All these schools have an extremely competitive application process and are ranked annually by U.S. News & World Report and Forbes as some of the most selective colleges and universities in the United States.
If the student's chosen occupation requires particularly extensive training (such as aviation or special operations), the service commitment may be longer.
At the Merchant Marine Academy, midshipmen repay their service obligations through a variety of methods depending on their selected career path.
On average, about one third of the graduating class each year will actively sail on their Coast Guard license as either Unlimited Third Mates or Third Assistant Engineers in the U.S.
Merchant Marine, about one third will go to work in the civilian maritime industry ashore, and the remaining one third will enter active duty military service.
In addition, midshipmen who do not serve on active duty are restricted from working outside the maritime industry or merchant marine for a period of five years following graduation and must seek annual MARAD approval for their employment.