Hi Natasha,
Is your son considering the U.S. Coast Guard Academy here in New England (New London, CT)....? If not, with a record like that he should, although the application process deadlines may be fast approaching (I think the deadline is December 15).
The USCGA is similar to the other military academies in that it is a 4 year college/university. There is a $3,000 "entrance fee", but after that there are no tuition costs (I think cadets also get a monthly stipend). Applicants must meet USCGA's exacting academic and personal background standards to be admitted.
One major difference vs. the other academies is that you DO NOT need a congressional nomination to attend. You apply just like a regular public college or university.
The campus itself is beautiful, right on the Thames river in CT close to Long Island sound.
After graduation, cadets receive an officer's commission in the USCG. If memory serves me, post-graduation assignment choices are given in order of academic achievement (i.e, highest performing cadets get first choice).
Perhaps one of the "coolest" parts of the USCG is that cadets spend summers conducting training exercises at sea aboard the USCG vessel "Eagle", a true tall ship which you may have seen before (see link for pic).
http://www.maritime.org/hnsa-eagle.htm
Courses of study are technically focused, as you might imagine (Engineering, etc.).
Like other military academies, the USCG stresses fitness and athletics, and they have large intercollegiate (Division III) and intramural athletic programs.
I actually wanted to attend the USCG when I was graduating from high school, but couldn't get in. Although they were recruiting me for basketball (I grew up nearby in CT), I guess my hoops abilities weren't enough to offset my B average....;-)
Anyway, hope this helps. See USCGA link below for more data on the application process, etc.
I know this is a big commitment if your son has already decided that he does not want to pursue 4 more years of academics (+ USCG commitment after graduation of 5 years, including 1st 2 on a CG cutter)...however, I think this would be a great experience and education.
And good luck to your son with his choices.
-LD
http://www.cga.edu/