United States Air Force Academy

Air Force Academy, CO 80840, United States

University Type

Public

Colorado,

United States

Year Established:

1954

The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) is a United States service academy in El Paso County, Colorado, immediately north of Colorado Springs. It educates cadets for service in the officer corps of the United States Air Force and United States Space Force. It is the youngest of the five service academies, having graduated its first class 65 years ago in 1959, but is the third in seniority.[9][10] Graduates of the academy's four-year program receive a Bachelor of Science degree and are commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force.The academy is also one of the largest tourist attractions in Colorado, attracting approximately a million visitors each year.

United States Air Force Academy Program Rankings

  • Engineering - Rank #5 (US News)

United States Air Force Academy Highlights

What's Inside The United States Air Force Academy?

Air Force Academy — A Campus By Design

United States Air Force Academy Campus

A Tour of the US Air Force Academy

FAQs

What are the most popular graduate programs offered at United States Air Force Academy?

The United States Air Force Academy offers a variety of rigorous academic programs, with some of the most popular being Aeronautical Engineering, Systems Engineering, and Political Science. Other favored majors include Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, and Management, designed to prepare cadets for leadership roles in the Air Force and beyond.

What is the Annual Cost of attendance at United States Air Force Academy?

Cadets at the United States Air Force Academy do not pay tuition fees, and they also receive a monthly stipend. The stipend covers basic living expenses, including books, uniforms, and personal expenses. As of 2023, the approximate total value, including all benefits, is $0 in fees plus a stipend, which translates to approximately ₹0 when converted to Indian Rupees (1 USD = 82.66 INR).

What Financial aid and scholarship options are available at United States Air Force Academy?

All cadets at the United States Air Force Academy receive a full scholarship which covers tuition, room and board, and medical and dental care. In addition, cadets receive a monthly stipend to cover the cost of books, personal expenses, and other necessities. Applicants do not need to apply for these benefits separately as they are automatically provided upon admission.

What is the reputation and ranking of United States Air Force Academy?

The United States Air Force Academy is highly regarded for its rigorous academic and military training programs. It is consistently ranked among the top service academies and undergraduate institutions in the United States. Specific programs, such as Aeronautical Engineering and Political Science, are also nationally recognized for their excellence and the high quality of their graduates.

What is the campus culture like at United States Air Force Academy?

The campus culture at the United States Air Force Academy is dynamic and disciplined, fostering both leadership and personal development. Cadets engage in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including cultural fests like the annual Wing Open Boxing Championships, various club activities, and intramural sports. Leadership opportunities, community service events, and a strong emphasis on honor and ethics define the vibrant life on campus.

What are the housing options at United States Air Force Academy?

Housing at the United States Air Force Academy is primarily on-campus for cadets, who are required to live in dormitories to foster teamwork and camaraderie. Each dormitory is equipped with essential facilities and is structured to support the rigorous daily schedule of cadets. Off-campus housing is generally not applicable for cadets, but staff and visitors may find accommodations in nearby Colorado Springs, which offers a variety of housing options.

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United States Air Force Academy Fun Facts

  • Falcon Mascot

    The USAFA’s mascot is a live falcon, symbolizing agility and fierceness. Falcons perform at sports events, showcasing their impressive flight skills to inspire crowds.

  • Cadet Chapel Architecture

    The iconic Cadet Chapel, completed in 1962, features 17 spires reaching 150 feet high. Its unique design has made it a recognized symbol of the academy.

  • Doolie Day Out

    First-year cadets, known as "doolies," endure a rigorous initiation but get a break during Doolie Day Out, when they explore Colorado Springs and relax from academy stresses.

  • Graduation Hat Toss

    A beloved tradition, the graduation cap toss at USAFA signifies the completion of challenging training. Cadets toss their hats sky-high, celebrated with a Thunderbirds flyover.