United States Air Force Academy

Date: Feb 15 2009
Major: Business - Management and Administration (This Major's Salary over time)
Demographically, most of the students who attend the Academy are from a family with a military background. I was not. In fact, with the exception of knowing 'it was going to be difficult' and cost nothing up front, I had no idea what I was getting into.

If your dream is to become a pilot, receive a top-notch eduacation, and make some of the best friends of your life, you can find that here.

However, be prepared to be pushed to your physical and mental limits. Be prepared to spend your weekends marching in parades and waking up early for room inspections instead of chasing girls and drinking like your friends back home. Be prepared to have your rights to go where you want to go, do what you want to do and say what you want to say taken away.

Most importantly, be prepared to graduate and become an Air Force Officer. There's no such thing as a free lunch. You WILL deploy to a combat area. Your family life will have some serious hardships (most of my co-workers have spent a significant amount of time from their wives/kids). But you will also work with some superb people and gain some great professional and leadership skills.

Overall, if you're looking for knowledge, adventure and a springboard to a successful future…look no further, but make sure you weigh the price of the initial hardships. If you're anything like me, you'll find them well worth it.

By the way, my office has a great view, the pay is good, and they let me blow stuff up.