What age must candidates be at minimum to apply to the U.S. Naval Academy?

A candidate must be at least 17 years old to apply to the U.S. Naval Academy. This age requirement ensures that applicants are mature enough to handle the responsibilities and challenges of the rigorous academic and military training they will undergo at the Academy. As the process to secure a nomination and acceptance involves preparation and maturity, reaching 17 is seen as an appropriate threshold that aligns with the expectations of candidates entering such a prestigious institution.

While there are other age-related benchmarks in military academies, the specific requirement of being at least 17 years old helps to ensure that candidates are in a developmental stage that supports both personal growth and the demands of military service. This requirement is also designed to align with the eventual commissioning of graduates, who typically enter active service after completing their education.