U.S. service academies: nominations and timelines
Service academies are tuition-free four-year colleges with a service commitment. Most require a nomination; the Coast Guard Academy doesn't. Key dates from each academy's official site:
Updated
Not affiliated with the U.S. military, the Department of Defense (Department of War) or the VA. This is an independent guide that summarizes official public information and links to the official source. It is not recruiting material; talk to the official program or a counselor before making decisions. Last checked Oct 16, 2026.
| Academy | Nomination | Key published dates |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Military Academy (West Point) ↗ | Required: from your U.S. Senators, Representative or the Vice President (plus some service-connected sources) | Application opens Feb 15 of junior year; candidate checklist and official test scores due Jan 31 of senior year |
| U.S. Naval Academy ↗ | Required from an official source; see the official site for nomination steps | Application deadline Jan 31; many nomination notices arrive early to mid-January |
| U.S. Coast Guard Academy ↗ | Not required (admission is merit-based; congressional nominations aren't considered) | Application opens Jul 15; Early Action Oct 15; Regular deadline Jan 15; see the official site for decision dates |
| U.S. Air Force Academy ↗ | Required | Check the official admissions site for current dates |
| U.S. Merchant Marine Academy ↗ | Required | Check the official admissions site for current dates |
How nominations work
West Point notes that each Senator, Representative and the Vice President may nominate up to 15 applicants per vacancy, and recommends applying to every nomination source available to you. Nominating offices set their own deadlines, often in the fall of senior year, so check your members of Congress's websites early.
Frequently asked questions
Which service academy doesn't need a nomination?
The U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Its site says admission is merit-based and congressional nominations are not required or considered.
When is the Naval Academy application deadline?
The USNA site lists January 31 as the application deadline and notes many nomination notifications go out in early to mid-January.
When should I start applying to West Point?
West Point's timeline opens the application on February 15 of junior year, with the candidate checklist and official test scores due January 31 of senior year.