At the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.Talia Lakritz/Business InsiderThe United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, trains future Navy and Marine Corps leaders.Campus tours include a sports complex, the world's largest dorm, and the Naval Academy Chapel.The Noon Meal Formation, a century-old tradition, is worth watching.At the United States Naval Academy, even walking comes with rules.First-year midshipmen, known as "plebes," follow regulations dictating how to walk, eat, speak, and countless other expectations as part of their transition from civilians to officers in the US Navy and the US Marine Corps.This decorum, tied to a deep sense of duty and pride in long-held military traditions, was on full display when I visited the 338-acre waterfront campus in Annapolis, Maryland.The grand architecture, historic rituals, and unfailingly polite greetings from uniformed service members created a palpably reverential atmosphere.Even visitors like me are tasked with upholding certain standards, with signs that forbid jogging, biking, or walking pets in designated ceremonial areas.I toured the United States Naval Academy in August during Plebe Parents Weekend, when plebes complete their all-consuming, seven-week basic training and reunite with loved ones before the start of the academic year.The 90-minute public tour brings visitors inside a sports complex, the world's largest dormitory, and the Naval Academy's landmark chapel. The most memorable part of my visit, though, came after the tour was over.Take a look inside the elite Naval Academy.Founded in 1845, the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, trains future officers in the Navy and the Marine Corps.The entrance to the United States Naval Academy.Amy Sparwasser/Getty ImagesThe Naval Academy is ranked No. #1 in US News and World Report's list of Top Public Schools. Graduates of the prestigious four-year program earn a Bachelor of Science degree as well as a military rank — ensign in the Navy or second lieutenant in the Marine Corps — which are the lowest officer ranks. Most students study some form of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, but the Naval Academy also offers degrees in English, history, and political science.To enroll, applicants must be US citizens between the ages of 17 and 23 and be unmarried with no dependent children. They must also obtain a letter of nomination from an official source, such as a member of Congress or the vice president of the United States, and pass physical, medical, and academic examinations.The acceptance rate is about 9%, making it a highly selective academic institution. The Class of 2030 received 16,814 applicants for a total projected class size of 1,204 midshipmen. As of 2024, the student body was around 70% male and 30% female.Tuition is covered by the Navy. Graduates are required to serve at least five years on active duty in the Navy or Marine Corps.The Naval Academy's 338-acre campus is surrounded by water on three sides.The waterfront at the US Naval Academy.Talia Lakritz/Business InsiderThe Naval Academy was established on the former site of Fort Severn, an Army post named for the Severn River on which it sits. The curriculum includes a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experience at sea.After passing through security at the gate, I arrived at the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center, where public campus tours begin.The Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center at the US Naval Academy.Talia Lakritz/Business InsiderI booked the 90-minute historical walking tour through Naval Academy Tourism for $19 per adult ticket. The grounds are also open to members of the public who are US citizens, provided they show a REAL ID and go through security at the gate.Our tour guide rang a bell to signal the start of our tour — one of many examples of how the Naval Academy functions like a ship.A bell used by tour guides at the US Naval Academy.Talia Lakritz/Business InsiderAt the Naval Academy, the traditional greeting is "Welcome aboard!" Maritime terminology is the norm — floors are called decks, walls are known as bulkheads, and stairs are referred to as ladders, just as they would be on Navy ships.Students are called midshipmen, a term dating back to the English Royal Navy in the 1600s.Our first stop outside the visitor center was a statue of Bill the Goat, the Naval Academy's mascot.A statue of Bill the Goat.Talia Lakritz/Business InsiderGoats have a long history on board naval ships. The chief petty officers' quarters are still referred to as "the goat locker."In addition to a typical sports mascot character costume depicting Bill the Goat, there is also a real, live goat that gets draped in a Navy blanket for sporting events.The title of Bill the Goat has been passed down from goat to goat; the current mascot holds the distinction of being Bill XXXVIII, or the 38th.We continued into Lejeune Hall, which contains the USNA's Olympic-size swimming pool, Athletic Hall of Fame,
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