Johnson Announces U.S. Service Academy Applications Open

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) announced the application process is now open for his U.S. Service Academy nomination for the graduating Class of 2031.

"The men and women who attend our service academies are the cream of the crop," said Johnson. "Each year I receive applications from South Dakotans from all walks of life who are dedicated to service. I'm always encouraged by the character of the students that apply, and it's a great honor to nominate them to our prestigious service academies."

Members of Congress may nominate candidates to four of the five U.S. Service Academies: the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.

According to U.S. News College Rankings, which analyzes more than 1,800 universities and colleges, the U.S. Naval Academy is currently ranked third, the U.S. Air Force Academy fifth, and the U.S. Military Academy ranked tenth in National Liberal Arts Colleges. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy is ranked first and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy is ranked third in Regional Colleges North. In addition to six to seven hours per day of traditional educational learning, Cadets and Midshipmen participate in military training, sports, and extracurricular activities.

The Academies provide a fully funded, exceptional education, plus a monthly stipend, in return for mandatory service upon commissioning. The Academies require applicants be a U.S. Citizen, unmarried with no dependents, between the ages of 17-23, and of good moral character. In addition to SAT and ACT scores, the Academies will now also accept CLT scores.

Interested students must open a pre-candidate file directly with the Academy. Then, South Dakota residents must complete Johnson's nomination packet by Friday, October 30, 2026. For more information about the process and step-by-step instructions on how to apply, please visit https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/services/service-academy-nominations.