Upon graduation, cadets receive a Bachelor of Science degree and commission in the U.S. Coast Guard as an ensign.

Cadets choose from nine majors, with a curriculum that is graded according to their performance in a holistic program of academics, military bearing, physical fitness, character, and leadership.

With changes to new training vessels, the school moved to Curtis Bay, Baltimore in 1900 and to Fort Trumbull in 1910, a Revolutionary War–era Army installation in New London, Connecticut.

The $100,000 was not raised through a bond issue, as originally planned, but with a bank loan based on uncollected back taxes.

On 15 May 1931, Treasury Secretary Andrew W. Mellon visited New London to lay the cornerstone of Hamilton Hall.

[4] In 1946, the academy received the barque Horst Wessel as a war reparation from Germany, a 295-foot tall ship which was renamed USCGC Eagle.

His objection stemmed from years of poor political appointments in the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service's bureaucracy.

[8] Those who have received appointments as cadets report to the USCGA in late June or early July for "Swab Summer", a basic military training program designed to prepare them for the rigors of their Fourth Class year.

All graduating cadets earn commissions as ensigns in the United States Coast Guard, as well as Bachelor of Science degrees.

Each cadet takes two semesters of classes during the school year and then spends the majority of the summer in military training to produce officers of character with the requisite professional skills.

Professional maritime studies courses help prepare cadets in piloting, voyage planning, deck seamanship, and all aspects of ship-handling, as well as Coast Guard leadership and administrative duties.

Cadets sometimes opt to take elective courses with Connecticut College (adjacent the academy's campus) as part of an open exchange agreement.

The summers are organized as follows:[10] Each week during the school year cadets participate in regimental review, a formal military drill.

[11] From this amount, pay is automatically deducted for the cost of uniforms, books, supplies, services, and other miscellaneous expenses.

Each has a special focus in administering day-to-day affairs: Alfa Company manages health and wellness.

Golf Company is in charge of supplies for cleaning and repairing damaged rooms within Chase Hall.

Firsties (like junior officers) are in supervisory roles, and are responsible for carrying out the mission of their divisions and ensuring the well-being of those under their command.

The museum's artifacts reflect the history of the U.S. Coast Guard and include ship models, carved figureheads, cannons, uniforms, medals, weapons, memorabilia and paintings.