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United States Air Force Academy

USAF Academy, CO·Public·4,124 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for high-achieving applicants seeking a top-tier program and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. strong 88% graduation rate; 96% freshman retention — students rarely leave.

14%
Accept
4,124
Students
N/A
Net Price
88%
Grad Rate
N/A
Earnings
10 yr
N/A
Debt

About This School

United States Air Force Academy is a public institution located in USAF Academy, Colorado with approximately 4,124 undergraduate students enrolled. Admissions are highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 14%. The graduation rate is 88%.

The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) is a United States service academy in Air Force Academy, 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 in 1959, but is the third in seniority. 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.

This is a strong option for students committed to military service and a highly structured college experience — with a 96% freshman retention rate and 88% graduation rate, cadets who get in tend to stay and finish. The 14% acceptance rate reflects genuine selectivity, and the fully funded education means zero tuition debt in exchange for a service commitment after graduation. That said, every aspect of life here is regimented by design, so students seeking personal freedom or flexibility in their academic or social lives should think carefully before applying.

Founded
1954
Setting
Fringe rural

Popular Programs

Engineering30%
Business & Marketing17%
Social Sciences10%
Computer Science7%
Biological Sciences6%
Physical Sciences5%
English2%
Mathematics2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Rumen RadevSusan J. HelmsChesley SullenbergerGregg PopovichMartha McSallyDavid PerdueSteven LindseyClarence GilyardEric BoeTerry W. VirtsFrederick D. GregoryKarol J. Bobko

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1362
Reading 75th %ile710
Math 75th %ile740

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite32

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
N/A
Out-of-State Tuition
N/A
Avg Net Price
N/A
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell GrantsN/A
Median debt at graduationN/A

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
88%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
96%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
N/A
after enrollment
Median Debt
N/A
at graduation

Student Body

White63%
Black6%
Hispanic/Latino12%
Asian7%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (4,124 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

United States Air Force Academy

2304 Cadet Drive, Suite 3800

USAF Academy, CO 80840-5002

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Colorado

Browse all Colorado schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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