Talk about a busy place! Tourists flock to this military mecca in suburban West Point, N.Y. (about 50 miles north of NYC on the Hudson River) to view historical attractions such as West Point Cemetery and West Point Museum. Aspiring students hone their academic, physical, and leadership skills at the USMA Preparatory School on campus. Then, of course, there are the cadets themselves – all of whom live in barracks on the grounds. Classes take place in Norman-style buildings constructed from gray and black granite. For a little R&R, the state-of-the-art Eisenhower Hall Theatre offers big-name national and local acts.

Classes utilize technology for learning and communication purposes, but USMA does not offer online or distance-education programs. However, its Center for the Advancement of Leader Development and Organizational Learning conducts online professional forums that bring together leaders from across the Army to share ideas and experiences. West Point cadets benefit from their knowledge and first-hand accounts.

Any competitions against the United States Naval Academy always draw great interest. In fact, the basketball game between the two rivals moved to Madison Square Garden in 2016 to accommodate the crowd. The institution prioritizes physical fitness for all students, so besides fielding a large variety of varsity teams in NCAA Division I, the school conducts many club sports – from team handball to men’s and women’s boxing.

USMA ranks fourth in the U.S. in number of Rhodes Scholars produced. The institution has received national recognition for its engineering program, especially in the areas of civil, electrical, and mechanical. Leadership training is a vital part of all degree programs, and an emphasis on “duty, honor, and country” permeates regardless of major. The U.S. Army fully funds tuition, room, and board in exchange for post-graduation military service. Students receive a Bachelor of Science degree and become commissioned as second lieutenants.