United States Naval Academy

The United States Naval Academy (USNA), affectionately known as Navy or Annapolis, stands as a cornerstone of American military education. As a federal service academy, it meticulously trains future officers for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, instilling a profound sense of duty and leadership. Its historic 338-acre campus, nestled at the confluence of the Severn River and Chesapeake Bay, is a National Historic Landmark, brimming with tradition and sites that echo its storied past.

Established on October 10, 1845, under Secretary of the Navy George Bancroft, USNA replaced an earlier naval asylum, evolving from a small nautical school to the esteemed institution it is today. Its Latin motto, "Ex Scientia Tridens" — From Knowledge, Seapower — encapsulates its core mission, a principle adopted in 1898 that reflects its commitment to intellectual rigor and the projection of naval might across the globe. The campus itself, known colloquially as the Yard, is a testament to nearly two centuries of national service.

Aspiring leaders embark on a challenging journey at USNA, culminating in a Bachelor of Science degree. The comprehensive curriculum balances a broad academic program with rigorous military leadership training and mandatory participation in competitive athletics, ensuring well-rounded development. Midshipmen, as officers-in-training, receive a fully funded education in exchange for an active duty service obligation upon graduation. The journey begins with the demanding "Plebe Summer," preparing them for a life of service and adherence to the academy's Honor Concept. Graduates are commissioned as Ensigns in the Navy or Second Lieutenants in the Marine Corps, often becoming some of the highest-paid graduates in the nation, reflecting the immense value of their unique education and unwavering commitment to their country.