Location of Campus The United States Air Force Academy is located 55 miles south of Denver and eight miles north of Colorado Springs. There are many convenient travel options and places to stay to facilitate your visit to the Academy. There are also plenty of nearby destinations to explore if you have the time while in Colorado. Driving Directions If you travel to the Academy by car, you will find that entrances are clearly marked. From the north, you may enter the Academy at Exit 156. Driving from Colorado Springs Airport As you depart the airport, go west on Drennen Road to Powers Boulevard. Head north to Woodmen Road (about 12 miles) then west to Academy Boulevard and then north — directly to the south entrance of the Academy. Driving from Denver International Airport Go south on Peña Boulevard to I-70. Travel Options Air: The Colorado Springs Airport is convenient to the Academy. Rail: Amtrak Railway serves Denver. Bus: Greyhound also serves Colorado Springs and taxi and auto rentals are available.
Course requirements & Entrance tests. If you wish to attend the United States Air Force Academy, your academic achievements through your high school years are of paramount importance. Per our selection criteria, academic admissions factors are weighted at 60% of total admission considerations. Achieving excellent grades in a wide range of courses and high standardized test scores are critical to a successful application. Take Challenging Courses These suggested courses cover all four years of high school and will give you a very solid academic record. Remember, these are only our suggestions — you might need to modify them for your own situation. Class Rank The Academy attracts top students from across the nation. Back to Top Plan to Succeed on Standardized Tests We consider ACT or SAT Reasoning scores an important indicator of your academic ability. See your high school guidance counselor to schedule the PLAN or PSAT as a sophomore. Score Ranges
Number of Campuses Commitment Make your university experience matter. In both war and peacetime, the United States Air Force is a critical component of a strong, innovative nation. Choosing the Academy is an act of patriotism — in troubled times more than ever. If you are called to serve, the United States Air Force Academy can position you to play a critical leadership role. It is not a matter of affording the tuition or finding a scholarship or grant. An Academy education is valued at more than $416,000, yet we offer it at no cost to our cadets. While others spend their college years unsure of their career outcomes and at great cost to their families, you will be on a fast track to something more. Our investment in developing well-rounded leaders at the Academy pays untold dividends to our nation. Obligations You will complete the course of instruction at the Academy, unless you are disenrolled by the proper authority. Once you arrive, you will take the Oath of Allegiance. Discharge Policy Resignation Policy
Minimum GPA required. U.S. Air Force Academy Logo Faculty The United States Air Force Academy retains a distinguished faculty composed of leaders, professionals and officers. A dynamic mix of civilian and military faculty and a shared approach to cadet education makes the Academy stand out as a premier military facility as well as a world-class institution of higher learning. Distinguished Staff Each faculty member at the Academy must possess a master’s degree. Half have obtained a Ph.D. This talented faculty supports an array of more than 30 majors and 18 research centers. Dedicated, Accessible Instructors We approach education as a partnership in discovery, maintaining an 8 to 1 student to faculty ratio at the Academy. The faculty uses the seminar approach to instruction, when possible, keeping lectures to a minimum. Our instructors are committed to the education of cadets and do their best to not only teach the course material but also to help our cadets grow as leaders. Leaders and Mentors Do you want to Attend the Academy?
Other Important Information. Athletics are a critical part of the Academy experience. As a result, the athletic facilities at the United States Air Force Academy are some of the finest in the nation. Our athletic complex includes the Cadet Gymnasium, the Cadet Field House, the Holaday Athletic Center, the Falcon Athletic Center and a number of outdoor playing fields complete with staff dedicated to providing developmental guidance to Academy cadets. “Athletic competition tests an individual’s ability to operate under stress, against adversity and as a selfless member of a team. Holaday Athletic Center The Holaday Athletic Center (HAC) is the newest athletic facility at the Academy. Cadet Gymnasium The five-level Cadet Gymnasium is the standard by which other collegiate athletic complexes are judged. Cadet Field House Located across the street from the Gymnasium, this complex is equally impressive with: Falcon Athletic Center Sports Medicine Outdoor Fields Do you want to Attend the Academy?
Location of U.S. AFA Basic Cadet Training Much of your first summer at the United States Air Force Academy will be spent in Basic Cadet Training (BCT). This rigorous, six-week orientation program introduces you to military life. BCT is a very serious undertaking. Your performance and attitude in this program will strongly influence your future success at the Academy. The Rigors of BCT Each of BCT’s two phases—one in the cadet area, the other in Jacks Valley—makes its own demands and offers its own rewards. This phase focuses on the transition from civilian to military life. During Field Day, your squadron competes against other BCT squadrons in events such as distance races, log relays and the tug-of-war to test teamwork. Following the military and physical preparation of BCT in the cadet area, training continues in Jacks Valley, a wooded area on the Academy grounds. The end of BCT and transition into the academic year are marked by the Acceptance Parade. Meeting the Challenge Do you want to Attend the Academy?
Number of campuses. Course Requirements for Entering Freshman Character + Leadership (CCLD) Character and leadership development is a crucial, all encompassing part of a cadet’s experience at the United States Air Force Academy. The Center for Character & Leadership Development (CCLD) ensures that character development, education and scholarship are a major focus of Academy life. From basic training to graduation, cadets can expect to see character development programs in every aspect of their lives, with the ultimate goal of imbuing them with the inner desire to put integrity first, place service before self, and strive for excellence in all they do. Vision and Mission of the CCLD The CCLD is the Air Force’s premier center for integrating the development of character and leadership and the United States Air Force Academy’s catalyst for achieving it’s highest purpose. CCLD Commitments The CCLD facilitates character development programs and activities throughout all aspects of the Academy experience. Organization of the CCLD The CCLD is organized into four directorates:
Test required for incoming freschmen.