job or take college classes simultaneously. The National Guard can be deployed overseas in times of conflict for combat or humanitarian aid.

Want to learn more? Check out our article on the G.I. Bill to learn how military service can help you pay for college and educational expenses.

Do you have any questions about branches of the U.S. Military? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated September 16, 2025

In this article

• What are the requirements to enlist in the military?
• I meet the requirements. Now what?
• What should I do before meeting with a recruiter? 
• What happens after I decide to enlist?

If you’re thinking of enlisting in the U.S. military, know that it can be a highly rewarding career that allows you to serve your country. We’re here to guide you through enlisting in the U.S. military with confidence!

What are the requirements to enlist in the military?

• Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.
• Speak, read, and write English fluently.
• Live in the U.S.
• Be in good health and pass a standard physical screening.
• Be between 17 (with parental consent) and 39 years old. Different branches have specific age requirements.
• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test (ASVAB).
• Take the oath of enlistment, which vows to defend the U.S. Constitution.

I meet the requirements. Now what?

There are six branches of the military: the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force. Learn more about each branch of the U.S. military here to determine which is the right fit for you!

What should I do before meeting with a recruiter? 

After researching each branch and deciding which is right for you, schedule a meeting with a recruiter. Meeting with a recruiter can help you make a decision about where to enlist, but doesn’t automatically make you obligated to enlist. Here are some tips for meeting with recruiters:

• Write down any questions you may have.
• Treat the meeting as if you were in a job interview. Check out our interview tips to prepare!
• Meet with multiple recruiters to explore different branches.

What happens after I decide to enlist?

After you make the decision to enlist, your recruiter may give you a practice Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. This test measures four critical areas: arithmetic reasoning, word knowledge, paragraph comprehension, and mathematics knowledge. You may also be asked to complete a medical questionnaire.

At this point, if you and your recruiter decide that your chosen branch is the right fit for you, you’ll make a commitment to serve. Your recruiter will schedule you to visit a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). There, they will measure your physical qualifications and aptitude over one or two days. Once you meet all the requirements for your branch at a MEPS, you have officially completed the process of enlisting in the military!

For more information about the military and other post-high school options, connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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