Overview
Founded in 1954, the United States Air Force Academy was established to train officers for the U.S. Air Force, later expanding its mission to include the U.S. Space Force. Located on a dramatic campus at the base of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado Springs, the Academy is renowned for its demanding academic curriculum, rigorous military training, and iconic modernist Cadet Chapel. Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science degree and are commissioned as second lieutenants, incurring a service commitment, and the institution consistently ranks among the top undergraduate engineering programs without a doctorate.
At a Glance
| Type | Public |
| Location | Colorado Springs, Colorado |
| Founded | 1954 |
| Total students | 4,300 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 8:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 11% |
| Graduation rate | 80% |
| Average starting salary | $68,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $0 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $0 |
| Room & board | $0 |
| Average financial aid | $0 |
| Students receiving aid | 100% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1200-1410 |
| ACT range | 26-32 |
| Average GPA | 3.86 |
| Regular deadline | January 31 |
Top Programs
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Astronautical Engineering
- Systems Engineering
- Computer Science
- Political Science
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.