United States Air Force Academy

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Transfer Your Talent to New Heights

College Student

Airmindedness - Cadets celebrating after a successful Wings of Blue jump.
Eligible college students complete four-year Academy program

College Student

Current college students who meet the eligibility requirements for the Academy are encouraged to apply. It’s important to know that the Academy is a four-year program for all cadets, so while some college credits may transfer, all cadets start as freshmen and are required to complete the necessary classes and credits, military training, physical fitness, and leadership development required to graduate as a commissioned officer in the Air Force or Space Force.

If you are currently in college and still meet the basic requirements below  for admission to the Academy,

  • Be at least 17 but not past your 23rd birthday by July 1 of the year you enter the Academy.
  • Be a United States citizen.
  • Be unmarried with no dependents.
  • Be of good moral character.

You must:

  • Submit a completed Pre-Candidate Questionnaire.
  • Request nominations from your state’s congressional representative(s) or other designated nominator. Apply to every nomination source you are eligible for.
  • Submit your ACT, CLT, or SAT scores or retake your tests for a higher score.
A smiling cadet in a blue military uniform stands beside a waving American flag, conveying patriotism and pride. The flag's stars and stripes are prominent.
Begin your journey

Steps to Admission


The admissions process for college students is the same as the process for high school students. Review the full Steps to Admission for detailed guidance and timelines.

academic strength, leadership, and physical readiness

Remain Competitive


While the application steps are the same, college students should focus on demonstrating continued academic strength, leadership, and physical readiness.

At your current college or university:

  • Enroll in challenging courses and maintain strong grades
  • If you did not take advanced math and science courses in high school, we recommend calculus, chemistry with lab, and physics with lab
  • If you completed these courses at an advanced level in high school, continue with the next course sequence
  • We also recommend freshman composition and U.S. history, if not previously completed at an advanced level

The Academy will request official college transcripts to review coursework and grades.

You are also encouraged to:

  • Retake standardized tests to improve your scores
  • Continue participation in athletic and non-athletic activities
  • Demonstrate leadership through campus involvement, work experience, or other achievements

Strong performance in college coursework, continued leadership development, and physical fitness can enhance your competitiveness as an applicant.

Interested in learning more about the admissions process?

Contact Admissions


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