Do I Meet the Requirements?
Standards Are High Because Expectations Are High
The United States Air Force Academy is one of the most competitive schools in the nation. You must meet high academic, physical, character and medical standards to be eligible for an appointment. Knowing what these standards are is the first step to surpassing them.
Basic Requirements
Every cadet is different, but to earn an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy, you must meet certain basic requirements.
- 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.
Academic
Proving You Belong Begins in the Classroom
Cadets who attend the U.S. Air Force Academy can expect to be challenged academically every day. That’s why we look for those who demonstrate a well-rounded academic record that includes exceptional class rank, GPA and college admission test results.
Academic RequirementsCadet Life“I knew there’d be challenges, but that’s part of the reason why I wanted to come here. The best thing about the Academy is the opportunities that come with it.”
Physical
Preparing Cadets Physically as Well as Mentally
Physical fitness is an integral part of Academy life, whether it’s participating in sports or Basic Cadet Training (BCT). Therefore, applicants must successfully complete the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA), which tests their strength, agility, speed and endurance.
Physical Requirements
Character
Officers of Character Begin as Cadets of Character
To lead others as an officer in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force requires high moral character. That’s why at the U.S. Air Force Academy, we look at more than grades and physical fitness. Every cadet goes through a qualitative review as part of the application process.
Character Requirements
Medical
Making Sure You’re Physically Fit for the Job
To prepare cadets for their careers in the U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force, we require applicants to meet and maintain certain physical standards during their four years at the Academy.
Medical Requirements
Commitment
Spend Your Career Leading Others, Not Paying Off Debt
An education at the U.S. Air Force Academy is provided at no cost to cadets. Instead, once you graduate, you will commission as an officer in the U.S. Air Force or Space Force. The length of your commitment will depend on your career path, but the benefits will last a lifetime.
About Commitment