Do West Point graduates make more money?

Asked by: Dr. Maximus Botsford  |  Last update: September 27, 2023
Score: 4.5/5 (13 votes)

While admission to this prestigious public liberal arts university is competitive, graduates of the U.S. Military Academy – better known as West Point – make some of the highest salaries of graduates from any college in the United States.

Do West Point graduates get paid more?

Because West Point cadets don't pay out of pocket for their education at the academy, they will benefit from a fantastic return on investment (ROI) once they complete their education. The average salary of a West Point graduate is $100,000; their early-career salary is $83,500 and their mid-career salary is $155,000.

What are the benefits of being a West Point graduate?

Guaranteed Employment: Every graduate is guaranteed employment with an annual compensation package starting at about $70,000 and increases tied to promotions. This package also includes free healthcare, excellent retirement packages, a non-taxable housing allowance, and 30 days of paid vacation annually.

How valuable is a West Point degree?

The fully-funded four-year education stands out amongst top non-military universities, and is worth more than $225,000. In exchange, USMA cadets commit to a secure career after graduation as an Army Officer.

What is the average GPA of a West Point graduate?

The average GPA at West Point is 3.9. This makes West Point Extremely Competitive for GPAs. (Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA. With a GPA of 3.9, West Point requires you to be at the top of your class.

How West Point Makes Over 13,000 Meals A Day For Army Cadets | Boot Camp | Insider Business

28 related questions found

Is West Point elite?

West Point is one of the most prestigious universities in the country and is extremely competitive to get into. It also has an in-depth application process with some unique requirements that you won't see at non-military colleges and universities.

Where do most West Point graduates go?

After graduating from West Point, you will be commissioned in one of several Army branches. You may want a combat arms branch such as Infantry, Field Artillery, Armor, Air Defense Artillery, Aviation or Combat Engineers.

Why is West Point a big deal?

Today, West Point is the oldest continuously occupied regular army post in the United States. In the 1790s several distinguished Americans, including President Washington and most of his cabinet, desired to establish an institution devoted to the art and science of warfare to train and develop officers for the Army.

How much does a student at West Point make?

Further, cadets earn a monthly stipend during their time in school, which ranged from ​$200​ to ​$525​ per month as of 2022. Cadets also receive full medical and dental benefits.

What graduates make the most money?

The top-earning majors are in so-called STEM fields, or degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Half of the top 10 majors with graduates making the most money are subsets of engineering.

Do West Point years count towards retirement?

THE ANSWER IS THAT SERVICE AS A CADET OR MIDSHIPMAN AT A SERVICE ACADEMY IS CREDITABLE FOR THE PURPOSE OF DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY FOR RETIREMENT UNDER 10 U.S.C. 8914 (ENLISTED RETIREMENT) BUT IS NOT CREDITABLE FOR A MEMBER RETIRING UNDER 10 U.S.C. 8911 (COMMISSIONED OFFICER RETIREMENT).

Which college has the highest graduate salary?

Here are the 10 schools whose previous attendees are earning the most, according to the New York Times' analysis:
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology. ...
  • Harvey Mudd College. ...
  • Bentley University. ...
  • University of Pennsylvania. ...
  • Carnegie Mellon University. ...
  • Stevens Institute of Technology. ...
  • Stanford University. ...
  • Georgetown University.

What rank do West Point graduates get in the military?

Army graduates earn a Bachelor of Science degree and are commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army. Applicants must apply directly to the academy and receive a nomination from a congressional representative. A tradition on campus is the Ring Weekend, during which all seniors receive their class rings.

Which US military academy is the hardest to get into?

United States Naval Academy (USNA)

USNA is the most competitive of the service academies in terms of admissions, with only 9% of applicants receiving an acceptance. Applicants must be 17 to 23 years old, unmarried, with no children, and of good character.

What percentage of West Point graduates stay in the military?

At West Point, the proportion of graduates choosing to stay in the military after four years has dropped from more than 80 percent for the classes graduating in the 1980s to 67 percent for the class of 1994. West Point expects the percentage to be even lower for the class of 1995. At the Naval Academy, Capt.

Is West Point hard academically?

Recognized as one of the nation's leading and oldest military schools, West Point demands academic and physical excellence from its students and alums, alongside a natural aptitude for leadership. Known as an elite military college, students at West Point receive a rigorous, fully funded four-year university education.

What are the disadvantages of West Point?

Con - That assured job could be in a war zone, mandatory service for a number of years, no flexibility on school times/dates (2 weeks off at Christmas, 2 weeks for spring break, 3 weeks over the summer), mandatory intramurals and formations (marching and inspections).

How does West Point compare to Harvard?

Harvard has higher academic standards but West Point has more of a “whole man” (or woman) standard where excellence in physical fitness, sports, leadership, and non-academic extracurricular activities are virtually required for admission.

What is the most common major at West Point?

Most Popular Majors
  • Mechanical Engineering. 83 Graduates.
  • Engineering. 81 Graduates.
  • History. 68 Graduates.
  • Economics. 59 Graduates.
  • Business. 56 Graduates.
  • Geography. 55 Graduates.
  • International Relations. 46 Graduates.
  • Legal Studies. 43 Graduates.

What is the lowest graduate at West Point?

The 'goat' Matthew Mayeaux, the lowest ranked in the graduating class, holds up his diploma, during commencement exercises at the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Where do West Point professors live?

What is housing like at USMA for instructors and Tactical Officers? USMA housing is managed by Balfour Beatty communities under the Residential Community Initiative. Most members of the community live on-post, while several opt to live in the local surrounding area.

Do West Point cadets outrank?

As it turns out, West Point cadets *do* outrank Army noncommissioned officers (NCOs). Technically. Even after more than twenty years in uniform, it still surprises me what I don't know about my own profession, and what I still have to learn from my NCOs.

What is the most prestigious military academy in the world?

United States Military Academy, West Point, New York

The USMA, better known as West Point, is perhaps one of the best and most prestigious military academies in the world. That reputation isn't taken lightly.

Which service academy is most prestigious?

United States Military Academy, West Point, NY

For those who are interested in serving for the U.S. Army, the United States Military Academy would be the best choice for you. The college was founded on March 16, 1802.