Need Insight: Military colleges in Maryland

Just started my research on military colleges in Maryland, and was hoping for some authentic feedback from someone familiar with these institutions. What should I expect?

Maryland hosts a variety of military education institutions including the U.S. Naval Academy and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS).

Starting with the notable one, the U.S. Naval Academy based in Annapolis is one of the top military colleges in the nation. It has academically rigorous undergraduate programs in about 25 different majors ranging from humanities to engineering. Aside from academics, expect a strong emphasis on honor, courage, and commitment, as developing military leadership is a central component of the education there. The institution's primary goal is to develop Midshipmen morally, mentally and physically and prepare them for service in the Navy or the Marine Corps.

The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) in Bethesda is another renowned institution, but with a focus on medical and graduate education. USUHS provides education in medicine, nursing, dental medicine, and has robust biomedical sciences programs. The unique aspect of USUHS is the unprecedented level of preparation for military medicine, disaster medicine and military medical readiness.

Both these institutions are heavily competitive and offer full scholarships (tuition, room and board, medical and dental care) to their students in exchange for a service commitment after graduation.

In summary, they are rigorous and highly regarded institutions. Applicants need to be prepared mentally, physically, and academically for these demanding environments. Both schools stress leadership, honor, and service. If you're interested in a military career and have the academic credentials, they are absolutely worth considering.