United States Air Force Academy
USAF Academy, CO · Public
What is United States Air Force Academy's acceptance rate?
Up 2.5 percentage points since 2018
With a 13.9% acceptance rate, United States Air Force Academy is considered highly selective. The school has become slightly less competitive over the past five years. Applicants should focus on demonstrating strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and authentic personal essays to stand out in the applicant pool.
How many students apply to United States Air Force Academy?
United States Air Force Academy received 9,543 applications in 2023, down 8% since 2018. High application volume means admissions officers spend limited time per application—typically 8-15 minutes. Make every word count in your essays and ensure your application materials are error-free.
How many admitted students enroll?
The yield rate of 79% is exceptionally high for a school of this caliber. Yield rate measures how many admitted students actually enroll—a key indicator of how desirable students find the school. Demonstrating genuine interest through campus visits, attending info sessions, and writing specific "Why Us" essays can improve your chances.
What are the most popular majors at United States Air Force Academy?
Business Administration, Management and Operations leads as the most popular major at United States Air Force Academy. Your intended major can affect admission chances—some programs are more competitive than others. Research department-specific requirements, faculty research, and career outcomes when choosing your major. Consider how your academic interests align with the school's strengths.
How have majors changed over time?
Degrees awarded by major, 2015-2023
United States Air Force Academy Admissions Statistics (2018-2023)
Each row shows the admissions cycle for that academic year. Applicants is the total number of students who applied for freshman admission. Admitted shows how many received acceptance letters. Rate is the acceptance rate (admitted ÷ applicants) — lower percentages indicate more selective schools. Yield measures the percentage of admitted students who actually enrolled — a high yield (above 50%) suggests the school is a top choice for admitted students, while lower yields indicate students often choose other options. SAT shows the 25th-75th percentile range, meaning the middle 50% of enrolled students scored within this range. Data is sourced from IPEDS, the federal database where all US colleges report annually.
| Year | Applicants | Admitted | Rate | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 9,543 | 1,329 | 13.9% | 79.3% |
| 2022 | 8,353 | 1,356 | 16.2% | 77.9% |
| 2021 | 11,687 | 1,453 | 12.4% | 75.1% |
| 2020 | 10,747 | 1,443 | 13.4% | 78.5% |
| 2019 | 10,354 | 1,147 | 11.1% | 98.7% |
| 2018 | 10,376 | 1,182 | 11.4% | 98.4% |
| 2017 | 10,202 | 1,216 | 11.9% | 97.0% |
| 2016 | 9,894 | 1,492 | 15.1% | 74.7% |
| 2015 | 9,122 | 1,559 | 17.1% | 79.7% |
Is United States Air Force Academy worth it?
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What do United States Air Force Academy graduates earn?
What You'll Actually Pay
Low-income families may pay nothing—or even receive money back for expenses. United States Air Force Academy meets full demonstrated financial need for admitted students. This means your admission decision is need-blind, and the school commits to making attendance affordable. File the FAFSA and CSS Profile early to maximize your aid package.
What are the top majors?
- 1 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 2 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- 3 International/Global Studies
- 4 Computer Science
- 5 Systems Engineering
Which majors pay the most?
- Systems Engineering N/A
- Social Sciences, General N/A
- Science Technologies/Technicians, General N/A
- Political Science and Government N/A
- Physics N/A
Who attends United States Air Force Academy?
United States Air Force Academy enrolls 4,124 students, with 1% from outside the United States. Women make up 29% of the student body. Campus diversity enriches the educational experience through varied perspectives and backgrounds. Consider how you'll contribute to and benefit from the campus community when crafting your application.
How much do professors earn?
Faculty salaries at United States Air Force Academy are above the national average, reflecting the school's investment in attracting and retaining talented professors. Higher faculty compensation often correlates with stronger research programs, better student mentorship, and more resources for academic departments. Look for opportunities to engage with faculty through research, office hours, and smaller seminars.
What schools are similar to United States Air Force Academy?
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